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Issue #129, Meadow Park, Lyons, Colorado, August 13, 2006. Haiku contributors: Susan Peterson, Krista Morien, Robert Power, Patrick Lynn and Jonathan Machen. Photos and drawings by Jonathan except where noted.




august
slowing down
in each patch of shade




florescent bath suits
emit peals and squeals of delight
creek, rubber tubes, sun




red sandstone
leading me triumphantly
to no climbing sign




my dog on a leash
my haiku book folded shut
when shall it open?




sunday morning
as they approach the first rapids
tubers grimace




coming down the creek
wizened old skinny stickman
with a scraggly bark beard




greetings! dogs sniff
each others' butts, tom and susan
settle for a hug




for every level
of adventurer
the stream has a plan




scout cries when she sees
one of our pack walking by
i think of dublin




fat kid with a fake tattoo
floats by in a
glistening black rubber donut




spanish speaking kids
scared but curious of the dog
south of the border they bite!




not a leaf flowing
instead, battered by strong currents
i have been a rock




cheerful tubers
floating past
minnow, belly-up




sunlight and water
water and rock
rock and body




clear plastic bottle
lodged amongst red sandstone
must be number two




laden with picnic supplies
each family walks carefully around
the guy lying in the field




shedding my concerns
melting into the shadow
of river canyon




as if willow roots
not enough for thirsty plant
leaves dipping surface




tall dusty red cliffs
cool creek, slight breeze, light through leaves
sleep behind the eyes




wasp turns yellow
when it flies out of the shade
then slowly sinks to nothing




men head out alone
women stay, sharing together
the need for solitude




beyond the red-tailed hawk
the pleistocene age of clouds
carries on silently




i hear slivers
of tubing excitement
from windy ridge top




the cool clover
washes over my bare feet
bringing be home




try stopping it
the river keeps on flowing
over rough or smooth




sagging chicken wire
over that part of the river
"private property"




dog owners
leash in one hand
plastic bag in the other




not too attached
with this or that rock
my feet lead the way




hot grass smells
send me back for another summer
on my grandparents' farm




no trespassing signs
on each side of the river
freedom swiftly flows




bulging beer bellies
get a chance to float, tubing
down the river





solo/group kukai
drawing/writing/photography
jonathan machen