24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, No. 10 11/28/23, Light Snow, Part II (November—December 6).
The writing invitation for this week’s writing challenge is to write a series of three dodoitsu using one Kigo phrase (shown below) in each of the three poems.
#1: “early winter dusk”
#2: “chilly north winds blow”
#3: “warmth around the hearth,”
Dodoitsu is a Japanese poetry form dating from the end of the Edo period (1860).
The poems are untitled, do not rhyme, and have the syllable count 7-7-7-5.
I wrote my three untitled dodoitsu in response to Colleen M. Chesebro’s #Tanka Tuesday Challenge.
Three untitled dodoitsu
The days are getting shorter
cooler nights are drawing in
geese formation flypast at
early winter dusk
Light snow falling is forecast
I search my wardrobe for scarves
Woolly hats and warm jumpers
Chilly north winds blow
Glowing embers spit bright sparks
Crackling fire scenting peat coals
Hands hold steaming mugs of broth
Warmth around the hearth
NOTES
Crackling fire scenting peat coals
I mention in my third and final dodoitsu “Crackling fire scenting peat coals”. This line, I am sure, comes from a latent memory from my time in the city of Belfast. I lived and worked in the blighted city for over two years. (I know! Why did I do that?)
I rented an old large, unheated house in Hollywood. (Hollywood is near Belfast) It took me less than twenty nano seconds to realise my rented house was not in The Hollywood and I would not make my name as a film star here. Lol.)
The house had large windows and the incessant rain clattered on them with loud pitter patters. It was a house that aimed at grandeur. There was no heating apart from large open unlit fireplaces, and it was damp and cold.
I bought peat bricks to light a fire. Peat is a quick burning fuel, and it was cheap. I slept on a camp bed close in front of the fireplace for warmth. The fragrance of the peat fire is now embedded in my brain. The earthy perfume was soothing to fall asleep to… and kept the Irish ghosts at bay.
Peat in Ireland
Ireland has no oil. Insignificant amounts of coal and gas. For hundreds (if not thousands) of years, the country depended on peat for energy and heat.
Seamus Heaney in his poem Bogland writes about Irish peat. I quote stanzas four and five (to read more of the poem, click here.)
~
Butter sunk under
More than a hundred years
Was recovered salty and white.
The ground itself is kind black butter
Melting and opening underfoot,
Missing its last definition
By millions of years.
They’ll never dig coal here.
~
Carbon Sinks
Peat bogs, if they are left intact, are perfect carbon sinks. They are very good at absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Damaged peat lands are a major culprit of greenhouse gas emissions. Peat is a high carbon fuel (even worse than coal) and accounts for a massive 6% of global CO2 emissions.
The unforgettable evocative smell of peat (or turf) smoke should no longer waft into the air if we are to combat environmental damage and climate change.
The comforting warmth and aroma of a peat fire belongs in the past.
It’s now time to sign off and enjoy a peaty hot toddy by the fire.
I thank you for your visit. Cheers my friends!
ACKNOWLEDGING
My thanks to Colleen M. Chesebro #Tanka Tuesday.
Credits
Poems and photos by me.
1. Migratory geese at dusk | Cley-Next-the-Sea, Norfolk | Photo©️Lesley Scoble
2. Me on a walk in Norfolk | Photo: Andrew Perkin
3. Warmth around the hearth | Photo©️Lesley Scoble
Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright, (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.
LesleyScoble.com 
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