The moon shines full through a purple-gray veil of cloud. She peers through, partially hiding her face, but the cloud can not completely conceal her glow and beauty. The wind stirs the garden under the moonlight, rustling the trees and shrubs and carrying the scent of May flowers. Branches of the weeping cherry tree sway, dancing with the rhythm of the wind. The peonies’ heavy blossoms, bursting with frills like dancers’ tutus, join in the wind dance. Birds twitter their lullabies and evening songs.
And in the distance,
Dogs join the bird song with howls.
Howling at the moon?
© Susan Joy Clark 2021
This haibun and haiku was written for dVerse’s “Flower Moon” haibun challenge. It is a mostly true account, a kind of composite of experiences. I did walk outside in the garden for inspiration. It seemed like a very poetic thing to do to go outside and stare at the moon.
Yes, howling at that moon. So am I. haha. Thanks for sharing, Susan. This made me smile.
I’m so glad it did, Selma. 🙂
Apart from tulips and poppies, peonies are favourite flowers of mine, which remind me of my grandfather’s garden. I love the way you describe them as ‘bursting with frills like dancers’ tutus’, and your haiku, echoing with sounds.
Oh, I’m so glad you liked it. Peonies are very pretty flowers. Ours are looking so full right now. I have a few photos of single blooms elsewhere on the blog, under “photography.” Thank you for your nice comment. 🙂
I think we are all left howling at thd moon at times Susan, 😉
Ha ha. 🙂
I feel the natural world comes to life beneath your flower moon in a wonderful spring dance!
It certainly did seem lively between the wind and the animal noises. It was fun to describe poetically.
What a lovely haibun – the bashful moon, the dancing flowers – exquisite.
Thank you so much. 🙂
Thank you so much. 🙂
I love your description and the simile of the peonies!
Thanks so much. 🙂
I love how you capture your garden moment. Lovely write!
Thank you, Frank. 🙂
I am sure the dogs has a wolf’s heart and howl at the moon.