October has arrived and for every day the mornings grow darker. I know that soon it’s time for the first frost. Not the sweet touch of cold painting maple leaves, nor the hoarfrost breathing crystals on the withered grass. No I’m on my watch for the first black ice morning. That morning I need vigilance and caution not to fall. Better to be prepared with spiked tires on my bicycle. I need my studded shoes. But until then I enjoy the colors of the leaves, the crispness of the morning. I hope to be prepared. Waiting
caressed in orange
lullaby of maple leaves —
beacons for my path
Today Victoria hosts haibun Monday at dVerse. The topic is first frost and you can use any way you want to approach it in a haibun.
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October 2, 2017
Beautifully descriptive. I hope the ice is a way off yet.
Good to be watchful always.
Black ice, silver rain, traffic accidents, broken bones–oh so much to look forward to. Winter is perhaps less intrusive for you, growing up in its grip. Your haibun is sterling.
Wonderful descriptions of the beauty of early autumn contrasting with the reality of needing to be prepared for the dangers of black ice. The hardiness of those of you in northern climes amazes me. I would have so many layers of clothing on I couldn’t even get up on my bike!
It’s not very cold here actually … rarely far below freezing… it’s the first ice that concerns me most….
Black ice—I used to wonder what that meant. The idea terrified me as a child. Normal cold, white ice was bad enough, but ice that you couldn’t see, that was pure evil. Stay safe!
We haven’t got to black ice and frost yet but the night’s are drawing in. My sister is the cyclist in the family, I am the trombonist… I had no idea you could get spikes…sounds a little prickly to me.
You’re quite practical about preparing for the change- which is good. And you take time to appreciate the colours of the leaves and the crisp air. An optimist- that’s you!
I agree with Jane about the evil of black ice! I’ve never heard of spiked tyres on a bicycle, though – is that like snow chains on car tyres? What a gorgeous haiku, Björn, full of colour!
It’s like metal studs all around the tires (we have it on cars as well)
Don’t spiked tires make for rough rides? Happy trails, Bjorn!
The spikes are more like metal knobs actually…. 🙂 but a little bit more a rough ride of chouse
Those maple leaves seem like beacons.
May those leaves light your way.
I love how you foreshadow the winter to come and then bring it back to Autumn. The haiku is so vibrant!
Black ice caused me a motorcycle accident once with a concussion. Or did I cause it by not watching for it — given the Japanese love of early water purification in front of their shops. I like your choice of the danger of frost. And fun Haibun. (if you want grammar feedback, let me know — I don’t see contact info on this site).
I have an email brudberg@gmail.com… some grammar errors are intentional but some are caused by writing in a second language.
Love the dangerous side of frost – enlivening — making us aware against our wills, almost.
I love the colors of fall. Not too vivid in my native place but I have a instagram page full of fall photos from all over the world. So amazing. Your haiku was spot on.
Yes, black ice, deadly. I know of one’s 3 children lost because of it. Great haiku. Be careful.
Yes, the brilliant colors can light a path!
But I disagree with seeing the winter as problematic. It is cold, all right, but gladness is.
Spiked tyres? On your bicycle?
Yes… indeed.