Month: February 2022

Japanese Haiku

Japanese Haiku By The Peter Pauper Press

I am currently enjoying a little book titled Japanese Haiku. It is copy written 1955 by The Peter Pauper Press and I have no idea how it came into my possession. The introduction is short and concise, explaining that haiku was originally the first part of the tanka, a five line poem, but eventually haiku became popular as a separate form. Haiku consists of three lines, the first and third lines contain five syllables, while the second line has seven. In this very limited structure of only seventeen syllables the very best haiku poets have been able to convey emotions, flora and fauna, the seasons and weather and “an implied identity between two seemingly different things.” My little book informs me that the greatest haiku writer was Basho (1644-1694) followed by Buson (1715-1783) and then Issa (1763-1827). It also says haiku is impossible to translate literally because they are “full of quotations and allusions which are recognized by literate Japanese and not by us; and are full of interior double-meanings almost like James Joyce. And the language is used without connecting-words or tenses or pronouns or indications of singular or plural – almost a telegraphic form.” Finally, the intro concludes “the haiku is not expected to be always a complete or even a clear statement. The reader is expected to add to the words his own associations and imagery, and thus to become a co-creator of his own pleasure in the poem.” With all that in mind here are my three favorite poems in the book (so far, as I have yet to finish it) by what it regards as the three best haiku writers.

BASHO:

Twilight whippoorwill…

Whistle on, sweet deepener

Of dark loneliness

BUSON:

A short summer night…

But in this solemn darkness

One peony bloomed

ISSA:

Over the mountain

Bright the full white moon now smiles…

On the flower-thief

A Prayer

The Smell of Raindrops On Rocks By David Jacobi

Several years ago I wrote a simple prayer for my daily use:

Dear Lord

Help me to walk in your way

And in your light

Help me to love your children

As you do

And to obey all of your laws

Please come further into my heart

And help me to enjoy the beauty of this world

You have created for us

Thank you for all of your blessings

Please forgive me for my sins

And keep my family and myself safe

Amen

The Roundup

Icy Back Door By David Jacobi

Nature “is a weekly international journal publishing the finest peer-reviewed research in all fields of science and technology on the basis of its originality, importance, interdisciplinary interest, timeliness, accessibility, elegance and surprising conclusions. Nature also provides rapid, authoritative, insightful and arresting news and interpretation of topical and coming trends affecting science, scientists and the wider public.”

Lambiek “has a global reputation for its impressive collection of comics and art from around the world, with many genres and from many different eras. It is famous for being a hotspot for comic artists, collectors and fans. Festive openings of artist expositions in the gallery have become legendary, and we host many special events such as book presentations, workshops and the annual 24 Hour Comics Day.”

HistoryExtra “strives to be the best and most trusted place for history content. We’re home to more than 5,000 features and over 500 podcasts by world-renowned historians including Dan Jones, Michael Wood, Suzannah Lipscomb, Tom Holland and Tracy Borman. All our content has been expertly-written and rigorously fact-checked, and because we follow BBC guidelines you can be sure everything you read here is accurate and trustworthy.”

The Ways To Wealth “is an independent personal finance website that publishes reviews, “how to” guides, best-of lists, product comparisons and more. Since our inception in 2016, over 10 million readers have turned to us for insights and recommendation.”

The Drought and the Bunny Potential

Here in our part of Iowa we have been enduring a cold snap since the last snowfall several weeks ago. The coldest night so far was 20 degrees below zero. The drought continues, with that previous snow being about the only measurable stuff we have had so far this winter. Large cracks in the soil have appeared all over our yard, it is so dry. The Old Farmers Almanac is predicting a warmer and wetter spring this year. We are hoping they are right. We are back up to at least two rabbits again as I have spotted them together in the driveway and the yard. Curious about gestation and liter sizes I consulted Wikipedia, which told me “The rabbit gestation period is short and ranges from 28 to 36 days with an average period of 31 days. A longer gestation period will generally yield a smaller litter while shorter gestation periods will give birth to a larger litter. The size of a single litter can range from four to 12 kits allowing a female to deliver up to 60 new kits a year. After birth, the female can become pregnant again as early as the next day.” We might just be in for a whirlwind of baby bunnies out here again. Finally, on kind of a strange note, we found a mouse in a trap in the garage upside down and backwards from how they are usually found. Meaning the mouse was on its back with the tail in the bait. This led to some speculation as to what in the world that critter was doing just before the fatal moment. Some things are best left undiscovered.

Ham and Cheese Soup

A perfect winter meal. Serve with your favorite bread.

Ingredients:

Small onion, diced

Large carrot, sliced

One celery stalk, sliced

Two potatoes, cubed

½ stick of butter

Four cups of chicken broth

Four cups cubed ham

Two cups of milk

Two cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dry ground mustard, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Worcestershire sauce, to taste

A couple shakes of Parmesan cheese

Four ounces of cream cheese

Add all except cream cheese into a slow cooker on high until veggies are tender. Add cream cheese ½ hour before serving. Don’t forget the bread.