We have entered the micro-season of “Plants Show Their First Buds”. This is the third micro-season of the mini-season Rain Water. To celebrate this season, we will learn about plant buds and read seasonal haiku by Issa, Basho, and Shiki.
Micro-Season: “Plants Show Their First Buds” (2023) — Naturalist Weekly
In response to this week’s the Naturalist Weekly prompt about buds and sprouts, below are two of mine from last year. How many of us know that the terminal buds Mark mentions, such as form on maple trees, actually appear in autumn, survive winter, and await spring to blossom forth? Buds feed some birds throughout the long cold winter months, if such is your climate. I like to think of those tiny nutrient rich buds bundled up and protected, kind of hibernating like many of us during winter, then bursting out in spring.
THE WOUND THAT HEALS 
Buds surviving cold winters of the north are a great example of adaptability … yet I admire their strength. Meanwhile, the melting of the snow and the emergence of colors is just around the corner. Well done, Mary Jo.
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Buds, and people, that survive winter are admirable. We can complain or possibly relocate for the season. Thanks, Frank.
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It is the time of those precious buds, isn’t it! A joy reading your haikus again.
Hugs your way xoxo
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Those tender but strong buds speak poetry. Thank you, Marina! xoxo
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Oh, yes they do! xoxo
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A nice goosing with browns and grays to start the day.
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We are goosed year round but when green starts sprouting, it’s a free for all. Thanks, Tim.
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Thank you for revisiting your posts of the past during this special season, Mary Jo. I look forward to your posts that the ancient Japanese seasons. I especially appreicate the slowness of the process.
You have inspired me to research the connections between Japanese Haiku masters. I just discovered Morikawa Kyoriku (1656-1715) He was a feudal retain of Kikongo, Omi-no-kuni (Shiga Prefecture) He devoted himself to haiku from around the age of 30. He studied under Basho, and was known as having Basho’s particular trust.
This is the painting that he was to have completed in 1693 that shows Matsuo Bashō and Kawai Sora on pilgrimage.
Thank you for opening up this amazing area of exploration.
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Thank you for this contribution, Rebecca. The subtlety of seasonal transitions is wonderful to explore along with the “Naturalist Weekly.” Being a student of Bashō must have required not only his trust but also his stamina for his many sojourns!
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Can you imagine how many miles they walked? And still were able to produce so much in the way of poetic words. I agree stamina!
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Hi Mary Jo,
I really enjoyed Haiku 20. It also fits nicely with Wales Haiku Journal’s weekly prompt of “emerging green”. Spring is in the air! —Well maybe not where I am. We are expecting more snow. But other places! Thanks again for sharing you work and linking up.
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Thanks, Mark! Winter needs to leave, now.
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It was good to revisit your two haikus, particularly #24. Seeing the buds going through their changes is such a magical experience.
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Thanks, Liz. It’s amazing how little sun it takes to encourage their growth. Anything green immediately catches our eyes these days.
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You’re welcome, Mary Jo. No green to be seen here. We got a massive snow dump last night.
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Our grass stayed green all winter. But just about a month ago the geese started visiting backyards to make muddy little holes to eatting the new growth. I have a feeling that this particular pair may have gosslings early!!
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Beautiful poems to treasure at the onset of spring…little buds of happiness springing up around us!!! 🙂
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Budding does bring happiness, truly. Thank you for visiting and commenting, Linda. 🙂
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