Paul Callus Poet Haibun

Notes About The Poem

Lock Lomond

Oban

A Highland Trip

I entered the hotel dining room and sat at my table for an early breakfast, watching the rain pelting against the windows, overlooking the River Clyde. Conversation was limited; more audible the clinking of crockery and cutlery. The tour leader walked in and his booming voice cut through the gloomy atmosphere as he assured us that the trip was still on; the weather forecast was encouraging.

     a senior lady
     takes second helpings...
     her bag bulges

When some time later we went out to board the coach, the rain had just about stopped. Outside the air was cold. Being people of little faith, we had donned jumpers or cardigans over our light clothes and carried raincoats over our arms. It was unwise to be caught unprepared. The tour leader was no exception!

     crossing a bridge...
     two honeymooners
     sit on separate seats

The trip from Glasgow to Oban was calculated to take about two and a half hours, but with planned stops along the way it was going to take longer. We took our first break at Loch Lomond. The rain had stopped completely, but the clouds still hovered ominously overhead. More stops at Crianlarich and Kilchurn Castle followed. In the meantime the sun was making feeble attempts at making its presence felt, and sure enough the cold air became warmer. 

     the sky, reflected 
     in large puddles...
     harebells and toadflax

When we finally arrived in Oban the clouds had dispersed, the heat increased, and thick clothing was discarded completely. A meal and a boat trip to Seal Island saw us all in high spirits. 
On the return journey our luck ran out again. Clouds and rain accompanied us to the hotel, but it did not really matter. A nice warm shower and a decent meal was something to look forward to. 
 
     unpredictable
     four seasons in one day
     I juggle saijiki

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A Haibun Contest sponsored
by Debbie Guzzi
Placed 4th
© 17th August 2017

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Suzanne Delaney January 10, 2018 at 3:56 PM I really enjoyed this conversational style And the haiku were like the icing on a cupcake. Congratulations on you placement. Hugs, SuZ Paul Callus January 11, 2018 at 9:30 AM Thank you for the lovely comments, Suzanne. So pleased to have you stopping by...and to see that your pen is flowing again:) Hugs & smiles // paul

Susan Ashley December 9, 2017 at 3:32 PM Paul, what a spectacular trip that is, the four seasons in the Highlands 'in one day'. So glad you took me along :) Your write is awesome and the imagery amazing. I love your Haiku, simply superb and your narrative is as smooth a silk. Belated congrats on your placement with this excellent travel adventure. Warmest wishes ~Susan Paul Callus December 11, 2017 at 11:20 AM It was a pleasure taking you along on this trip, Susan:) and your awesome comments are music to my ears! I did go on such an excursion about 5 years ago. The Scottish Highlands are beautiful; hopefully I will return. ~ Warm regards // paul

Rhoda Tripp November 25, 2017 at 8:11 AM Great story, thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Poetry was nicely weaved into the story. Love it! Rhoda Tripp November 26, 2017 at 8:22 AM Seriously, Paul, I'm new at this poetry stuff. I have an overactive imagination and a knack for counting syllables, but I appreciate your faith in me. Paul Callus November 25, 2017 at 2:03 PM Thank you for stopping by with lovely comments, Rhoda. I've just been reading some of your poems, and I'm positively impressed; definitely no newcomer! Regards // paul

Teddy Kimathi August 28, 2017 at 7:25 AM Your piece blends so nicely with the narration of your haibun! I could actually see myself in that spectacular geography! Congrats Paul, for your WIN in the contest!! ;-) Paul Callus August 28, 2017 at 1:24 PM I'm so pleased that you found this to your liking, Teddy...thank you! Best regards // paul

Debbie Guzzi August 26, 2017 at 4:54 PM Paul, I want you to know I adored this haibun! I too love Scotland. Your verse was polished to perfection and if it wasn't a premium contest the top few would have all got a 1. Light & Love Paul Callus August 28, 2017 at 1:23 PM Thank you, Debbie; the fact that you liked this haibun is more satisfying than any placing. Hope you are keeping well, and keeping your travelling shoes busy:) Regards // paul

Eve Roper August 25, 2017 at 4:38 PM Nice Haibun, Paul, enjoyed reading your write congratulations on your win : ) ~* Paul Callus August 26, 2017 at 2:27 PM Muchas gracias, Eve:) I'm pleased you found it to your liking. Warm regards // paul

Kim Rodrigues August 25, 2017 at 3:31 PM Detailed and interesting write, Paul! Congrats!! Paul Callus August 26, 2017 at 2:25 PM Thank you, Kim. Once again congrats on your fine win. Regards // paul

Afolabi Muideen August 24, 2017 at 3:10 AM You see... the way in which you penned this gem brings it imagery more vividly to the sense. Thanks for sharing. Good luck.... Paul Callus August 25, 2017 at 2:06 PM Thank you, Afolabi. Best regards // paul

Chris Hagy August 22, 2017 at 8:54 PM Had to check this out while tripping through the soup tonight :)...I would love to visit the Highlands, thanks for sharing your trip! :) I loved the part about senior bag lady HA! Although I must tell you living in Michigan, I see four seasons in one day as predictable HA!...maybe I'd be right at home in the Highlands :) This is a winner to me Paul!...Have great day :) Paul Callus August 23, 2017 at 3:02 PM So pleased to have you back, Chris, and thank you for stopping by to read and comment:) Malta is not so bad...at the most we get two seasons in one day:) Regards // paul

Connie Marcum Wong August 22, 2017 at 2:45 AM It is beautiful country Paul and a joy no matter the weather. Your haibun took us along with you. Very well done Paul! : ) Paul Callus August 22, 2017 at 8:16 AM Thank you, Connie; your encouragement is truly appreciated:) Warm regards // paul

Akkina Downing August 19, 2017 at 10:59 PM I feel like I was on this trip. How wonderful. One of my many things to do, to visit the Scotland. Beautiful story and good luck in the contest... hugs :) Paul Callus August 20, 2017 at 4:29 AM Thank you for reading and enjoying the trip, Akkina. Have a lovely day....hugs // paul

Lynn Marie August 19, 2017 at 3:03 AM What a delightful story with vivid imagery depicting the wonderful truth of living in the moment...despite the weather! A fun read with the 'Highlands', playing a starring role in all its damp lushness:) Paul Callus August 19, 2017 at 8:52 AM Thank you, Lynn; your lovely comments are appreciated. Been keeping a look-out for you...such a pleasure to see you back @ Soup! Warm regards // paul

Sneha Rv August 18, 2017 at 1:03 PM This is beautiful!! I love the description you give; the journey being pleasant despite the weather. Hope this does very well in the contest :) I am halfway through writing a Haibun, it's a lovely form and I understand has so much to it! Paul Callus August 19, 2017 at 8:50 AM Thank you for the lovely feedback, Sneha:) Looking forward to reading your first Haibun...I have only written about 3 poems in this form, and still learning! Regards // paul

Joanna Daniel August 18, 2017 at 7:47 AM This trip was excellent, I came along with you, I read a winner, Paul:) Paul Callus August 18, 2017 at 12:12 PM Thank you, Jo. Next time I'll organize a Soup trip and we can all go together:) Regards // paul

Anne-Lise Andresen August 18, 2017 at 4:38 AM - Thanks for a great trip, Paul ... even though the sun was not shiny - Luck in the contest - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Paul Callus August 18, 2017 at 12:11 PM The weather can't always be on our side, Anne-Lise! I always make the best out of any situation. Glad you enjoyed the trip...hugs and have a lovely weekend. // paul

Jan Allison August 17, 2017 at 6:03 PM wow Paul this sounds like a wonderful journey and I too have experienced 4 seasons in a day in Scotland!:-) hugs jan xx Paul Callus August 18, 2017 at 11:41 AM When we went we stayed in Glasgow and branched out from there on several excursions. The one to Oban was a lovely experience. On the whole we had very nice weather. Hugs // paul