By Anya Blasser
A year ago around this time (late August to early September) we were experiencing the Camp Creek fire. As I was walking my dogs in the wee hours (as I do), I was observing the night sky (as I do) and noticing the smoke from the wildfire–in particular, how it was affecting the appearance of the moon. I wrote a series of haikus over the course of a couple of weeks and was wondering if you would find them worthy of publication in the September issue of The Mountain Times. I’m attaching them as a PDF. Please let me know your opinion. Thank you!
The Moon and Wildfire Smoke:
A Haiku Journal
Friday, August 25, 2023
Deep gold half circle
Like a coin clipped in minting
Smoke from the wildfire
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Another strange moon
This one pink with red halo
Smoke from the wildfire
Monday, August 28, 2023
Can’t see moon tonight
Don’t know if it’s just clouds or
Smoke from the wildfire
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
In the rain-washed sky
White moon above dark clouds or
Smoke from the wildfire?
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Bright blue super moon
Circled by hazy rainbow
Smoke from the wildfire
Thursday, August 31, 2023
In bright, hazy sky
The moon drifts in and out of
Smoke from the wildfire
Friday, September 1, 2023
Moon just past the full
Beautiful day, clear night; not much
Smoke from the wildfire
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Clouds light and clouds dark
Moon creates both when there’s no
Smoke from the wildfire
Sunday, September 3, 2023
No moon; misty rain
Patters on leaves, washing out
Smoke from the wildfire
Monday, September 4, 2023
Clouds blanket the sky
Obscuring if there’s any
Smoke from the wildfire
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Waning half moon shines
Cold, clear air holds no trace of
Smoke from the wildfire
Anya Blasser
Rhododendron