Writing with Hamish Gunn - Ghost Writer - August 13, 2014

Today's Ghost Writer's prompt on Carpe Diem Haiku Kai is a brilliant photograph :

Managua Hamish Gunn of Cabin Fever

This is what Chèverfeuille says about it:

 "As I saw this photo the very first time (a few days ago) the first thing which came in mind was the Ancient Celtic Oracle called "Ogham". This photo shows you Luis (in Gaelic) or Rowan. This tree is a very sacred tree in the Ogham tradition of the Druids and it stands for protection against the evil eye. In the Celtic culture the people used branches of Rowan (including leaves and fruits) above their door to shield their homes against evil. Rowan is also the Ancient Celtic name for December."

And here is his lovely haiku:    

natural shield
to keep the Devil outside -
Rowan's branch

© Chèvrefeuille

§§§§§§

rowan leaves and fruit
protect us from evil
in winter's darkness

bright leaves and berries
spied during a summer's walk
rowan tree

from mists of time
beautiful rowan memories
ancient celtic lore

© G.s.k. '14

Writing With Gibran - "Forest" - August 7, 2014

Today for Carpe Diem Haiku Kai's month of Gibran, I'm going to be inspired by the following lines Whilst reflecting on Managua Qunn's Ghost Writer Post:

[...] "We were fluttering, wandering, longing creatures a thousand thousand years before the sea and the wind in the forest gave us words. Now how can we express the ancient of days in us with only the sounds of our yesterdays?" [...]

This is Chèvrefeuille's Haiku

 listen to the wind
that moves through the forests -
buzzing mosquitos

© Chèvrefeuille

oneiric forest
wind whispering through the trees
cicada concert

raindrops glistening
oneiric morning light
the forest whispers

sea and forests
 shadows of existence
meditation

Writing with Managua Gunn - Forest - July 16, 2014

Today's Ghost Writer at Carpe Diem Haiku Kai is Managua Gunn, Managua Gunn's Cabin Fever an accomplished habun and haiku poet!
His beautiful post tells us all about the marvels of the forest, and not just poetically, but scientifically as well .. it's a post I'm sure you would enjoy.  Here, let me give you a short quote:

I am happy in the forest. The feeling of serenity that comes from walking in a forest does not stem from imagination. The natural setting, changing scenery with seasons and aromas, breezes all have wonderful benefits, and studies show that time spent among trees boosts immune system, lowers blood pressure, accordingly reduces stress and improves mood, increases ability to focus, accelerates recovery from surgery or illness, increases energy level and improves sleep,: the whole package in fact. The Japanese found a term for it: shinrin-yoku. 'forest bathing,' ...

And that was only the beginning ...

Here are two delightful haiku by Basho:

won't you come and see
loneliness? Just one leaf
from the kiri tree

Cedar umbrellas, off
to Mount Yoshimo for
the cherry blossoms

Now, after a walk in the woods, as I have no forest close by, pen in hand, I will copy a haiku that came to mind:

sparkling laughter
in the depth of the woods
water falls

spring rain drops
decorate the woods with light
in Bolognano