I penned this poem back in the spring of 2020 while COVID-19 and the Pandemic invaded the world. I was in Salina, Kansas and a simple trip for food was a life-risking mission of necessity.
Torii and Rice
I truly love exploring the Tohoku Region of Northern Japan! This tori gate sits majestically in a rice field near Towada, Japan in Aomori Prefecture.
Scottish Stone Bridge
As I sat looking through photos on a snowy day here in Misawa, I came across photos from our trip to Scotland in 2019. This photo of a stone bridge near Cairngorms National Park is one of my favorites. We were just wandering around and once we were over the bridge Melissa looked back and said, “We have to stop and take picture. It is simply beautiful.” And she was right!
Haiku #122
Cold snowy blizzard~ white blanket causing white out~ All remains silent. © 2021 Gregory Vessar. All Rights Reserved.
Itsukushima Shrine
One of my favorite shots capturing Itsukushima Shrine tori gate from Miyajima Island in southern Japan. I took this photo during the summer of 2019. I miss traveling and moving about freely with little concern.
Brothers Gibb: A Bee Gees Top Ten!
Not too long ago, I was mesmerized by the music documentary “Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”. This film tells the story of the Brothers Gibb, also known as The Bee Gees. I’ve been a fan of the Bee Gees since I can remember. And now I have my Bee Gees Top Ten list!
Haiku #121
The snow began to fall in Misawa, Japan…and it has not stopped! We are setting records for snowfall!
My Elvis Top Ten!
I could not think of a better top ten to end the year with than an Elvis Presley Top Ten! I’ve been an Elvis fan since the first time I heard “That’s All Right”. Elvis had it all from a big, generous heart to a big, golden voice.
Haiku #120 (Fuji-san)
Many people in Japan have noticed that the mighty Mt. Fuji, an active volcano, is absent a white snow cap this year. At this time last year and most years, Fuji san’s peak was covered with snow. The last time Fuji san erupted was in 1707, and it was devastating to Tokyo and surrounding areas. Some snow fell on Fuji a few weeks ago, but seemed to disappear rather quickly. Due to the volcano’s instability and the number of earthquakes Japan experiences, Mt. Fuji is monitored by experts 24 hours a day.
Haiku #119 (Christmas Ghosts)
I was awakened this Christmas morning in Japan after being visited by several ghosts of Christmas past. I was so happy, I did not want to wake up and lose that feeling of love and warmth. I wish I had more pictures…
