After midsummer eve’s celebration I am still a bit nauseous, but it is not like the pounding hangovers of my youth. The longest day used to be the shortest night, but now I am off to bed before the end of daylight. Mornings are a different matter altogether. I am awakened to the cooing of wood pigeons as it is full daylight already at four in the morning. Summer solstice is the time to be young.
in the old oak
young woodpecker is served —
juicy treat of flies
Today it is haibun monday hosted by Frank at dVerse. Join us for a solstice celebreation.
June 22, 2026
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Your midsummer is more exciting than mine, Björn, even if you no longer have the pounding hangovers of your youth. You’re not the only one to be woken by wood pigeons four in the morning – in our garden they’re accompanied by raucous jackdaws!
Oh… that sounds exciting…
Perhaps wisdom brings with it a little wisdom when it comes to excess! :>)
Well done, Bjorn.
Ha 🙂
:>)
Days of youthful celebration
Led to morning aberration
No cause for laughter
For my morning after
Now I opt for moderation
Exactly
Lovely Haibun
Thank you
You’re welcome
Everything in moderation they say…but who is “they” Saturday night it was still light here after 9:00 PM. I do love the longer days and late night walks.
I really love the long days as well… and going further north just makes it better.
A good time to be a morning person, I think!
Beautifully written- may we always have light and youth inside our souls – Jae
I second Lynn’s comment above, mornings are when I am UP AND MOVING… Good stuff Bjorn🙏
It is great to be reminded of our youthful years. To recall is to remember the fun times. Wonderful poem Bjorn!
Hank
I feel that pull of age and the need to go to bed rather than stay up and party.
I much prefer Summer to Winter – but you can keep the 4am wake-up thanks!
Ah, I relate, how we change as we age