Trhough the Oak Tree
A rusty leaf
Drifts by
Through the brisk autumn air
The farmer rests
Barren field
On the edge
The crow waits
Lurking
The lone field mouse
Spotted
In the eyes of the mouse
The moon reflects
Its final glimpse
Leaves break
The night’s slumber
•
Sunrise breaks the darkness
Horizon
Black bird on the hunt
This time
It’s not for food
A piercing glare
Stares
Eyes his next victim
A lady black bird
Perches on the old oak
C+S forever
Carved in the bark
Permanently
Years have passed
The memories remain
•
Moonlight shines down
On her grave
. . . Sarah’s gone
Snow and leaves pile up
Day by day
Lonely farmer
Becoming numb
In over his head
In the crows eyes
The farmer’s reflection
Oak tree blossoms
Some fall
To the grave
The farmer’s hope
Withers with them
•
The crow searches
For his muse
Everywhere
His desires are for her
To be by his side
She’s gone
Into the ground
Along with Sarah
Loneliness fills the night
Darkness falls
Two in the morning
Suddenly awakened
By the sound of her voice
He doesn’t believe
She is gone
•
‘Til death do them part
But soon
Death will bring them together
The crow lies
With lifeless eyes
Next to her grave
He buries
The last part of him
Nothing left to live for
The farmer gives up
Full moon peeks
Through the oak tree
Highlighting the noose
Once again
They find each other 30
•
The rusty leaves
Stir, before finding
Their final resting place
At the bottom
Of the oak
A pair once separated
By tragedy
Reunited
A peaceful union
Once more
A gust of wind
Causes the oak blossoms
To take flight again
Suddenly awakening
The old farmer
• • •
As a group we decided early on that we wanted the haiku to tell a story and carry a general theme throughout. It ended up being a little dark at times, but we all agreed that we liked that about it. We hope that this kasen-renga is cohesive, but at the same time keeps readers intrigued.