Ano Paroia, Greece

Ano Paroia, Greece: Ten Haikai

Richard Stewart

Pull back the shutters Fragrance of stephanotis Scenting the air.

Sparrows are chirping With what we scarce call a song Subtle in their world.

Rough layers of brick Gaps between the weathered tiles Nesting birds rejoice.

Beneath the long grass A fragmented green lizard Just an eye flickers.

Above the mud patch A cloud of bright butterflies Blue sky comes to earth.

Dappled green sunlight Silvered rush of clear water A white horse grazing.

Seemingly lifeless The high snow covered mountains Then a raven croaks.

The clouded yellow Lands on a bright buttercup Bathed in summer’s glow.

So obvious the nests Of village storks on tall poles No one will harm them.

And you remember The mystery of nightingales Everywhere unseen. These haiku were written during the Branch holiday to Greece, last year.

Although butterflies and birds were the main focus it was an area rich in wildlife of many kinds. The title is that of the village where we stayed for the week.