Seven years ago today, I was in a panic. We were snowed in, for the first time in years, and I needed to get to the station to catch a train southwards. My daughter was due to give birth to her first child and I’d promised to be there. Thankfully, in our village, the snow […]
Category: Haibun
Groundhog Day
Today I should have seen my shadow. Sunshine glistens on the frost, the sky is clear and pale blue, and the air icily fresh. But I’m staying indoors, as I’m unwell. I have put my trust in the snowdrops, which promise me faithfully that spring is on its way. I’ve seen them. The small ones […]
Blue Period
I was a quiet, sensitive teenager, who felt songs deeply, like tattoos. I’d never been to sea or travelled abroad, and longed to sail away. But I let someone underneath my skin, where there was an empty space to fill. That was where I went wrong, trusting someone who didn’t have my best interests at […]
Blue Sunset
“Can we watch the sun set tonight?” AI-kita asked me as she put the supper things away. “Of course, sweetheart. Whatever you want,” I said, turning the knob inside the cupola. The shutters opened to reveal Mars’ blue twilight. I felt AI-kita’s hand slip into mine, recalling the first time we held hands, expecting hers […]
Colours of Autumn
I’ve been waiting for the leaves to change colour, which seems to be a slower process this year, although our cherry tree is way ahead of all the others. Elsewhere there seems to be a rusty covering on some trees, with a few lovely lemon yellow halos here and there, but the peach and orange-coloured […]
Equinox
I look at the garden and surrounding fields, and marvel at the abundance of autumn. A squirrel balances on a fence post, nibbling a piece of windfall apple. Cooing pigeons balance on the overhead electricity wire. I wish had better balance. As I’ve grown older, I’ve lost my centre, bump into things, trip and fall. […]
Signs of a Changing Season
There are signs all around me, subtle at first, but becoming more noticeable every day. The plums that last week were sweet and edible, are now covered in wasps and mould. Apples litter the grass, and a squirrel hops between them, nibbling on a piece between its claws. When I open the door to bring […]
Olympics and Me
When I was young, I loved athletics, as it didn’t involve throwing or catching a ball, or a whole team of other people. While sprinting, I was in the zone, on my own, with the finish in sight. Long jump was another event I enjoyed and was good at, and swimming. I can no longer […]
Longest Days
I have been looking forward to lighter nights all winter; instead of closing the curtains against the dark at four o’clock I can leave them open until ten. Birds feel the same way and continue to sing until late, lending the day a cheerful ending. Although the sun has neglected to put its hat on […]
writing in north norfolk 