Words and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Wilmington, North Carolina
December 21, 2012
December 7, 2012
Sunset Riches
Haiku and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Blue Ridge Mountains, Western North Carolina
World Haiku Association, Nov 2012
November 2, 2012
October 12, 2012
September 29, 2012
Wind and Sea
Today the old life-saving station is a tourist attraction and along the beach, there are sunbathers and surfers – vacationers seeking the pleasures of wind and sea.
time to sit a spell
in the beauty of the day
being old and wise
— Dan Hardison
Postcard: Provincetown, Massachusetts
(Unused - undivided back era, early 1900's)
Haibun, Sketchbook - Sep/Oct 2011
September 14, 2012
Low Tide
Cinquain and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Cinquain, Sketchbook - Jul/Aug 2011
August 24, 2012
Grief
Butterfly Cinquain and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Wilmington, North Carolina
Cinquain, Sketchbook - Jan/Feb 2012
August 10, 2012
Winter in July
It was during the last game of the fall soccer season that we met a fourteen-year-old girl named Sarah watching her friends play. Talking with Sarah off and on, we learned that she did not play sports – a bit clumsy, she loved music and was taking piano lessons, and her family was going to Disney World in a couple of weeks. She was pretty and bright, but also bubbly and polite.
sparkling in the light
like gems of russet and gold . . .
the frost covered leaves
While walking to the parking lot after the game, we learned that Sarah had an inoperable brain tumor. She had perhaps six-months to live. After that day, we occasionally heard updates on Sarah as her health declined. On July 2, Sarah died. I only met her the one time, yet the sorrow was great.
the last dream
interrupted on waking . . .
clouds drifting
In a poem by George W. Jones, he speaks of how our lives mirror the seasons. “Spring time is birth time, / the time of quickening / summer is the time of growth, / of fullness / autumn sees maturity, / ripeness, and passing / and winter is death.” His focus is on those of “venerable age” who have reached their winter years. So, what of those whose winter comes too soon?
day fades to darkness
through a rainbow of colors . . .
a prayer without words
— Dan Hardison
Photo by Dan Hardison
Wilmington, North Carolina
Haibun, Contemporary Haibun Online - July 2012, vol 8 no 2
July 29, 2012
July 13, 2012
June 29, 2012
The Gift
She was twelve at the time and we were on an excursion to the mountains from our coastal community. This was her first trip to the mountains and as we made the twisty climb in elevation, so did her excitement. As we passed along the side of a cascading stream filled with boulders, she asked if we could stop.
sunlight and ripples
playing across the water . . .
thoughts wandering
Walking to the water’s edge, my wife and I began stepping from rock to rock working our way into the stream. From behind us we heard, “Wait!” As we turned she said, “I don’t know how to do that.” I responded, “Do what?” and she replied, “Walk out there on the rocks.” What was familiar for us – having been raised in an area much like this – it was unfamiliar to our young companion.
Going back, I took her hand and guided her across the rocks showing her how to step cautiously. Later, I taught her how to skip stones. Simple things really, a mere passing of knowledge.
sun drenched days
and time spent in friendship . . .
sparkling light
— Dan Hardison
Photo by Dan Hardison
Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Haibun, Contemporary Haibun Online - April 2012, vol 8 no 1
June 16, 2012
June 1, 2012
May 18, 2012
Baxter
My wife’s best friend had been battling cancer for several years when Baxter came into her life. She wanted a dog as a companion and Baxter was a gentle, quiet, loving dog that was playful, but also content just to be by your side and petted.
When her cancer took a turn for the worse and she became weaker, my wife would walk Baxter during her daily visits with her friend. Whenever her friend had to be in the hospital, Baxter would stay with us. At last, the doctor said there was nothing more he could do. During a visit with my wife, her friend said she could no longer care for Baxter and asked if we would keep him and give him a home.
dark clouds rolling in
and distant thunder rumbling . . .
I should have noticed
Three weeks after Baxter came to stay, my wife’s father unexpectedly entered the hospital. We immediately left for the ten-hour drive with Baxter accompanying us. Over the next two weeks, we stayed in motels and the home of family. Everywhere we went, Baxter went – never a problem, always on good behavior, taking it all in stride. But, my wife’s father passed away – cancer.
After returning home, we found that my wife’s friend was now bedridden. They were able to spend one last good visit together filled with friendly conversation as they once had enjoyed. A few days later, she too was gone. Baxter is still with us and it is here he will stay.
time to sit awhile,
to breathe the fresh-scented air,
to daydream, to doze,
and perhaps a quiet walk
at this home away from home
— Dan Hardison
Photo by Dan Hardison
Wilmington, North Carolina
Haibun, Contemporary Haibun Online - April 2012, vol 8 no 1
May 11, 2012
Dreams
Cinquain and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Wilmington, North Carolina
Cinquain, Sketchbook - Jul/Aug 2011
May 4, 2012
Come Rain or Shine
Haiku and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Wilmington, North Carolina
World Haiku Association, April 2012
April 20, 2012
The Painting
Your mother never liked the painting – too serious and non-smiling. You were more cheerful, more open and giving. I think of you each day and not because of the reminder on the wall, but because I wonder what you might have done or said. Now, your gaze is cast across the room forever keeping watch.
a gray day today
with no sunrise or sunset
just endless twilight
— Dan Hardison
Portrait of Sammy Hardison
By Philip Perkins
oil on canvas, 1967
Haibun, South by Southeast - 2011, Vol 18, No 3
April 6, 2012
Church of Trees
Haiku and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Wilmington, North Carolina
World Haiku Association, March 2012
March 10, 2012
Winds of Winter
Haiku and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Bledsoe County, East Tennessee
World Haiku Association, February 2012
February 17, 2012
February 11, 2012
World in Changes
Cinquin and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Wilmington, North Carolina
Cinquain, Sketchbook - Jan/Feb 2011
February 3, 2012
All That Glitters
Haiku and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Wilmington, North Carolina
World Haiku Association, January 2012
January 20, 2012
Flowers
The lily was the first to die, as rose petals fell one by one. The greenery turned to brown, as daisies bowed their heads. Birthday, anniversary, or in sorrow – the occasion does not matter. Thoughts of their sender will linger . . . long after the flowers are gone.
the soft glow of light
as nighttime begins to pass
steady and serene
— Dan Hardison
Photo by Dan Hardison
Wilmington, North Carolina
Haibun, Sketchbook - Sep/Oct 2011
the soft glow of light
as nighttime begins to pass
steady and serene
— Dan Hardison
Photo by Dan Hardison
Wilmington, North Carolina
Haibun, Sketchbook - Sep/Oct 2011
January 6, 2012
Goodbye
Cinquin and image by Dan Hardison
Photo: Wilmington, North Carolina
Cinquain, Sketchbook - Mar/Apr 2011
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