A haiku pilgrimage
Taking myself on a ginko on the Old Way between Lewes and Glynde
In my last post, I explained the background to my daily practice of writing a haiku, bringing together walking, nature poetry and mindfulness. Through my research on haiku, I came across the concept of a ginko, which is a group of people going on a walk and writing haiku. To prepare for leading such a walk, I did a recce of a potential route, walking from Lewes to the neighbouring village of Glynde, over the downs via Mount Caburn.
This route is part of the Old Way, a pilgrimage route which runs from Southampton to Canterbury. Pilgrims would have visited the Priory of St Pancras in Lewes, (now in ruins after the dissolution of the monasteries). I chose this as my starting point, before walking through the town and then climbing up to the downs before descending down to Glynde. Here’s a snapshot of my walk in haiku and pictures.
1.
Leave warmth of the house
step into a damp grey world -
carrying hot tea
2.
Japanese cherry
tree at start of pilgrimage -
waiting for the spring
3.
The monks’ Priory
living their lives, praying here -
now empty stone walls
4.
The Winterbourne Stream -
water channelled in concrete
rushing over rocks
5.
Saturday bustle -
football supporters gather
warming up voices
6.
In stained glass church hush
a lady crosses herself -
I let my head bow
7.
Walking up steep hill
leaving the town down below -
the fields are flooded.
8.
Walking into mist -
remembering summer days
full of wildflowers
9.
Wool is fluttering
from yellow lichened branches -
sheep have passed this way
10.
Worn by many feet
these paths etched into the chalk -
I add pilgrim steps
11.
To feel pilgrim earth
beneath my feet, connecting
across the ages
12.
This bowl of silence
hills absorb the sound of traffic -
so loud are the crows
13.
Still dew pond waters
reflecting the hawthorn trees -
fingers getting cold
14.
A long slog up, up
aiming for gate at the top -
opening to down hill
15.
This human desire -
to walk and connect with the
mystery beyond
16.
Two ponies gallop
race each other up and down -
I long for freedom
17.
I arrive at Glynde
look back at the slopes of hills -
give thanks to the land
A lovely composition of photography and haiku. I live in Hellingly, so know the area well. Your work honours the land beautifully 💚
This is just delicious, Olivia! Thank you so much for sharing.