Since I retired and as I get older, I find I need less sleep. I frequently wake around three, four or five o’clock, unable to return to the dark cocoon that enveloped me so cosily when I was younger. When the cats chirrup from the bedroom door, I no longer turn over and burrow back under the duvet, but slide out of bed, ready to start a new day.
Back when we had Jasper, our dog, with whom I always walked before work, it was a struggle to get up and motivated but, after a cup of tea and a few slices of toast, bundled up in waterproof jacket, hat, scarf and wellington boots, autumn and winter walks were no chore. We’d stroll up the road and down the lane, exhaling clouds and watching wildlife scurry into the hedgerow as we approached. We’d greet the horses in their paddock, chase fallen leaves and marvel at frosted cobwebs adorning bare branches.
nature has woken
sun bleeds through creases in clouds
warmth of crumpled sheets
Kim M. Russell, 3rd September 2018
My response to dVerse Poets Pub Haibun Monday: Good Morning!
Mish is our host for this Monday’s haibun and the theme she’s chosen for the prompt is ‘morning’. She says we could describe a morning routine, a special morning memory, an early morning walk or a glorious sunrise. The birds may be singing praises to a clear, blue sky or the fog may have set in. As we all know, not all mornings are wonderful. She has also given as inspiration a piece by Frank J. Tassone, which was originally posted as a response to a MTB prompt in January.
writing in north norfolk 
I like the description of the sun bleeding through the clouds.
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Thanks Frank.
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Oh I think the dog is for you what my ride to work is for me… bless that ride for what it does to me..
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I miss Jasper but I love my cats so much I don’t think I could have another dog. My bicycle has finally been released from the shed so I hope to be out and about on it, riding up and down country lanes, very soon!
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I could relate to wanting to burrow back into the covers but not being able to. Something that has definitely come about with age, but not sure why! A lovely visual walking with your dog. It sounds like it was well worth it in the end. Your haiku is gorgeous.
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Thank you, Mish.
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How life changes – I was reverse to you, Kim – always up before dawn, embracing the day, and now I struggle with mornings. Your piece is lovely – reminds me of former days.
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Thank you, V.J.
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Such a lovely memory of your dog. These beloved pets do keep us motivated to get up and marvel at nature’s awakening.
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We used to see so much on our early morning walks – and on the evening ones, owls and bats!
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Ah,you’ve reminded me of the pleasures of autumn and winter. I’ve been reluctant to let the summer go, but there are good things to come.
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🙂
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Some of you live in such halcyon spots; just the bare bones suburbs for me. You are bang on about aging vs. 8 hours of sleep–but on the 4 hour nights I tend to nap to catch up.
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I do that too, usually around three or four in the afternoon!
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A relaxing wake up routine sets a wonderful tone for the day. I used to walk… you may have inspired me to renew that effort. Thanks!
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My husband has finally dug out my bicycle from the shed so that’s something I will be doing this autumn. Walking and cycling mean I don’t miss anything – I can watch leaves fall, spot wildlife and breathe!
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Beautifully written , Kim.
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Thank you, Francina.
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My nights are the reverse, and it’s often 3 or 4 before I go to sleep! I loved the description of your morning walks. A nice memory to revisit!
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Thank you, Bev!
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accepting less sleep and turning it into an adventure is such a heartwarming read
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Thank you, Gina!
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Why do those crumpled sheets feel so much better in the morning?
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🙂
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This is so lovely and it sounds as if Jasper was a gem.
Wonderful haiku!
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Thank you, Jo. Although, like most dogs, he had a few bad habits, he was a gem and we still miss him terribly.
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I love the last few linesof your haibun and about Jasper. what a good boy! I am looking forward to autumn and winter when the hot muggy mornings of summer go away. I love the way you have taken us on your walks with you. thank you so much for sharing your mornings with us. the haiku is lovely.
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Thanks Toni. Don’t you just love wrapping up and going out in the mist and falling leaves?
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Lovely piece and photos. It reminded me of my old brown dog – also a ‘Jasper’ and how the walks got slower and shorter as he aged – though I never minded.
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Yes, that’s what happened with our Jasper, I’m sad to say. He had little fits and collapsed quite often and I had to carry him home in my arms.
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A morning walk with a dog is an added bonus. And you’re right, it doesn’t matter what the weather’s doing.
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A seren portrait of a change of pace! Gives me hope! 🙂 Thank you for mentioning my haibun, Kim! 🙂
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🙂
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Such visible and delicious autumn/ winter walks you describe. And a wonderful haiku. I particularly like the image of ‘sun bleeds through creases in clouds’
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Thank you, Sarah Ann, for reading and commenting.
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Beautiful. I like the parallelism of the textures in the haiku. It has a transporting effect. And I look forward to the days when I’ll feel well-rested at 4am and can start the day with meditation or lectio divina.
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Thank you, Amaya.
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