Haibun - The Farmhouse, 1825

Farmhouse, 1825


The original gate has been blocked by
hedges. Outside, moss covers the stone
path. Light breezes carry wild mint through
the bent cedar. Geranium petals splash their
warm hues around a bird bath and through
the green grass.

Inside, the red glass globe of a train station
lamp, long retired, hangs from the ceiling.
By the cold stone hearth, a broom with a short
handle waits for a tiny witch. The smoke-grey
cat, quieter now since losing his mate, sits in
deepening shadow.

Awhile back, two sisters dropped by. They had
been born here and wanted one last visit to
their childhood home.


farmhouse --
feeling the centuries
in the wood