Two haiku

Mist clings to the land
Under skies of pink and blue--
September sunrise.


What's that mewling?
Is the car's engine purring?
Oh my, a kitten!


This morning, I stopped the car to write down the first haiku. I heard what I thought was a strange bird. After a few moments, I realized it was a cat mewling; and, remembering Pippin, our one-eyed cat, wandering around the car before I left the house, I was afraid he had gotten himself caught up in the car somehow.

I got out and looked, but couldn't see anything. There was very clearly something meowing in the engine compartment, however. I called Amy, but Pippin was at home. It was a kitten. I jacked up the car, but still couldn't get to it or see it. I tried tempting it with a bit of meat from my lunch: no luck. Finally, a mechanic on his way to work stopped and knew where a cat could hide in my engine car--up under the engine block! He crawled on top the engine and reached down behind it and came up with a little, very scared, very angry grey kitten.

Just about then, my father-in-law showed up to help too. I'm rather helpless with these things! I couldn't keep it; we have like eleven pets already. I couldn't turn it loose; it was too young to make it out in the fields on its own. I couldn't put it in my car, because I'm crazy allergic to cats. Finally, I spread out my soft windshield sunshade in the trunk and put it there.

I texted my boss that I'd be late and took the kitten to the animal shelter in Kirksville. They weren't open, but finally agreed to take the kitten when I explained my plight. What a morning!

Morning Walk

Early morning mist is lifting
Slowly, softly, clearing, drifting
Over the trees and cooing doves
Into the pale blue sky above.

The air is still and cool today
Afternoon warmth still far away.
The day is filled with autumn's breath
The scent of leaves consigned to death

I step into the rising sun
And turn toward home; my walk is done,
My greeting to the day complete;
It's time to shower, dress, and eat.