2026-06-10T00:08:34Z https://yabu.me Simon J Ashcroft https://yabu.me/npub16u2566y2err6rj53e7txv99t5mfl24r93xrvfghxa2aa0l09ndjq0rf307 https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/accounts/avatars/112/729/242/898/749/435/original/dca100f08e6ac948.jpg https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/accounts/avatars/112/729/242/898/749/435/original/dca100f08e6ac948.jpg https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsqfnu3vnwt9vuw6htwhxhw745xztnu5aq629j44ztcspuumxweqnqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgtatxt3 Conflict<br/><br/>I know fire and ice,<br/>as they rage within my soul, <br/>both undefeated;<br/>flames remain unquenched, and yet<br/>I cannot melt frozen shards.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-03-30T22:19:43Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsphtqjntzcq5cymvkvku3755cw227y2g2nf70h0j36l3wsdm3kfyszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg6u68es Cloudless<br/><br/>If only my heart<br/>was clear as cold night, but warm<br/>as relentless light<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-03-28T21:57:07Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqstclq7sysepzyh2q33n63qmsde5mp376kp4qqef8clquryus3hycszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgmfdyh6 Imprisoned<br/><br/>Mist descends, again,<br/>and a biting wind returns,<br/>driving warmth away;<br/>this year, Winter refuses<br/>to release me to Spring&#39;s care.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-03-24T18:11:13Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsyj6jsu8ld6kxvmkdsjz2u2mmg58e2ljzwpufc7ga3asg0ycpll3qzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgsll3d7 Invoke<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork #pagan<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/218/941/627/649/419/original/e1095225c3e9d883.jpg"> <br/> 2026-03-13T00:06:34Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs07xn8s304dge6jd639fwchqtvl2prcwx373qrcq6ft2y60jsmleqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgew2gzv Dissolution<br/><br/>Cists on the mynydd,<br/>long since collapsed into earth,<br/>hold secrets as ghosts.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-03-11T23:22:01Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsqwv03vvj7s98zn3t84kmh5zf6gupdu90g3vyd8nx37gs66hv9ndszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkge790za Polemic<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/193/494/993/212/736/original/dca502024236fc94.jpg"> <br/> 2026-03-08T12:15:34Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs2hjy6rpkp6wz96tuq04fqu9ek4kxnfw2xmc8n446n7edel5ry2sqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgcqvknq Tired<br/><br/>I am so weary<br/>of dancing shadows, that flee<br/>into the darkness.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-03-07T23:42:08Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs093ten3eetvwakr6qyhnlh0a675aker9ud9pyq68tlk9v9a5yhggzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgss8mdj In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs93uvzyq2hhqqjg9usmp242vtthe9tugcf3aadkq0864s8undn44cl0axmk'>nevent1q…axmk</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Another snort of catnip and you really will be flying...<br/><video controls width="100%" class="max-h-[90vh] bg-neutral-300 dark:bg-zinc-700"><source src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/171/532/668/878/615/original/1fc4e2345e7eb5ef.mp4"></video><br/> 2026-03-04T15:09:53Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsxs4j76d6u0fh7hmj22x8fpch4c7ugfnxwwmlkykwc0sjzyh305zgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgehzgsn In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs9z7w5g8v5ez47ur59tma36elle9xeqfztkzrty8kn4k2l4nup3tsyvgxng'>nevent1q…gxng</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>That would be a bit like choosing to build your own car as a preferred method of transport.<br/><br/>Try it. Let us all know if it gets you airborne... 2026-03-04T14:45:40Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs8t6vpxy72m45lulpnrq7gmxyt98kknnx2jlduhgfsu9wphw94d9czyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgkdggcs In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsvedqwzm85dsv0quztgsu8na7hk8t0gjna9aj9hs880rf8mllggmgfllqse'>nevent1q…lqse</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Lydia in the Sky with Dæmons? 2026-03-04T14:40:08Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs9pwut9un8pz7a7dzvzdhr7uac9x9wt4ncjx30re6fkzh460kgq6czyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg043vyd In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsfsx5rpady0zp236fhyhx0medtg87z2rncv8vdq3576k3wxldxvkqkjf923'>nevent1q…f923</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Do you type faster on catnip? 2026-03-04T14:37:19Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsgngf8vn9vzfuss9t8u9rtqrq53e7kc0xztlmkf8nqd6sfslm02zczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgdj9zkx In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsqag35d7etw5mnwhucll6jfndcxykxu42py0wkp95cjc4mp7ds0ac4wtasc'>nevent1q…tasc</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>I can&#39;t really help as I do not write stories, but...<br/><br/>I now have a mental image of you disappearing into your own computer screen in a mad frenzy of editing.<br/><video controls width="100%" class="max-h-[90vh] bg-neutral-300 dark:bg-zinc-700"><source src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/171/283/326/987/300/original/b6537f9a7299f3b6.mp4"></video><br/> 2026-03-04T14:06:32Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsq2jx43cndjfr7qnca4428t5la52rda59mr3pt7vukpqnpumhha6gzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkghypshu Unending<br/><br/>Through all ages, from<br/>the first cataclysmic flame<br/>until all light dies,<br/>we cannot escape the ties<br/>that bind us in the darkness.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-03-03T21:05:26Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsvpd22cuckhje0avtzmlv83cvclmfcq56nmj4sarspwskgfkedmzszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgqx9vgt The Calling<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/153/888/275/143/299/original/d9e30844d98e61e7.jpg"> <br/> 2026-03-01T12:21:44Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsgf6cee6rry9pzm58txm00cumky6fc0ergrp8gcnm0lls03u86u6czyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgrd5w7v Entrenched<br/><br/>Our enemy stands<br/>with feet firmly planted on<br/>ground we cannot reach;<br/>a hidden fortress, flying<br/>the colours of our own blood.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-02-23T22:33:59Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsyvwl9tpyd79lkrx2dmxxrde6jlhf4rhc9zc7eu6cp0e59gh6xhfczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg8mfdut Lords<br/><br/>May those who advance<br/>a claim to power, choke on<br/>their corrupt vomit.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-02-23T22:09:25Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsvd04ldzcc0ydm0s26y4yp8rz4fzr8zfm0z09k04jwktjcnskf3vgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgkuwwfw In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs2x6rjqvww2kyurlcgzlpg56r0yxd6nlsltjfh3n5tfxat735pgqqxa3kw6'>nevent1q…3kw6</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>There is never a good age at which to lose a parent. You will work out how to carry this loss, though it will never leave you, I suspect. All the best. 2026-02-23T21:38:02Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs8jlkdufcxf67fzq5xvnkpgdxhf8pzq828zdpptuac5smmuartexczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg2wt6jk Moment<br/><br/>Water flows over<br/>broken stones in the afon;<br/>no drop will return.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-02-22T21:03:15Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqswl70cax3rmfy5h4ta4a22f3zeywttslp9vhzvsdskng3lekzjh8gzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgvq9836 Incendiary<br/><br/>Let hope be a matchstick:<br/>ready to strike a faint light;<br/>able to burn worlds.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-02-19T23:25:05Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqszp2ur252y2e6j0ayfz08q7ms3d6m0nm4w8gtr9ghlrnj8q6jaj5gzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgwtznwp Round<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/116/094/338/915/716/360/original/9b8f1b29f23e4dc9.jpg"> <br/> 2026-02-18T23:58:06Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqspe284f0f45hkwwx8fg2cuf90cngc2p4xadhycpj3ecrmmjd6x5uczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgkfvxkm Faun, Belladonna<br/><br/>&#34;Wayfarer, rest with me in the garden of Hekate&#34;<br/><br/><a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aB5zFHkNqhM">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aB5zFHkNqhM</a><br/><br/>#Faun #Belladonna #Hekate 2026-02-11T23:49:13Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsxvywlfe5sehsfugfp8mqht5jlmqvvgxp7ljlgvnehstdlm05fk0gzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgquw2tv Faun, Drei Tage<br/><br/>Zwölf lange Nächte dreht sich das Rad.<br/>Im Traum umfängt mich was einst war<br/><br/>Twelve long nights the wheel turns.<br/>In dreams, what once was embraces me<br/><br/><a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ebOMbbYizF8">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ebOMbbYizF8</a><br/><br/>#Faun #DreiTage 2026-02-02T23:39:50Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs9ect70urgv0pfda2lpxfh7f8et0sketrkar2qaf2txf4p52vvmqczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkghx3u94 Rider<br/><br/>My heart is ready<br/>to take flight on the wild winds,<br/>in search of lost dreams;<br/>and if they remain hidden,<br/>may I be lost in the hunt.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-02-02T22:36:26Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsws5zq649mue04vj63yhvhvd875h70ktx082njfaw7gyzvjttcx2szyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgg39kx3 Castaway<br/><br/>I&#39;m shipwrecked in time,<br/>unable to reach the shore<br/>of my forever.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-01-28T21:07:22Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsqnzqxyaswsm6gf3dyycjus23ycsn3axcmqgrlvqezddpu886a7kczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgu8a5x4 In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs07cc65qx6y6yvvkn80yfwh846rr0gxqn9n27z7ktmhxjgtsy3pcgm7ymky'>nevent1q…ymky</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Very sorry for your loss. 2026-01-28T19:52:40Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqspfl4y9x6pnvyfk37nl78l9ec5ukn7p7mfytq2zykpacnpucyeppszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgu3vw8p In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsqjf6a53vzc3s4hqrr2w862z6w0v57xtlklq6lhmgpu99r08r9pcggkqpyq'>nevent1q…qpyq</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>I&#39;ve heard various suggestions as to tonal differences or alterations in breathing. The reality is that we have no recordings and any of our speculations are likely wrong.<br/><br/>Modern Greek tends to concentrate on stress, but how far that has ancient precedent strikes me as supposition.<br/><br/> [@Cat_LeFey](<a href="https://pagan.plus/@Cat_LeFey">https://pagan.plus/@Cat_LeFey</a> ) 2026-01-23T22:45:17Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsfx9m9ltjvgj74kutnjxr8wjk483qu7dz5zfgwtw03yd4fkzxdleqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgf7tnuz In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsydrdvszdaej8ysxregfhlrwpqfh4mepp45ldr6h5ngwr7nkr4uqgayn0fy'>nevent1q…n0fy</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>If you need a guide to the alphabet and pronunciation, I can help. It&#39;ll be the modern version – but no-one really knows what the ancients sounded like...! 2026-01-23T19:53:20Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsddswvxqu5we3atcempdk7t47scxdma63evv7zms9srydasmvp8tszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkghv78nr Sometimes<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/945/715/593/911/214/original/362318e221ea4f0f.jpg"> <br/> 2026-01-23T18:02:03Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqst8enu34xzw9ja9pxkadzsmm527snevu5vx3wwr3q7rjvmhv9hd9czyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgvavnr7 In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs889mvde75lksxvzp6g9xjpvls6knedynlurptf3662p8xwpsfk2q2qf28q'>nevent1q…f28q</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Other.<br/><br/>I use Greek. Just the current version.<br/><br/>Same language, after all. 2026-01-23T17:57:50Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs044vg53h5g92r79qt6ta2d9uclxsvzpgp3rsexkg38679xrgrmzgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg6mhu96 Faithless<br/><br/>I will not worship,<br/>nor disrespect the Old Gods<br/>with meaningless faith;<br/>we share a spirit of life<br/>that never bows as a slave.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-01-21T22:36:39Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsy8cjgd9mtlvurev9v86ws8tu402j6g55jfdxd6agpzhas88se0zszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgmrmx5n Hiker<br/><br/>Walking paths long since<br/>overgrown with thorns, I know<br/>I don’t belong here;<br/>yet I search for part of me<br/>so lost, in this wasteland.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-01-19T14:29:14Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsz5tlgfph6hvtmfawslef70u0nmcdkqj3rwlm84k6kermxna9dn6szyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgycp9fj When Time Stops<br/><br/>When will you join me,<br/>to stare into the flames, and<br/>laugh at our folly?<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-01-19T14:27:07Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsvsh0jpy8tn3uqrv6usu72e7jy7vca2gxn0vzqet58pcx0as3eg8czyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg8saxmw Paperback covers of my 3 volumes of poetry, also for e-readers:<br/>1. Remnants (haiku / senryu)<br/>2. A Deeper Sky (longer poems)<br/>3. Lost Trails (haiku / senryu)<br/><br/>All available via Amazon (<a href="https://tinyurl.com/fc3njxup">https://tinyurl.com/fc3njxup</a>) &amp; Rakuten Kobo:<br/><a href="https://tinyurl.com/3vu3yr86">https://tinyurl.com/3vu3yr86</a><br/><a href="https://tinyurl.com/DeeperSkyKobo">https://tinyurl.com/DeeperSkyKobo</a><br/><a href="https://tinyurl.com/Lost-Trails-Kobo">https://tinyurl.com/Lost-Trails-Kobo</a><br/><br/>#Indie #author #haiku #senryu #poetry<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/909/290/441/347/540/original/071a516b71ba9582.jpg"> <br/> 2026-01-17T07:48:58Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsd36adp5ctf7ufz5dzyt479pxgyx72zne08nxjvmm3tagsgma0cvczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgnufrkw Sleep<br/><br/>I am weary, now,<br/>and the clouds won&#39;t relinquish<br/>their hold on my eyes;<br/>were I to sleep, might I find<br/>a dream from which I&#39;ll not wake?<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-01-15T23:18:15Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsw642ht40de74qmg4etx8gu97hcwfnlwp8vjp0ymnynx53hl2ykvczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgc62579 Calling Me<br/><br/>I long for wild seas,<br/>where the salt wind scours my face<br/>and tides devour rock;<br/>too long, I have stood in pride,<br/>defying waves to free me.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2026<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-01-13T23:08:55Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsr390zjzhu4jv8ck42f94zzwe9al4cwjmsp6lpm0e5ywd8ar6vnhgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgjzaefs Lost Trails<br/><br/>My second book of haiku / senryu, completing the collection of verses written up to the end of 2024, is available on Amazon (paperback and e-reader) and Rakuten Kobo (e-reader)<br/><br/>UK links here:<br/><br/><a href="https://tinyurl.com/Lost-Trails-AmazonUK">https://tinyurl.com/Lost-Trails-AmazonUK</a><br/><br/><a href="https://tinyurl.com/Lost-Trails-Kobo">https://tinyurl.com/Lost-Trails-Kobo</a><br/><br/>#indie #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #haiku #senryu<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/856/144/863/825/850/original/b1a81eb807de9161.jpeg"> <br/> 2026-01-07T22:23:54Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqspz0agug9fmqp9d2sgtld9f2xau3js5ysadvhuxtfkj4aj8f3sazczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgpnypya One Way<br/><br/>As we walked alone,<br/>so must we go on, until<br/>Fate is satisfied.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-01-02T23:13:49Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsgw9uxflv9wwjh3scke73g7vk50f8pl67tcxfqzx27s9hz3tq974czyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgr3ac29 Hub<br/><br/>Wheels turn, but nothing<br/>ends, or begins, through ages;<br/>time is a liar.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2026-01-01T21:00:08Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsywzf7wx4df87xazyr7p4w73a56lw7fs7a8hjxqzwsjrgwdlldv3czyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgx7055l Ways<br/><br/>The road forks, one way<br/>to a summit beneath stars,<br/>one to deep shadow.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-12-26T21:18:52Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs8tg48uprdh8q7pputgjhsdktqgy44nfx7unql4wkp89y3tzcq5pszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg5p8jev The Pause<br/><br/>One day, I will have<br/>no song, for an interval;<br/>but, for now, I sing.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-12-22T17:47:20Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs9ynjhlsaycahzyr3e6dakvjp9zvhumnu7ld34nyqkw5jfnfwtslqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgks040z Audible<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/735/085/295/534/649/original/5681a06d24e7c650.jpg"> <br/> 2025-12-17T13:14:58Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqst37fer72a7ll3nzucdx45dyw8593ny9erl2xmkxhkcqhxcpef3kczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg4vqqf0 I went down to the sea, again. It was a calm day at Ynys y Barri.<br/><br/>#sjAshcroftsPhotos #Wales #Cymru<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025; CC-BY-NC-ND<br/>These photos are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit<br/><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</a>.<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/709/125/423/067/957/original/94b11cade7fd0344.jpg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/709/126/172/789/544/original/d8cbf8795744387b.jpg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/709/126/368/286/801/original/483f51703a01daee.jpeg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/709/126/539/290/099/original/25d21665c7c31dc5.jpg"> <br/> 2025-12-12T23:29:38Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsd5ssgxcn85md6w9vyx70y3uc2p0qj3y0mv846au3rdfe5qae0dyqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkggqrp26 Treasure Hunt<br/><br/>If I explore dreams, <br/>will the wind-haunted mountains<br/>tell me my secrets?<br/>These things carved into my heart<br/>too deep to be read awake.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-12-11T23:24:15Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs060wganlvs244qhg3l5ls027wxafmufhfmcvsfqcljlyww50r9dgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgtfmwwl Forecast<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/692/319/617/711/371/original/d53edc5463f8b061.jpg"> <br/> 2025-12-09T23:58:54Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqszpz74pfxv2d70khgvvlveprzdvnq29dg0gh4xh9c7aaf8maydf9szyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgdpjxt4 Steppe<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/674/986/874/870/767/original/930e518fae7314f1.jpg"> <br/> 2025-12-06T22:31:16Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqswq9gr8zanu7fmke4vdlpekja3ntlh0rqc4wjp7yrvhqs5ehhfefqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg60c4kf Equation<br/><br/>We are born alone,<br/>will die alone, brought nothing<br/>and take nothing back.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-12-06T22:02:46Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs0fapkrdvhveg8jhlj2d0hjzu6ryhcknvh0wd2yfc485c57ng75hgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkguaa2su Dreamcall<br/><br/>My mind flies across<br/>the blackness of a night sky<br/>full of unwept rain;<br/>free, I hear the wild hunt howl<br/>a summons I can&#39;t deny.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-12-06T20:32:01Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqswq5rdxj6z6q7806qxepjw8ld9k3zg4wfv979s2z877kmnh93a3vgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgwj7pxf Mist and mystery<br/><br/>Two days ago, I found the mountain was rising from mist. Trees became like an impressionist painting...<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025; CC-BY-NC-ND<br/>This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit<br/><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</a>.<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/673/361/603/293/845/original/21fa80632d5ad500.jpg"> <br/> 2025-12-06T15:37:55Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs9mqpqejft5fazg7t3fq09f6jf8rl45jl24pacty64kxkgkwd6r2szyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgy4qdn5 Dirt<br/><br/>Is no part of life<br/>more than empty illusion,<br/>dissolving to dust?<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-12-05T20:16:26Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqswgt453rdu5a5wvwkatuqhpheqcav3q4u29gqwreuchc4n4wl7wggzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgk7m6xv Battlescar<br/><br/>Just one foe I fear,<br/>whom I will never defeat,<br/>nor hope to escape;<br/>locked in vicious, lifelong war,<br/>with my implacable self.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-12-02T20:52:01Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsw2pnh84v6ud2jv28usrake04xxsyskwdf47e7c7upetzqv03rthqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgfv7ccc Seeker<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/617/292/136/588/558/original/9a40242d570c4684.jpg"> <br/> 2025-11-26T17:59:01Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsy5ed60vylcngee7xznzrh6fecttcpulh2zm2782x5wtxmhtxtwfgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgfxy2n0 One Nature<br/><br/>Always, fire has blazed<br/>in the coldest heart, as ice<br/>gleamed, in flame&#39;s spirit.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-11-25T18:08:57Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsrd7yeykmlxh49faspe5tk4z0wdtwzv4gy6tzg9sy5nlszzenyamgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgvzq553 Ghost<br/><br/>First snow has fallen<br/>on the dark stone mountain top<br/>where my spirit walks.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-11-19T22:10:25Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsxusyg5dp7h6kkvc9hll5x9n845zthhfz3k6jy8rr9cen0779p55qzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgd6545u North Wind<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/573/412/327/378/738/original/930fff9c6647e260.jpg"> <br/> 2025-11-18T23:59:12Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs8ed2hmhuyagh504f25e5r409adukkrlaa0k8exashalsfdd44qpqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgptef9p Guarded <br/><br/>I have walked alone,<br/>regardless of those around,<br/>for lifetimes, it feels;<br/>fire won&#39;t burn my heart again,<br/>or ice freeze, unless I choose.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-11-17T23:25:35Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsp7v5dj5t9rr5wwgvqawv0vvn5x2yeu9hfclyh995plkzjqrmxqggzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgct0dp3 Local river, looking uncomfortably full. We missed the worst of the flooding, though the paths had some mud to suggest there had been some, and the downstream car park was closed.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025; CC-BY-NC-ND<br/>These gifs are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit<br/><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</a>.<br/><video controls width="100%" class="max-h-[90vh] bg-neutral-300 dark:bg-zinc-700"><source src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/559/425/004/936/361/original/1f8d5554eb8c8379.mp4"></video><br/><video controls width="100%" class="max-h-[90vh] bg-neutral-300 dark:bg-zinc-700"><source src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/559/425/024/244/328/original/75bb1011ef483fb5.mp4"></video><br/> 2025-11-16T12:45:45Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsp4tshcegkht630kf3shygj0z32ux0d3cunstu7jwyyr553er484qzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgxvsyu3 Blood-cold<br/><br/>The wind from the sea<br/>rises, and sings on mountains<br/>of restless winter;<br/>it carries ice in its voice,<br/>and I long to feel its cold.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-11-13T23:25:10Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs07fkfmxhz26wgarkeuc2anvjw2lngw976jfjxnpre2ed8qpwsh6qzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgdzp58c #ScribesAndMakers 11, Describe a setting that feels magical without using the word magic.<br/><br/>The moss. It carpets the ground, swallows the stones. Where the water streams along that narrow brook, and bubbles under a rotting bridge, it even seems to be reaching beyond the bank. The ancient trees, bent with age and silence, wear that moss as a fleece against the winter winds. And the stillness. It sinks into your bones, as the moss breathes softly, and the woodland broods, watching, waiting. 2025-11-11T14:46:01Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsr3994mlkzxvqaqqzyslqvyme4fppeg9gg3kp5le0xttgnc8fc2uszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgmvp0uj Toll<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/520/860/565/974/730/original/06f70ebfc53c7a39.jpg"> <br/> 2025-11-09T17:14:40Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs2nrwe93js9k684vgqqm56wt0czktzx0lt4fmyen6t8mzm0zv87zszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgdgpt8j Wye oh Wye...<br/><br/>St Peter&#39;s Church, very near the bank of the River Wye, Monmouth. In fact, so close, had I taken a few steps back whilst photographing, I&#39;d have fallen in.<br/><br/>The photo of the river is further downstream.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025; CC-BY-NC-ND<br/>These photos are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit<br/><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</a>.<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/516/654/468/464/358/original/bec3fafe5befedba.jpg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/516/654/659/084/421/original/aa549a5385639bf9.jpg"> <br/> 2025-11-08T23:35:44Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs88xdaenm3pwsy2vd6w9g2ve6f82xq45sdrnalrf3x5nvc6fkk47czyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgueyr6f Mountain Air<br/><br/>Cold air penetrates<br/>to the core of my being;<br/>Winter, my old friend.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-11-04T23:52:50Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsgaan9gwwszc4arrk6s4w7gyrhmzl4yw6wxvtmucqrzeugr4u3kjqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgg0fm8r Copper Coin<br/><br/>Asleep to the world,<br/>busy people, filling dreams<br/>with constant action;<br/>yet all will pass to nothing,<br/>and their dreams dissolve to mist.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-11-03T23:43:49Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsrzn5h8e4gdgtrtjghw8kzn68xa9chr0s70gq9h0jyulnwrqlwm7szyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg9expej Chapter<br/><br/>For the final time<br/>I switch off the light, and leave<br/>memories to fade.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-31T18:02:26Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqswzzar7qth2ve80z8ae0ssdmcvpwh4v6w50l84vf5epscehs0pf2szyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgfnas9p Alone in the darkness, listening to the wind outside. It&#39;s the closest thing to &#34;bliss&#34; I know. 2025-10-26T22:46:46Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsg4fy7yvvxnc4swqf6w855x54uju60emsqrxt38kut533vq6alkwqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgf8w6ng Communion<br/><br/>This evening comes with<br/>rain on my window, lonely <br/>wind and charcoal sky;<br/>tonight, I seek the silence<br/>of the gathering darkness.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-26T17:11:38Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsfcntuyd98ehpvxrgkxmfyl42pe69k7k7yxj57rsyk9e374g3avxgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgj5q6rp Dog<br/><br/>I have seen enough<br/>that the signs show nothing new,<br/>and words can&#39;t impress.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-23T22:26:04Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsxeq38qcnge35utcuu555l9shvvtx9h4f58h7mehehhtz3m6l4wjqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg0pr4t0 Dark Clouds<br/><br/>Air cries in anger,<br/>and I need to spread my wings,<br/>to soar on its wrath.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-23T15:18:57Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsvz7eksy8mwv2kcxntpzafsvrg5g2eqyu06xklmwxclgv827l3j8qzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgyuv8rs Voice<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/420/306/742/786/239/original/d755408be86e15b8.jpg"> <br/> 2025-10-22T23:02:22Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs26sfpx6scgm06klqkmwhkfpx0yzt95tx3aam86607vdgcm7zc0kqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgace8p6 In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsd4cn28q4ku0unjrjy7cjxh9sfk9qscsjxu3lghhdrscer6872lnc2rr7pz'>nevent1q…r7pz</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Still not available here. Maybe it&#39;s something to do with the AWS outage people are talking about...<br/><br/>[@poetry](<a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/poetry">https://a.gup.pe/u/poetry</a> ) [@haiku](<a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/haiku">https://a.gup.pe/u/haiku</a> ) [@art](<a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/art">https://a.gup.pe/u/art</a> ) 2025-10-20T21:19:34Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsrjxucnmeuct0fjnl9r9htcr7k8xm49g559pa77utqfxq6rda7cdszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgh2sm2n In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs94j3hy0mp0rqdk3npyfxpphnwk63ed3wlan0ljzfyuc4gcqnve0gfynddd'>nevent1q…nddd</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>It&#39;s probably temporary, but just to let you know your llnk resolves to an &#34;Error 502: Bad Gateway&#34; at the moment.<br/><br/>[@poetry](<a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/poetry">https://a.gup.pe/u/poetry</a> ) [@haiku](<a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/haiku">https://a.gup.pe/u/haiku</a> ) [@art](<a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/art">https://a.gup.pe/u/art</a> ) 2025-10-20T20:40:58Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs0ryfc96em33cscu67wxgskeyem4u2y626qfv2unhx9w9hvvcg4uszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkglvg6yw Call<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/400/468/048/567/390/original/77df4d96df9e778e.jpg"> <br/> 2025-10-19T10:58:03Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsgandqtmw2q729ah25nl5pznh5wpln2dkugzp5qe4x5f2djuynlhgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg8pzxap It&#39;s Sunday<br/><br/>The coffee beans were ground in profusion, sufficient to make a pint of very strong brew, and flavoured with plenty of cardomom. This was drunk with some rapidity after a good 20 minutes of brewing...<br/><br/>I don&#39;t know if it will make the day better in any objective sense, but it helped me...<br/><br/>#Sunday #coffee 2025-10-19T10:11:21Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqspl23vf50n8qw5zw9edgczve5j2r4hylls78y6ws9uqestm7vfyvgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg8l0a3z Direction<br/><br/>I&#39;m lost on a path<br/>that seems to lead where the Moon<br/>can&#39;t relieve the night.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-16T22:48:39Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsp58t9s90w6l6t93rnrusfc8zqg6g58y298cqpwfjsp5kk0ldefhqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg8x7xj9 Winter&#39;s Grip<br/><br/>The ice has returned<br/>to the paths I trod, across<br/>wastelands I called home;<br/>it welcomes me, as if I&#39;d<br/>never left, for promised warmth.<br/><br/>Were we wrong, seeking<br/>to build a castle in clouds,<br/>with but mist for stone?<br/>Our shadows could not embrace,<br/>as all dissolved to vapour.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/><br/>Each verse a #tanka 2025-10-16T22:44:31Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsyac4yqxx0j7skmraw2d3l5w6x84pzcphtfuzycscd2zvy3cpf8sgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg3lxcqz Pankration<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/374/926/024/100/485/original/489c1eb317025bdd.jpg"> <br/> 2025-10-14T20:26:37Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsprq2rd6jhjx905yc4r4lnmakjrfjfs0elxe9eg0x9gdtfekhrklczyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg6pxs6v Soloists<br/><br/>As I write each verse,<br/>a fractured sky tells how, once,<br/>we sang together.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-12T19:08:41Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs2yszk4f3u9k83v6x4jfhcvhalzxq77g06end6nrytwsz8v30x58qzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkghtwxur The Longship<br/><br/>I set fire only<br/>to what could not be sustained,<br/>when trust died, naked;<br/>nor is there resurrection<br/>for the phoenix of our dreams.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-11T22:22:24Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs8p72gw7yyaxzlssag24fu07a5ztusv8ghvauyz5wkgr8v89mafrgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg0p8rym Toast<br/><br/>I&#39;ll no more drink to<br/>the &#34;today&#34; we dishonour,<br/>but to memory;<br/>I raise my bottle to names<br/>long dead, who deserve better.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-10T22:36:05Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsxesqk43q3lwraphxp50csuh9mz3cw3hm9688j3lrnrgkchd436tszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkguhmdwc The mist on the Mynydd Maen this morning... my thought got lost in it, until a lady walking past jarred me into the present by saying I looked pensive...<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPhotos #photo #Wales #Cymru<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025; CC-BY-NC-ND<br/>This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit<br/><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</a>.<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/340/958/274/357/241/original/c62e957726c8e30f.jpg"> <br/> 2025-10-08T22:48:08Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqspk9w6mrlck425q777pkhg09puemh4sq328364mdhf9dk7f7zhy5qzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg8x49nx Origins<br/><br/>We dared to look past<br/>kind Lethe&#39;s shores, finding such<br/>promised joy and pain;<br/>since then, this world holds no light –<br/>ye Gods, I want to go home.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-08T22:14:02Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsgmtccvxa8v5t3hf9l4uwf5xqp0pe8sd7283sjvwxge0eywpdpagszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg5yyw3h #ScribesAndMakers 8, Why do you think some people don&#39;t see value in creativity?<br/><br/>Some see no value in anything that does not make money.<br/><br/>Some see no value in anything that does not involve kicking or hitting a ball [as a generic term for any sporting activity, ball related or otherwise]<br/><br/>Some do not want to make the effort required to appreciate it.<br/><br/>Most appreciate something creative, but just forget that is what they are doing.<br/><br/>In short, varying levels of greed and laziness. 2025-10-08T14:41:01Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqswk7ejrezw8a00lq3jg46a2jj5gkk8tuqp2cnwe50sq03cvf6869qzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgng59qn Remembrance<br/><br/>Though all I can do<br/>is hold you in memory,<br/>I will be faithful.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-07T22:38:54Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqszcymrxz2jupjp6g9cgx4zrq2xlrhnhxxqndqay9pjcflxv8qzveqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgxdf97m Endings<br/><br/>The World spins, but forgets<br/>the days it sheds<br/>into cosmic silence.<br/>Forgotten, too,<br/>all meaning, in this life,<br/>leaking into darkness.<br/><br/>Night is always waiting<br/>to rob our eyes<br/>of treasured images,<br/>painted by light;<br/>in time, the void&#39;s triumph<br/>is sure, as death wins all.<br/><br/>I&#39;ve learned stars always lie.<br/>They promise hope,<br/>but hide malicious hell<br/>behind desire.<br/>Dissolution&#39;s kindness<br/>waits, in deepest absence.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-07T20:11:12Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsgekc05gwk5x3hvn9pnzaczq36xgklnary8n9un6cd6lal0atdk3gzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgt35ctz #ScribesAndMakers 7, How often do you go to art galleries?<br/><br/>Not often.<br/><br/>But my father was an artist, in oil and water colours, so, practically, I used to live in one. 2025-10-07T09:07:33Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqspmu84j8tqr2xm0xs8rp672awqnv2mtkml2zut9nn0gw8r4px2k5gzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg4qtrs2 #ScribesAndMakers 5, Do you make your creations available for people to read/view/use?<br/><br/>I post here, and on Friendica, Diaspora and WordPress. Not everything, but quite a bit.<br/><br/>I publish physical and e-book versions.<br/><br/>Seems pretty available to me... 2025-10-05T11:42:38Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsrq64lvh93wksh99q487me85c5jqh2y4reyzu6445fahe9s2q0gfszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgpzgm52 Εμπρηστικός<br/><br/>Φλέγομαι, αλλά,<br/>αν κλαίω, δάκρυα δεν<br/>σβήνουν τις φλογές.<br/><br/>Incendiary<br/><br/>I am in flames, but<br/>if I weep, my tears will not<br/>put out the bonfire.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>Another attempt at a Greek haiku / senryu. The translation is not entirely literal, in order to preserve the verse structure. As ever, if any native Greek speaker spots an error, I will be glad to be corrected.<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #ποίημα #ελληνικά <br/> #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-05T10:50:25Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsvdn3nus803ew7u76rm4e5wz2rn0vc0lxr33tkkefna2m4n2veytszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkghj5wm8 Songs of Darkness<br/><br/>If night holds music<br/>and poetry, I have yet<br/>to learn to listen.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-10-02T20:19:05Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsqucl4wnxz56kxk7tpfse007s92m03vv652m3jwws6re0rp6j05sszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgvmrcq4 In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqswkvmx0wd8mzk4425rej8jlqzt0a43f6gkxhegw5upxvqhu2qv82qd652t0'>nevent1q…52t0</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>I can read and write reasonably competently, but verbal skills need time among native speakers. I decided years ago to do something to keep my mind active, so spent 3 years in night classes and have kept going since by stocking up on books in Greek each Christmas. I could survive if dropped into an area of Greece with no English speakers. 2025-10-02T19:19:40Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsrxk2gsfg6efqkc8l6uqh3u0h69d45d8twjytektl579scu6vwnkgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgyljys3 Dreaming the Way<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/301/369/675/291/704/original/6ee2f91a2c65c9e5.jpg"> <br/> 2025-10-01T22:55:43Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs22jgcz009xnfz8qnrd304hnea2d4n44tsnpujnqlu7gugcps3k0szyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg40kllv In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs8s6axyk6qj4lqezwjrkvadhgjjjzuey44lh3yaqgyv4rvqms253qfwfl0p'>nevent1q…fl0p</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Interesting. Language learning is a matter of time, patience and persistence.<br/><br/>Have an ελληνικό καφέ – it&#39;s the same as a Turkish coffee, but don&#39;t tell that to a Greek...!<br/><br/>Good luck and have fun.<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/298/888/978/973/846/original/4dcfd8de3fc83d89.jpeg"> <br/> 2025-10-01T12:27:03Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsguhcjfmykdu028p4a53t7lfvagsnuqd6fesw0ed4nga9hx6dfv5gzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgf53452 Autumn crocus putting in an appearance, yesterday.<br/><br/>#bloomscrolling #AutumnCrocus #SJAshcroftsPhotos #Photos<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025; CC-BY-NC-ND<br/>These photos are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit<br/><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</a>.<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/290/027/410/525/573/original/b92e01d319e79328.jpg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/290/027/849/419/053/original/f7bc20d363bd75cf.jpg"> <br/> 2025-09-29T22:53:12Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsz9ehyk47qfhx5tfq86y6xz7g5x3twlg2dwlv6t3w7mtw5ya23hcqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg00t603 Past Honour<br/><br/>Today&#39;s not worthy<br/>of tears, but weep for our past,<br/>shrouded in time&#39;s mists;<br/>we uncovered who we were,<br/>and dared betray our old selves.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-09-29T16:05:25Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqspeymchtt74mmgmfhzqx27lddw5kdh7xg30znsvxp6u9wt9kyrdwszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgyr36zw In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs8e63f7atl6uh6kef4gfa0f8u8ltu5l3l64x5r2fd6zt0kg8zulhs3nwuzd'>nevent1q…wuzd</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>You are welcome.<br/><br/><span itemprop="mentions" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a itemprop="url" href="/npub10naepgd4wh56s6yj9tdrf5efh7g7txejlsxzk42l9zg4ke7qje7ssvyxmt" class="bg-lavender dark:prose:text-neutral-50 dark:text-neutral-50 dark:bg-garnet px-1"><span>Rajesh Dhawan</span> (<span class="italic">npub10na…yxmt</span>)</a></span> <span itemprop="mentions" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a itemprop="url" href="/npub1flekry7lvsflg7kt5msmhvytj7mhxsy52qvvfng375x44h9nr2gqrjxae8" class="bg-lavender dark:prose:text-neutral-50 dark:text-neutral-50 dark:bg-garnet px-1"><span>Steven Cudahy</span> (<span class="italic">npub1fle…xae8</span>)</a></span> <span itemprop="mentions" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a itemprop="url" href="/npub1a2z3eqn0pnmjd4ccy93fqjnhhq4lwcgge6zuzl0tr6qdc7njvesspw5a5d" class="bg-lavender dark:prose:text-neutral-50 dark:text-neutral-50 dark:bg-garnet px-1"><span>Matthew</span> (<span class="italic">npub1a2z…5a5d</span>)</a></span> <span itemprop="mentions" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a itemprop="url" href="/npub1l90fknrqk9le2s4gdq0fns29puam4cjxwtpdt357d7407xaka70q0ysgh0" class="bg-lavender dark:prose:text-neutral-50 dark:text-neutral-50 dark:bg-garnet px-1"><span>hridaya</span> (<span class="italic">npub1l90…sgh0</span>)</a></span> 2025-09-28T12:37:53Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqspxk5u482a7988vmgwrgczxczdtptky75py45a4pdjkdfswul0hdgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgcl0hqt Mindflame<br/><br/>One day,<br/>long past, I was destroyed,<br/>released into the sky,<br/>blazing, as a phoenix.<br/><br/>One day,<br/>these bones will be kindling<br/>on the hidden bonfire<br/>of a tame day’s farewell.<br/><br/>One day,<br/>I’ll be reduced to ash.<br/>Not by ritual fires,<br/>but by inner passion.<br/><br/>One day,<br/>the dying Sun will rage<br/>to a blood red anger,<br/>but will not consume me.<br/><br/>One day,<br/>I will stand, free, at last,<br/>in the endless burning<br/>we promised we would share.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#poem #poetry 2025-09-28T11:15:16Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqspr7h3mjtt7u2nfqkuf77lg2sujkaugjsg9hx8us385r739cgq7gszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg7guqpg Views from the Skirrid Fawr.<br/><br/>Went up a mountain today. Skirrid Fawr is the eastern edge of the Black Mountains.<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPhotos #Wales #Cymru #SkirridFawr<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025; CC-BY-NC-ND<br/>These photos are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit<br/><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</a>.<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/272/436/297/179/741/original/9f9f721217efc59a.jpg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/272/436/691/818/822/original/9e4c2919af932b4a.jpg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/272/436/870/368/377/original/ce13cb7818bef7c6.jpg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/272/437/192/737/651/original/9807dfbd568bb119.jpg"> <br/> 2025-09-26T20:25:19Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs8wmlm2r6zg9g4j9xsxu0f5u54rlt4ncf7kmxavenyfjnw72y0k7gzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgdscpql #ScribesAndMakers 25, How would you describe your fashion sense?<br/><br/>I cannot describe what I do not have.<br/><br/>Various quotes from my wife:<br/>&#34;You can&#39;t wear THAT&#34;<br/>&#34;Smarten yourself up, man&#34;<br/>&#34;Noooo! Not THOSE colours&#34;<br/>&#34;You are not with me&#34;<br/>&#34;WHAT?!? You&#39;ve got THREE different patterns on...!&#34;<br/><br/>One quote from my son:<br/>&#34;You look like you&#39;ve given up&#34;<br/><br/>My response to all of this (visualise shrug):<br/>&#34;I&#39;m not in a fashion contest&#34; 2025-09-25T12:21:51Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsqgcpv8hyauu4n69lh6l72y9sx2hp4xvvvxgxh7qmw6l2gv8kxtsqzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg8xlshu In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs9tr5uj8awgasca4n7fkpwfvnm8qsg5a5967l8pank3hh2nu4phpsl3fq6t'>nevent1q…fq6t</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>To be honest, I have not time for &#34;patriotism&#34;. It is nothing more than a euphemism for nationalism, made acceptable by appearing milder. Same poison, though.<br/><br/>To be human matters, not lines on maps. Culture is to be respected, accommodated, and allowed to evolve, not defended as if only one group has &#34;got it right&#34;. A flag may have valid use as an identifier, never as a rallying point.<br/><br/>We&#39;ve even had St George flags put up in Wales, FFS.<br/><br/>So, let&#39;s burn all flags. 2025-09-25T10:51:35Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqswzy2lhjg9z8a09mq54cmu9tdyyrlz9jtgge46wk2ygx20gv7kh3gzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgwufufg Signs<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#SJAshcroftsPoems #poems #poetry #PoetryCommunity #MyWordsMyWork<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.sdf.org/system/media_attachments/files/115/256/111/291/069/676/original/5bc46c6493b7f6dc.jpg"> <br/> 2025-09-23T23:06:14Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqswhpc7mf9rad6mjzc4g44r0hhuj6pjtdchhstndvehgwtrepumatgzyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkgkzr6sv Darkened Paths<br/><br/>Polaris, show me<br/>a way through the night, to find<br/>my home, and myself.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#haiku #senryu #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-09-21T20:10:37Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsptxwfyeg0va2cuzrazssd7l7fnvhwzce0qyzdp8ve6p295d5vmnszyrt32ntg3tyv0gw2j88eves54wnd8a25vkycd39zum4th4laukdkg8rel9u Woodland<br/><br/>Amid trees, lonely<br/>on a hill, the breeze whispered<br/>of distant secrets;<br/>I heard, and realised how<br/>it told me of my own heart.<br/><br/>© Simon J Ashcroft, 2025<br/><br/>#tanka #poem #poetry #PoetryCommunity 2025-09-21T16:08:08Z