Here, are two, then three, then four, then two again. Here, atop a settling foundation and slightly slanting floors, are family dinners, friends, love, and tears. Here, the venerable oak tree stands tall, shading and shadowing, though the swing set that stood beside it is long gone–and here, decades-old daffodil bulbs still bloom. Generations of mockingbirds have sung through summer nights perched on the new greenery of aged trees. Here is home, where amidst clutter and dreams, cats gaze from windows–then look within.
blooms and snowflakes fall
drift through Earth’s revolutions–
ghosts sing to living
Today’s NaPoWriMo prompt was to write a haibun “that takes in the natural landscape of the place you live.”
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
You are so firmly anchored in family and place. I’d love to live just around the block from you to be able to call in once in a while.
Thanks, Jane. Wouldn’t that be fun–as long as you don’t mind the mess? 🙂
Mess? I am the queen of mess 🙂
No wonder we get along so well. 🙂
And cats.
Yes, that, too.
I love dogs, too. 🙂
I don’t trust people who say they don’t like dogs and cats.
Notice the current resident of the White House does not have either. I imagine they’d kill him.
The cats would leave. The dog would just be miserable. Unless it was a pit bull. Then it would kill him.
I would like to think they’d pee and poop on his things before they left. 😉
And the cleaning staff all left too so he had to clean his own clothes…
He wouldn’t have a clue.
I don’t imagine he would.
I’m with ya, Jane!
🙂
Writers have animal companions. They understand us better than people do.
I love this thread!
Isn’t it funny how you can feel you have so much in common with someone else on the strength of odd conversations consisting of one-liners?
Yes, it confirms we’re not alone.
A good way to feel 🙂
Yes, it is!
Well–that and poetry–and pets. 😉
🙂
Good job. I’m working on mine, but on long car ride so I am frustrated.
Thank you, Luanne. Frustrated because you’re stuck in the car and can’t write? (I can’t read or write in the car–get too carsick.) Pleasant travels!
Too hard to write in the car! Somehow I pulled off a draft, but today was hard, too. I wonder how much crapola I am creating this month!
This is wonderful, Merril! It sounds idyllic.
Thank you very much, Charlotte. It’s far from idyllic–just a south jersey place, but it’s been home since I was pregnant with our oldest.
I envy you your strong rootedness. To have a place where ghosts could linger. It’s a big part of who you are. (K)
Thank you very much, Kerfe.
You have such magic in you, Merril
Thank you, Derrick. That is very kind.
thank you for sharing your lovely habitat of home Merril!
Thank you for reading, Susan!
“Generations of mockingbirds” is perfect for the memories witnessed over time.
Thank you, Ken. It seemed apt.
I actually looked up how long mockingbirds live, and it said they can live about 8 years.
Both parts are wise and far-seeing. I like that the prose section is more personalized, and the haiku universal. Both, peaceful in their perspective.
Thank you very much, Jennifer. I hadn’t thought of that–personalized vs. universal. I suppose that is partly the form, but it’s an interesting observation.
Your cat outlines a pair of windows. I wonder if there is a third. If so, the silhouette reminds me of my grandma’s bay windows. If not, the same . . . .!
Yes, three windows, but not bay. Thank you, Marian.
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I liked the way you included starting as two, then three, four and back again to two. Simplicity can be so deep below the surface. We counted in our family at so many gatherings: napkins, silverware and plates but really members’ lives were in place.
Your natural landscape was well captured and held significant meanings, Merril.
As far as families go, the film (rented from Redbox) “Lady Bird” touched me on several levels.
Thank you, Robin. Yes, you are right that it is not the things, but the shared moments, memories, and connections.
I enjoyed Lady Bird, too.
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