I’ve never known such heat to punish our small island as it has this summer. However, while all around us fields frazzled, some even burned, and gardens wilted, our sanctuary has remained green and lush.
When the heat indoors proves too much to handle, I escape to cool breezes and shadows beneath the willow to read or listen to BBC Radio 4 or podcasts. I sit on one of the chairs, placing my feet on the other, with a small wooden table next to me for a cup of coffee or glass of ice-cold water, and Mojo gently tickling me with her tail as she reminds me she is under my seat. Bliss.
cat’s eyes through tall grass
in the willow’s green shadow
too hot for field mice
Kim M. Russell, 29th August 2022
Mish is hosting Haibun Monday and we are writing about shelter – from umbrellas to underground shelters, quick escapes to longer term sanctuary.
Mish has given us some inspirational quotes to spark our creativity and reminds us to incorporate the theme of ‘shelter’ into a haibun made up of no more than three tight paragraphs that are non-fiction/autobiographical and usually written in present tense, followed by a haiku that makes reference to a season with an image of nature, possibly adding another depth or layer to the prose.
writing in north norfolk 
Lovely way to relax.
Happy Monday Kim.
Much 💖 love
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Gillena, happy Monday and much love to you!
LikeLike
Sounds juuuuuust right, Kim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The heat seems to be fading away right now, Lisa, and I’m feeling a little chilly. Not sure how much longer Mojo and I will be spending time under the willow,
LikeLiked by 1 person
The UK does not have much air conditioning. Here in the colonies, we do, but even we see this as a band aid on a blizzard; the planet teeters on the brink of catastrophe. Lovely you have that willow, and a poet’s sensitivity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Glenn.
LikeLike
Very lyrical and it captures the enjoyable small portions of life we tend to forget.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Nitin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reminds me of my own little space outside under large canopies of maple and elm. We all need that space to escape heat….and life in general. I think your haiku is so well done, adding another narrative between cat and mouse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mish!
LikeLike
Really enjoyed this and the view the cat sees!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carol! It’s suddenly become quite autumnal and we have squirrels and deer in the garden this morning.
LikeLike
What a lovely shelter you have, Kim. And the haiku fits perfectly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Merril!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Kim. (Also, thank you for the BBC radio/podcast recommendations on FB. I’m able to get most of them online here.) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so lovely and peaceful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Marilyn. Npower came out to lop it earlier this year and it has grown back lush and green, no longer touching the power lines that cross our garden. I love our trees.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s something very etherial about a willow. Ghostly, maybe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful sanctuary. Thank you for sharing it with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading.
LikeLike
Charming and comforting. Nicely done.
LikeLike
I’m living your mirror image, Kim—too hot to venture out, indoors with windows and shutters closed to keep out the heat. It’s better when it’s the other way round.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how you can find a place away from the sun… bliss indeed in a sweltering heat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m lucky to have it. 🙂
LikeLike
This made me want to be sitting with you. What a lovely picture you paint!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be lovely! Thank you, Jo!
LikeLike
Israel has been facing a heat wave of its own this week, Kim… And finding shelter is the call of the day! I can fully empathize with this lovely haibun of yours.
~David
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have always though of Israel as a bit country, unlike the UK, which is renowned for its weather.
LikeLike
Bit country?
LikeLike
Should say ‘hot country’s – Kindle gremlins again!
LikeLike
Oh. Well, we still get heat waves
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely and soothing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds relaxing in spite of it all!!😉
Pat
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Pat. 😊
LikeLike