I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

23 August 2016

A Threatening Sky

The rain days begin. The sky this morning is overcast but the temperature’s mild. I sit outside, under the veranda roof, and gaze out and up. Some branches against the sky are bare and spiky. Those trees which are rich with leaves are also entwined with vines – larger, paler leaves climbing and spreading, some reaching out in mid-air for a new purchase. A mosquito buzzes. My cat jumps up and runs inside. She's not stupid! But I know it is the silent ones that carry the direst diseases, so I merely swat it away with one hand and stay in my seat. The vines, on the other hand, are killers – but they will do it slowly, sucking the life from the trees as long as there is life to suck. I like to care for people, but I realise one has been draining vitality from me. I can't wait any longer for him to develop his own sustenance. What I was to him, I decide, was an opportunity. He might have listened, he might have learned. But he made his choices and I make mine. I cut away the clinging tendrils. My blade is sharp and swift.

bleak sky
thin white branches
dying
















Written for dVerse Haibun Monday: Sky

20 comments:

  1. I see this picture clearly. Beautifully written, Rosemary.

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  2. Yes. Beautifully written. I love how the haiku expounds on the text, as it should! Sad and wistful yet full of determination. Good decision!

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  3. I do love the way you tie the vines to that parasitic being sucking life for sustenance... We do need pruning sometimes... Though it might hurt to cut a withered limb,

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  4. Not alWays easy
    being a weathered
    branch human
    as often
    the cOldest
    of disabilities..
    are in the able
    body
    dArk
    sKy
    heARt..

    Hard
    to judge..
    some skY perspectives..:)

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  5. I love the way you link the killer vines that suck life to the man who has been draining you vitality and end by cutting away the clinging tendrils with your sharp, swift blade - and then the haiku is brief and sharp. Excellent, Rosemary!

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  6. This is absolutely incredible writing, Rosemary ❤ Love the way you build up tension in the prose while holding onto optimism and hope near the end.


    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  7. Oh my -- the intertwining of nature with human behaviors -- the wrapping tightening vine and the parasitical actions of the man -- and then the finality of the decision with the blade. Excellent writing.

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  8. A woman of decisive action. Swatting the pest and cutting the vine. Maybe that threatening sky better watch her back ; )

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  9. Thank you for sharing a moment with these wonderful words.

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  10. Yes, some people just hang on - have to cut the weeds out. Very nice how you develop and slowly build up to make your overall point.

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  11. Very well written. I like the way you connected plant nature (weeds and vines) with human nature (humans who drain the life out of others).

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  12. Mother Wintermoon24 August 2016 at 12:26

    Great analogy Rosemary! Wise and poignant words.

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  13. He might have listened, he might have learned. But he made his choices and I make mine. I cut away the clinging tendrils. My blade is sharp and swift.

    Cut off the umbilical cord if they are such a bother. Yes, Rosemary our own choices are supreme!

    Hank

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    Replies
    1. Acute of you, Hank. I was in a mothering role (which was serving no good purpose).

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  14. child as succubus never a healthy option - I liked the analogies here and the succinct epitaph to the tree

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  15. Love the metaphor of the vine for those who drain us of our vitality

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  16. Rosemary, this is outstanding. Embrace your strength and stand firm. You rule the sky, everyone one else is an obstacle.

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  17. Movement dominates this haibun - the moment of nature and the things around, and the interior movement in one's heart and mind, and the movement from within translated into a physical act. Nicely done.😊

    Imelda

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  18. It takes experience to know just where and when to "cut". ;)

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