Letters to the publisher: Haiku

By Anya Blasser

A year ago around this time (late August to early September) we were experiencing the Camp Creek fire. As I was walking my dogs in the wee hours (as I do), I was observing the night sky (as I do) and noticing the smoke from the wildfire--in particular, how it was affecting the appearance of the moon. I wrote a series of haikus over the course of a couple of weeks and was wondering if you would find them worthy of publication in the September issue of The Mountain Times. I’m attaching them as a PDF. Please let me know your opinion. Thank you!

The Moon and Wildfire Smoke: A Haiku Journal

Friday, August 25, 2023 Deep gold half circle Like a coin clipped in minting Smoke from the wildfire

Sunday, August 27, 2023 Another strange moon This one pink with red halo Smoke from the wildfire

Monday, August 28, 2023 Can’t see moon tonight Don’t know if it’s just clouds or Smoke from the wildfire

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 In the rain-washed sky White moon above dark clouds or Smoke from the wildfire?

Wednesday, August 30, 2023 Bright blue super moon Circled by hazy rainbow Smoke from the wildfire

Thursday, August 31, 2023 In bright, hazy sky The moon drifts in and out of Smoke from the wildfire

Friday, September 1, 2023 Moon just past the full Beautiful day, clear night; not much Smoke from the wildfire

Saturday, September 2, 2023 Clouds light and clouds dark Moon creates both when there’s no Smoke from the wildfire

Sunday, September 3, 2023 No moon; misty rain Patters on leaves, washing out Smoke from the wildfire

Monday, September 4, 2023 Clouds blanket the sky Obscuring if there’s any Smoke from the wildfire

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 Waning half moon shines Cold, clear air holds no trace of Smoke from the wildfire

Anya Blasser Rhododendron