Utagawa Hiroshige 1797-1858
I.
The spring moon watches
The wind blowing at night – plum
Petals drift gently
水の花 Mizu no hana: water flowers
Heavy blossoms pull down the branches
Of trees by the river.
Higher blossoms weep down their petals
Upon the surface of the river
In which the submerged blossoms drown.
Dead leaves cover the earth
beneath the trees.
Sharp winds blow
Removing the corpses of winter.
Today at dVerse Poets Pub, the prompt is to write poems inspired by the wind. Come join us at 3:00 pm EST! http://dversepoets.com
kanzen sakura 
Mar 17, 2015 @ 12:49:47
I love the wind tossing sparrows, somehow there is a playfulness here that I admire.. I think the second one is my favorite.. 🙂
Mar 17, 2015 @ 13:47:54
Mine as well. We had a gusty day yesterday and it seemed to be tossing everything about, rippling across the grass and my neighbor’s chimes were soooooo loud. My heavier wind bell just sort of hummed and at one point, began to clang. That is a heavy wind!
Mar 17, 2015 @ 13:24:00
Spring is definitely in the air! Loved the sparrows tossed to the sky. I am so intrigued by haiku and appreciate your kind explanation of the form. Thanks!
Mar 17, 2015 @ 13:45:53
You are more than welcome. And today is nice and warm for a change. spring is definitely on the way!!!! 😊
Mar 17, 2015 @ 15:33:43
Very seasonal. Although we are still a long way from plum blossoms over here, but it’s getting warmer, primroses and crocuses are out, it’s certainly spring. A dreamy first haiku (very classical), the second joyous and playful as a spring lamb!
Mar 17, 2015 @ 15:41:23
My daffodils began blooming yesterday!!!! The plum buds are still tiny but showing a bit of color.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 15:38:22
removing the corpses of winter… that is what the spring wind does to perfection… love all of them…
Mar 17, 2015 @ 15:40:46
Thank you.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 15:45:18
I especially like the same thing that Claudia liked ‘removing the corpses of winter.’ So much of the litter of winter is blown away with the strong winds. Wind really does refresh the environment this season of the year.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 17:14:07
I wrote this from a memory of being in Japan. The Oi river was flooding but higher up on the bank, a wind was blowing and literally sweeping the dead leaves from under the trees. it was a beautiful sight.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 15:47:25
I like the second haiku best because it holds so much hope of spring, but they are all great. Peace, Linda
Mar 17, 2015 @ 17:13:00
I like the second best as well.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 15:48:56
I especially liked the visual of the birds being tossed into the sky – It reminded me of the swallows that dart and swoop along the Missouri
Mar 17, 2015 @ 17:12:41
It is my favorite of the group. I love the same thing, how the swallows, sparrows, wrens, all seem to swoop up and be tossed into the sky. The cardinals hang on tight and the blue jays flit around and laugh.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 17:15:30
I was really stuck, but your imagery got me off the hook.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 17:56:55
Actually, I liked the poem best, it had more billow in its sails, more meat on its bones. Nice juxtaposition of form though. Like Claudia & Mary, I think your last line is killer; a short poem unto itself.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 19:06:21
Thank you. My haiku are always very lean. but I love this poem. it reminds me of a time in Japan. The Oi river was flooding, pear trees on the banks were in full bloom and many had become flooded. It was cold! Higher up on the banks, a truly sharp wind was blowing and literally blowing away the dead leaves from the around the unflooded trees. it was so wonderful.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 17:57:04
I love the sounds of the haiku – petals drifting, wind bells clanging ~
I love that wind removing the corpses of winter – sharp imagery ~ Thanks for your enthusiastic response and comments ~
Mar 17, 2015 @ 19:04:06
Thank you for your kind words. This was a wonderful prompt and I enjoy the Pub and its “denizens” so very much.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 18:30:11
I am a little glad those corpses are moving on…there is a tenderness in the haiku that are cool…particularly like the playfulness of the wind tossing sparrows into the sky…
Mar 17, 2015 @ 19:03:13
That’s how they looked when they would take off and the wind would get under their wings. One of the best hours I have spent in awhile, watching them.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 18:46:17
What a wonderful additions your haiku and poem are to tonights prompt. So great to learn of your poetic voice.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 19:01:50
Thank you. I enjoyed this prompt and being part of the Pub.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 20:08:47
wow your ending just great. Lovely poem.
Mar 17, 2015 @ 20:46:25
thank you!
Mar 17, 2015 @ 21:12:19
I love these so much!! 🙂 ❤
Mar 17, 2015 @ 23:28:17
I am so very glad! 💗 💗 💗
Mar 17, 2015 @ 21:49:13
… removing the corpses of the winter. Powerful ending!
Mar 17, 2015 @ 23:27:39
💗 Thank you
Mar 17, 2015 @ 21:52:58
“Tossing sparrows to the sky” – love that line!
Mar 17, 2015 @ 23:27:13
😊
Mar 17, 2015 @ 22:56:13
Love the image-driven quality of your poems!
Mar 18, 2015 @ 00:57:56
Fantastic … I enjoyed both the haiku and the poem … the last line of the poem is such a beautifully stark image … a real a-ha feel to it!
Mar 18, 2015 @ 12:28:02
Thank you! the poem is one of the favorites of mine I have written because of that line. Thank you!
Mar 19, 2015 @ 02:18:31
You’re very welcome … really wonderful and I can certainly understand why it’s one of your favourites!
Mar 19, 2015 @ 10:54:15
💗 😊
Mar 18, 2015 @ 07:03:13
Spring, sparrows, blossoms…..then drowning, death and corpses….nature doing what she does best. I like the second haiku most.
Mar 18, 2015 @ 07:05:51
I like the spring, blossoms and sparrow…contrasted with drowning, death, corpses..nature doing what she know best….I like the second haiku best. I might have entered this twice.
Mar 18, 2015 @ 12:27:01
Doesn’t matter. The second haiku is stronger than the first and has more action in it. Thank you so much for reading and then taking the time to comment. And while the flowers are drowning, the wind is clearing out all the dead leaves and such so more growth can occur. nature raking its yard.
Mar 18, 2015 @ 11:34:16
I like them all. The poem stands out to me most because of its last line which is so strong and true. Good writing.
Mar 18, 2015 @ 12:20:46
Thank you. I’m glad you like the poem because it is one of my favorites I have written. Thank you!
Mar 18, 2015 @ 16:41:35
Lovely seasonal pieces, Kanzensakura~
Mar 18, 2015 @ 17:17:40
All of them are gems – but my favourite is the last poem.
Mar 18, 2015 @ 18:01:45
Thank you! Mine as well.