The challenge for 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, No. 19, 1/30/24, Part II: Deep Cold is to write a bussokuseki poem which is similar to a tanka, but has an extra line at the end: 5-7-5-7-7-7. My kigos are “ground hog day” and “depth of winter” and I used one in each of two bussokuseki. Spring really seemed to have sprung on my walk today, but of course we are supposed to get a rainstorm and cold tomorrow night.
in depth of winter
the sun comes out and warms us
the sweet acacias
blossom, perfuming the air,
birds chirp and trill their anthems
tomorrow chill will set in
***
Friday ground hog day
will determine spring’s advent
fair days came for us
with the birth of our grandson
who will celebrate one week
of life on that holiday