The Temple Yard [Haibun]

At dusk, the temple yard is silent. A twiggy tree twists and leans, shading no one but seemingly stretching toward something unknown. Nothing can be heard, save the buzz of low-flying insects when they get too near. 

Then someone clangs the brass bell -- just one sharp snap of the bell tongue. But the tone hangs in the night air, piercing something unseen.


temple yard at dusk,
the silence is broken
by the brass bell

DAILY PHOTO: Spanish Moss Draped Tree, Fort Federica

Taken in the Summer of 2012 at Fort Federica in Georgia’s Golden Isles

DAILY PHOTO: Tree & Moat, Vellore

Taken on September 25, 2021 in Vellore

A Model Tree [Tanka]

the shade tree
offers not just shade, but
a good example
for enlightenment seekers
and lazy folk, alike

DAILY PHOTO: Solitary Tree

Taken in Kaziranga National Park in May of 2017

DAILY PHOTO: Standing at the Parapet Wall, Nandi Hills

Taken in November of 2013 at Nandi Hills

Tree & Pond [Haibun]

Beside a pond, a tree reaches, its branches stretched wide and skyward, blocking the harsh cloud-penetrating rays. Locals sit on the lush grass, their backsides wet, their backs resting on the rough and slanting trunk. They watch ripples echo outward from the mouth tips of feeding fish, those concentric rings etched into in the mirrored waters - and yet moving. In time, watchers will become ripple mesmerized, and will experience the stiff twitch and head nods of an impending nap.


sitting pondside,
ripples from feeding fish
lull my mind 

DAILY PHOTO: Tree & Cascade, Jog Falls

Taken on July 24, 2021 at Jog Falls