BASHO IN THE BACKYARD

Bare branches tickle
tummies of soft scudding clouds
hammock in winter

The fish swim slowly
undisturbed by frog’s leap
pond waits in winter

Armadillo digs
rooting for worms she worms roots
after winter rain

The chickens are gone
neighbour moved and took them
silence in winter

Patter on tin roof
squirrels play chase and mate
winter almost over

Relax your ear hear
buds and blossoms soften sound
wind chime in spring