Ystrad Haiku

(from a seven day solitary retreat on the Ystrad Estate in Radnorshire)

Surrounded by sprouts
stone cottage
labouring poor

Sleep so deep
I forget the names
of lovers long ago

Small birds sing their evensong
how sharp the incense!

Smoke drifts
from my neighbour's chimney
morning rain

Birdsong and rain
incense and solitude
day follows day

Young flames leap
in pale sunlight
it's Sunday morning!

Hanging up my old kimono
incense ash