Saturday, July 14, 2012

Haibun



MONTGOMERY PLACE

We visit an historic house, one of many in the Hudson Valley.  

 Along the drive leading up to the mansion is an avenue of black locust.  The signature tree on this estate.  More locust on the river side.  Some over 200 years old.  Deep, knife-like ridges, forming as the tree ages, extend lengthwise down the trunk.

squinting in the sun–
character lines deeper
with each tree

We stroll past the trees, across the arboretum spread out on the far end of an expansive lawn.  Red and white oak, beech, tulip, sweet gum, sycamore, maple. Each planted to give pleasure to the viewer for its size, shape and position on the lawn.

We continue around the mansion, stepping onto the veranda.

a reclining chair
 with a river view–
a life before mine

A side path leads to a series of garden rooms, one spilling into another, like the waterfall in a shadowed corner tumbling into a pool.  The breeze plays little tricks–first teasing with late blooming roses, then honeysuckle, then sage.  We meander on the paths, noting the curving lines, the seemingly unplanned plan.  A spontaneous eruption of vistas – lawns, gardens, river.

the cries of geese
crossing the hunting grounds
of ancient tribes

Henry: A Hudson Valley Journal
May 2011


Posted by Picasa

8 comments:

Steven W. Dunn said...

Thank you for this beautiful vision.
Steven

Adelaide said...

Thank you for visiting.I appreciate your comments.

Adelaide

Gillena Cox said...

The scene is beautiful; you were a very good tour guide, haibun style

much love...

Adelaide said...

Thank you, Gillena.

Adelaide

Frank... said...

Very nice haibun, Adelaide...

Adelaide said...

Thanks, Frank. It's a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

Adelaide

Warren said...

Fantastic, Adelaide - so well written that I became part of the haibun. That's a feat for anyone, and you've achieved it marvelously.

Warren

Adelaide said...

Thank you, Warren, for your high praise.

Adelaide