Nature’s Chase

Nature’s Chase

In the ivory warmth of summer
while frogs croak among the lily pads
and rustling leaves make harp-like music,
two squirrels scamper in a sprint
one behind the other:

scurrying sounds, a tangled mass of fur,
a frenzied steeple chase
across freshly mown grass,
then up the leaf-laden tree branches
and down again,
vanish into the swampy woods —

In the utmost heat of summer’s day
while orange-winged cicadas buzz and whine
and nikko blue hydrangeas droop from drought,
two swallows break forth in ecstatic flight
one behind the other:

chirps and gurgles, a tangled mass of feathers,
ferris wheels in the air
as they traverse gabled roofs,
alight leaf-laden tree branches
and up again,
vanish into the azure sky —

Have you witnessed nature’s chase?

There is a time
for playful pursuit,
a time
for slowing down,
to gaze into each other’s eyes,
walk hand in hand,
vanish
into the emerald forest.

D. G. Vachal © 2025

Image by Flo222 @pixabay

Love Haiku 37:39

Love Haiku 37:39

37

soft wind rustles leaves
dance of downy white feathers
your hands hold my heart.


38

indigo waters
the deep i cannot fathom
your strength my anchor.

39

water lilies bloom
pink and ivory petals
your smile my delight.


D. G. Vachal © 2025

Image by Moonzigg @pixdaus

Winter Tanka 1:2

1

flock of geese in flight
black petals against the sky
can you hear their call
on a sunset in winter
discordant harmonicas

2

trees in winter’s sun
cast long afternoon shadows
snow on their branches
wingéd angels garbed in white
singing praise in high places

D. G. Vachal © 2025

Images by Hans Benn @pixabay; Fietzfotos@pixabay

Late August

Late August

icy warmth of late August
the wind has quenched the fires
of ephemeral dandelions,
beryl drops of blood
trickle down the boughs,
return
to their invisible roots —

the cambric air is drenched in
honeysuckle fragrance,
stealthy leaves
flavescent
among the pink petals.

D. G. Vachal © 2013, 2024

Image by Jesper Norkenborg @pixabay

Spring Song

Spring Song

suddenly daffodils,
tulip green lapels
under morning sunlight:

songbirds alight
leafless branches
bursting 
with tender tree-buds —

can you hear the voice
of the turtle dove?

my heart pirouettes
with gladness
because the promise remains
unbroken:

morning joy comes
after nighttime
weeping

winter’s dark despair 
once again
births a million
almond blossoms. 

D. G. Vachal © 2024

Imagery by Alexander Gresbek