I love the way the garden hose loops, tying the responsibility for the drought (which human-caused climate change has exacerbated) right back to us, in a way that demonstrates our connection and obligation to our fellow Beings. Our actions have deprived the Wren of water. How fitting then that the water we have allocated for ourselves be shared once more with that Wren. There is a deep sadness in this (despite the delight of the image–for who wouldn’t love to see a Cactus Wren in the garden?). That Wren belongs not to suburban development, but to the wild canyons and arroyos, where her song can echo through the vastness. All these thoughts poured forth like that water song from this deceptively simple yet incredibly powerful haiku. Well done, Don.
It’s heartrending the crimes we commit to other life forms, both fauna and flora.
The heatwaves due to climate changes, and even arson, attack the most vulnerable, that starts with wildlife, that is not “our” wildlife, their lives should be their own.
Sometimes with a little help from us humans, as we cause most of the misery in the first place.
another hot day
a leaking water pipe stopped
by the jackdaw’s beak
Alan Summers
Honourable Mention, 14th Mainichi Haiku Contest (Japan 2010)
October 15th, 2024 at 10:34 am
I love the way the garden hose loops, tying the responsibility for the drought (which human-caused climate change has exacerbated) right back to us, in a way that demonstrates our connection and obligation to our fellow Beings. Our actions have deprived the Wren of water. How fitting then that the water we have allocated for ourselves be shared once more with that Wren. There is a deep sadness in this (despite the delight of the image–for who wouldn’t love to see a Cactus Wren in the garden?). That Wren belongs not to suburban development, but to the wild canyons and arroyos, where her song can echo through the vastness. All these thoughts poured forth like that water song from this deceptively simple yet incredibly powerful haiku. Well done, Don.
October 15th, 2024 at 12:59 pm
It’s heartrending the crimes we commit to other life forms, both fauna and flora.
The heatwaves due to climate changes, and even arson, attack the most vulnerable, that starts with wildlife, that is not “our” wildlife, their lives should be their own.
Sometimes with a little help from us humans, as we cause most of the misery in the first place.
another hot day
a leaking water pipe stopped
by the jackdaw’s beak
Alan Summers
Honourable Mention, 14th Mainichi Haiku Contest (Japan 2010)