Collaborative Haiku Poem – リスとひまわり

squirrels scurry
sunflower seeds
ripening

(Yoko version)
栗鼠駆けるひまわりの種熟しおり
りすかける　ひまわり の たね　じゅくしおり

squirrel
run up to sunflower seeds
preparation for winter

(Michiko version)
冬支度ひまわりの実にリス遊ぶ
ふゆじたく　ひまわり の み に　りすあそぶ

A sunflower named “mammoth” grew vigorously reaching very high. Seeds are packed in the flower center. Squirrels which love sunflower seeds must surely be looking forward to the time when seeds are ripe. Sure enough, squirrels which are not seen during hot summer days start showing up now and then, as if scouting the seed progress.

マンモスという名のひまわりを植えました。ぐんぐん見上げるほどに高く育ち、中心部には種がびっしり。ひまわりの種が好きな栗鼠が喜ぶに違いないと思うこちらの心を読むが如く、夏の暑い盛りには見かけなかった栗鼠の姿を垣間見るこの頃です。

Collaborative Haiku Poem
– Yoko Kelley and Nakamura Michiko
– Illustration by Norman Kelley
Omaha, Nebraska