I would not call this spring, but according to meteorology we have now left the season of winter. The ground is still frozen, and ice covers most of the lakes and the full moon has waned behind a thick shroud of clouds. This week we have passed the sad second year anniversary of the Russian full scale attack on its peaceful neighbour, and all I wish for is more ammunition to be sent to Ukraine. What hope is then spring?
wolf hour darkness
caresses the tarmac —
a black ice dawn
Francisco Goya
Today Frank hosts Haibun Monday at dVerse and the prompt is Snow moon which made me think that the passage of the full moon has passed unnoticed in this period of darkness.
Wolf hour : from Swedish folklore,refers to the period from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m., supposedly when the most deaths and births occur. The hour of the wolf (Vargtimmen) is also a film by Swedish filmer Ingmar Bergman.
February 26, 2027
Björn Rudbergs writings 
A grim darkness indeed, with a seemingly endless war.
Yes.. and a dark reminder when today Sweden has taken its final steps into Nato.
I had not heard that. I hope this is not perceived as a threat at its doorstep by Russia. Nuclear war seems ever closer.
It may be a threat but it feels that Europe is safer….
I love the phrase ‘wolf hour darkness’, Björn, and it must be a relief to have finally left the season of winter. I just hope the war will be over one way or another.
I prefer one way to the other (the other will just mean that it will start again in a year or two)
Yes. Yes. Yes. What is WRONG with the US congress that they can not pass a bill for aid to Ukraine???? So very frustrating.
Honestly… there is a very simple solution in my mind… Europe should give more but don’t have the material, US has the material, but there is not any money (and US has actually given a lot)… the most fair deal is for Europe to pay for material and ship it to Ukraine.
love the idea of “The wolf hour” as when I wake early before my alarm gets me up for work it is at this time of the morning. the amount of first lines i have scribbled on scraps of paper at this time of day.
I kind of grew up with the concept, so to me it is perfect image.
i am also hoping for an end to all the nastiness in Ukraine
After 200 years of neutrality, Sweden is officially aligned. Though I believe the militarisation process has been going on for a while. With neighbours like Russia, it’s inevitable. Perhaps it will send the right signal. I hope so.
Alas, we know the neighbor all too well….
Perfect image (with a perfect title) you chose to go with your haibun. The texture of your poem pervades the space with such darkness. May the prison doors of gloom open for you and for the people of Ukraine soon. From what I’ve read the US Congress is tying aid to Ukraine to further funding of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, so it may take awhile for aid to arrive :(
we simply has to do more heavylifting in Europe…
Wow!!! Quite a moody write and the painting you chose complements well.
My wish is for an end to the war.
Much♡love
Indeed, the Wolf Moon is a slim hope in a time of waxing darkness. Excellent, Bjorn!
Well done. A dark ending for the winter season. I hope you can find some hope becoming part of NATO. Doesn’t look like the Ukraine war will end any time soon.
Your wish is mine as well. The wolf is indeed at your door, and will enter as many as it can. (K)
Black ice dawns (love that description) hopefully bring peace, not more war… no matter how slippery, peace and freedom has to be the road forward…everywhere, for everyone. The sun has to come out in the end.
It has to, but I am not too positive… even though my own country may be safe.
This really sets the scene for that bittersweet transition from winter to… well, whatever comes next. The haiku’s got this eerie vibe, like you’re tiptoeing through darkness on a frozen road. It packs a punch, leaving you with that feeling of uncertainty hanging in the air.
~David
A perfect haibun with hope, Bjorn. Let’s hope for spring and an end to the mayhem. ❤️
Yes, oh yes. The Ukraine needs every ounce of support possible. My heart aches for the fallen, the maimed, the country. Your haibun, Bjorn, perfectly expresses my feelings as well.
Our congress does or does not do a lot of things because of politics. I was surprised when the word “conservative” took on a new meaning several years ago. And ‘they’ have given the word “woke” to those opposed. That is supposed to be unfavorable to voters. This is the nature of the congress vote to allocate more money to both, Ukraine and Israel.
..
I am moved by that ending, I share your thoughts on that war. I love how you tie the feeling of lingering winter to the feeling of the lingering war.