The fire is dark but still creaks like an old floor. Now and then an ember drops.
Outside the park still damp from the first rain this year on the plains. I pray for more.
In the vegetable garden I have begun to lay mulch. First the greens: weeds and kitchen scraps. Then the winter-frozen leaves and pine needles. Then repeat: one layer after another, until I’ve used them all up, until it’s deep enough to support a seedling.
The energy of spring will soon give way to the pall of summer heat.
All I know now is, there are never enough tulips. And never for long.
So ready for spring this year! Maybe 2009 will finally be the year I get myself a nice vegetable garden put in.
Agree on the tulips. 🙂
Me, too (agree on the tulips). But, Beth, spring is such an optimistic time of year, and your poem is so… not. I hope you’re not letting world (financial) events keep you from enjoying springtime in Colorado.
I recommend 2 hours of intensive flower smelling… 🙂
Bruce, what an excellent idea! Perhaps we should meet up at the Botanic Gardens perennial walk.
“Mom, why are those two people down on their knees smelling the flowers?”
I don’t know what it is about haibuns. I should make a serious effort to write a funny one. They do come out serious. Or maybe I’ve just been in a serious mood lately.
Actually, I love this time of year (except when the spring snow freezes the tulips, but even that is so much better than a Midwestern ice storm. Brrr.).
I’m starting on a career change. That’s probably why I’m in a funk.
Beth Partin’s last blog post..MonHaibun: Ashes and Embers
MHGG, thanks for stopping by. Let me know if the vegetable garden happens. I’m interested in hearing from local gardeners.
Beth Partin’s last blog post..Capitol Hill, Denver: Ink and Red
🙂 “It’s okay, Sally, they’re just stressed out grownups trying not to go completely around the bend.”
Good luck with the career move, hope it doesn’t require moving away from Denver. Here’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten, might be useful: Stay cool, and act like you know what you’re doing.
OK, Bruce, I’ll do that. Thanks.