Here in central Japan, May is when farmers flood the paddy fields. There’s abundant sunshine and rain, and sometimes typhoons. Plants and animals, birds and insects flourish. There is a great deal to see and hear. This is from 2008.
On the way to work
The sun already up and warm by 6:00
On the roadsides, poppies, daisies, the last of the azaleas
In the fields, rotting lettuces and insect-shredded cabbages
Rows of newly-planted tomatoes, eggplants
The sudden sweetness of honeysuckle
From deep in a thicket, the bush warbler's song
On the way home
The moon, full and clear
Gnats, bats
The pulsing croak of frogs
The keening buzz of a solitary insect
Lights in the windows, and
the smell of an evening meal
--Julian
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