Haiku: ウズラが前に突き出る Quail thrusting ahead.

 

quail thrusting ahead --

looking sideways at the seeds

crushed by passing cars.

quail thrusting ahead --

huddled under the feeder;

which is long empty.

sandals and gray slush

do not mix well on cold days --

feet wrapped in bacon.

Today's Timerick: Microsoft’s New Security Chief Says It Is Time to Take Shelter in the Cloud. (WSJ)

 

This superstitious world remains

bound in unenlightened chains;

folks believe in screwy things,

and give their folly potent wings.

Take, fer instance, this here cloud -- 

that people talk of long and loud.

I have asked some right smart folk

just how this thing is not a joke.

When explaining it to me

it seems to be a fantasy;

a web of nonsense, which I fear

would puzzle even Edward Lear.

Keeping data without holder;

not one blessed paper folder.

I think it uses beans and franks

for powering computer banks.

It's a network of some sort

and tracks a lot of child support.

My experts call it platform based,

where nothing ever is erased.

Online nostrum, cyber claptrap;

to me it's merely all darn crap pap.

I'll stay analog, hard copy;

I'd rather be secure tho sloppy!

Today's Timerick: Russian Roulette.

 President Biden on Tuesday said his administration is taking steps to limit the impact that sanctions imposed on Russia have on the U.S. economy, although he acknowledged some effects were likely.

(WSJ)

Joe Biden knows just what to do

to fight the Russian bugaboo.

So when old Putin struts his stuff,

our Joe shows him we're mighty tough.

He scatters sanctions like the dust

to make those Ruskies all go bust.

And THAT will show 'em who is boss,

as they are hit with fear and loss. 

All pipeline deals are dead and gone;

an import ban on cardamon.

Their assets we have frozen good;

they can't come visit Hollywood.

Tabasco Sauce they cannot get,

while we refuse them Tagamet.

And while the Russian bear might growl,

our own strong folk will never scowl . . . 

As gasoline climbs up so far

we cannot drive a kiddie car.

And inflation gets its mitts

on ev'rything from shoes to grits.

Our wages have gone flat and stale,

and many hold a rummage sale

to finance college for their kids

or just so they won't hit the skids.

So homelessness a cancer stays

as more and more face hopeless days;

and nights upon a park bench chill,

cuz housing costs are not a frill.

But we Americans are strong

and know the diff tween right and wrong.

We'll soldier on without a grump --

but please God save us all from Trump!

Haiku: 溶ける雪が水たまりになります The snowmelt puddles

 

the snowmelt puddles --

drowning dead leaves and grasses;

ruthless and chilly.

the snowmelt puddles --

sparrows gather around it;

bar brawls erupting.

the snowmelt puddles --

capturing a pale dazed sun;

not yellow, not white.

Haiku: これらの雪は巨大です！ These snowflakes are huge!

 

These snowflakes are huge!

White doilies fluttering down

on top of my head.

These snowflakes are huge!

Settling on the cold ground

like alien lace.

These snowflakes are huge!

Who makes such sterile beauty?

How long will they last?

Haiku: コーンブレッドは焼き上がります The cornbread is done.

 

The cornbread is done --

a sense of humid glory

fills the apartment.

The cornbread is done --

this is what yellow smells like;

an old sun's color.

The cornbread is done --

no raisins this time, alas;

was the salt forgot?

Haiku: One brown maple leaf. 茶色のカエデの葉1枚

 

One brown maple leaf --

blown up on its brittle stem;

a whole deadened tree.

One brown maple leaf --

moves in the wind like a crab;

trapped in crisp brown grass.

One brown maple leaf --

on the chill soggy sidewalk;

why does gray exist?

Haiku: ゴム大根 Rubber radishes

 

Rubber radishes --

wiggles while being sliced up;

good enough for guests.

Rubber radishes --

shredded into snow white slaw;

add some vinegar.

Rubber radishes --

on sale at the small market

next to "Street Closed" sign.

Haiku: The clock's steady tick. 時計の安定したクリック

 

The clock's steady click --

overheard in sleepless night;

the judge's gavel.

The clock's steady click --

perhaps the hands will applaud

at midnight for her.

The clock's steady click --

hoping the battery dies;

the dark bed so warm.

******************************

left in the long dark --

the gray owls rejoice in it;

others hoard their light.

the clouds multiply

in a sky drenched in moonlight --

with just heat lightning. 

The nest falls apart

in the winter wind and snow --

young birds are long gone.

Haiku: 夜のひじ Elbow in the night

 

Elbow in the night --

move over and keep breathing;

where's the damn pillow?

Elbow in the night --

she has opened the window;

the moon leaking in.

Elbow in the night --

nightlight in the blue bathroom;

the plumbing trembles.