November 26th

small steps to the edge

of the waterlogged moorland

where the horses graze

March 2nd

Iron rich water,

Red reflection receding,

Mallards flee the ditch.

In the moors* the water is very ferric, that is, rich in iron (not sure why I’m patronising you by explaining it!).

The river Flit water used to be bottled and sold as a strengthening tonic. The water has a red tinge, at certain points in the river or the tributaries, where the iron deposits on rocks or pebbles, it is blood red. It’s quite incredible. When it snows the red looks is very vivid, like something has been blood let upstream, against the white.

The last few days I’ve unfortunately disturbed Ducks with my running, they fly out of the ditches of the river. I didn’t mean to, I just couldn’t see them as the banks were so high and the water level was so low.

* – sorry, another post about the moors… oh, and birds! :)

January 30th

Heavy swirls of mist,

Water spirit’s shower screen,

Pass her the towel.

 

I was walking to the station this morning and glanced to my right, into the moors, to look at the mist clinging to the ground. I thought of the Japanese tradition of spirits in everything. Trees, Sun, Air and in this case Water. Some spirits are kind, some are malevolent (I’ve watched enough episodes of Monkey to consider myself an expert), others just like to take a lot of showers.

January 27th

 

Frost giant, tear fall,

Winter caress, piercing breath,

Her skin shimmers, love.

 

The little ripples of the cold breeze on the surface of the pond looked very beautiful today.