The weather seems more unpredictable than usual–open windows one day and heat on the next. I wake listening to rain. It is dark and dreary. Then I hear the birds begin to greet the day. Each morning, the sun rises a bit earlier and sets a bit later. I know we could still have a blizzard, but hope is in the air, rising with the crocuses. Spring is coming.
February sun
hides light under grey covers—
yet mockingbird sings
Watching for birds in the rain.
This is for Frank’s latest Haikai Challenge.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
A beautiful haibun, Merril: totally in the spirit of “barely spring!” Thanks for sharing it!
Thank you so much, Frank!
My pleasure, Merril! 🙂
🙂
Reblogged this on Frank J. Tassone and commented:
#Haiku Happenings #7: Merril’s latest #haibun for my current #haikai challenge!
Thank you for sharing!
😇
Ah… mockingbirds mocking spring… I like that play.
At least the birds provide some color.
Unfortunately it will soon be time to change the clocks (March 11th) and morning will be late again.
Thank you, Jules. Ugh, I hate the time changes. That will throw me off for a week. . .
‘Hope is in the air, rising with the crocuses’—in a nutshell.
Thank you, Jane! Just something about more daylight and seeing buds makes me feel better.
We need that does of sunshine to keep morale high.
Yes, that’s true.
🙂
Hope indeed. Though north of your border, there was snow this morning that has changed to rain…
Lovely Haibun!
Thank you very much, Dale!
I guess it’s good the snow turned to rain–unless it freezes. . .
There is that… and I am positive it is just a teaser.
🙂
What a beautiful cat! Such a stunning haiku at the end of the haibun. You describe our weather as well – heat then cold. I love the sounds a mockingbird can make. Perfect end to your haiku.
Thank you so much, Toni! I love the mockingbirds, too. Last summer one sang outside our bedroom window all night, but it didn’t bother me.
This cat has one yellow eye and one blue eye. He’s my husband’s cat. Our other cat, a little grey striped one who loves everyone, but especially me, is mine. But I love them both. 🙂
You caught the ambivalence of end of February completely!
Thank you, Marian!
Such a homey picture you paint–both with the photo of the cat, the gray day making me want to snuggle under the covers and then, the mockingbirds. I love listening to their song.
Thank you so much, Victoria. I’m not very good at identifying bird calls, but this morning when I went outside,and it was still dark outside, there was definitely a mockingbird singing–quite a concert in the dark.
I’ve been thinking I hear birds, but they turn out to be just in my mind. Still, it’s a start.
They are promising sun for tomorrow anyway. (K)
I’m waiting for the sun. It was so gloomy yesterday, but the birds are definitely singing here!
The sparrows are chattering anyway…
Yay–listen in. 🙂
The mockingbird is a good fit for a season that can’t decide what it is.
Well done, Merril.
Thank you, Ken. When I went outside this morning to get the paper, it was still dark, and a mockingbird was putting on a concert.
Lovely – so apt
Thank you, Derrick.
Pingback: #Haikai Challenge #23 (3/3/18): first spring gust (haru ichiban) #haiku #senryu #haibun #tanka #renga #haiga – Frank J. Tassone
I have noticed a wider variety of birds in the trees of OWU campus arbor and along my walks around town. This was a wistful photograph, hazy and warm inside. . . The movkingbird’s song appreciated and included. Thank you, Merril for this pensive haiku. Soon, spring will appear here!
I had to look back at this one–and laughed that I said we could still have a blizzard, when we did get blizzard conditions on Friday. Thank you, Robin!
You did get a blizzard! You are psychic and the birds do “know” ahead! 🌨️❄️🌪️🌫️
I’m glad I was able to bring you laughter, unexpectedly on my part! 😀
And now they’re saying we could get another rain/snow storm this week. UGH!