This is the last part of my Haiku photo walk. There were many more Haiku than what I have featured here so I have just selected a few of my favorites!
This bridge was designed and installed especially for the Haiku walk. It features birds on the steel sides. I took the photo below from the bridge.
There's a Haiku Stone somewhere in the river, exposed to the whims of Mother Nature.I like the idea of these stones are part of the environment as well as from it. I didn't see the river Haiku Stone, it never occured to me to look in the river for one! Next time I am there I will seek it out.
Scattered
across water- parts
of the sun
John O'Connor (NZ)
distant ranges
indigo spills
under the bright sky
John Knight (Aus)
This Haiku describes the real placing of the stone well, as the founder intended the Haiku were placed in an area that reflected the writing. The Kaimai ranges can be clearly seen in the distance.
One at each end
of the park bench
a man a woman
Jeanette Stace (NZ)
You guessed it, this stone is next to a bench, near the bridge and over looking the river. Tall willows provide shade.
The last two Haiku arn't as visually pleasing, lacking the character that the stones have, but they are an important part of the walk becasue they reflect the community aspect of the walk. About 20 inscriptions can be found on the pathway and each one is a piece of winning Haiku submitted to a local Haiku contest. Quite fitting for walk that is situated along the Uretara River which was once the 'road' travelled by the earliest settlers to this part of NZ.Without the river the community wouldn't have thrived, it was the lifeblood of the area.
Thankyou to everyone who's commented to tell me that they've enjoyed the walk- I've enjoyed having you with me for it!
