Pedestrians with a keen eye may have noticed some spontaneous displays of poetry along Newburyport’s waterfront last week. The group responsible was the Green Artists League, an assembly of environmental artists. The group strategically posted a number of “green haikus” on recycled wooden staves in natural, waterfront settings. Since the Japanese form of poetry is traditionally intended to capture fleeting moments in nature, the setting and material seemed appropriate. The haikus written by members of the GAL were hand-painted with colorful displays and affixed to tree branches and posts along the boardwalk. They remained posted through Thanksgiving weekend, offering passersby a chance to reflect on their environment. For those who missed them, a sampling of the featured haikus follows. To see more, visit www.newburyportseed.org/green-artists-league.

Cold hidden alive
Black reflections move
In the cold rivers
—by Jeannie Dunnigan


Brick stands upon brick
Leaves turn within and without
 A tree grips its roots
—by Deborah Szabo

Trees
Listen… They speak.
Cars rush by.
—by Ruth Trussel


Drumming noise of cars
Bare feet over the river
Warm October day
—by Eva Lee


Brazen Autumn blooms
Evening’s frozen embrace
Black garden morning
—by Erin Stack