Pre-warmth, or: The Peak of Rains

Micro-Season (Kō) for early February in Jerusalem

Major Season (Sekki): “Pre-warmth” (“Ha-khom Ha-kdam”)

Jerusalem’s “Pre-warmth” Sekki is the tail end of winter, when it is still cold, but spring is on the horizon. It follows immediately after the coldest month of the year, which is January.

Micro-Season (Kō): “The Peak of Rains” (“Si Ha-g’shamim”)

The most common form of precipitation throughout the year in Jerusalem is rain alone, with a peak probability of 23% at the very beginning of February, following the month of January, which is the month with the most days of precipitation.

Haiku

avocados; citrus
await fresh at outdoor stands
chilly morning rains

This haiku highlights the many Israeli fruit and vegetable vendors who sell their produce outside throughout the year. In January and February, citrus fruits are starting to hit their prime, and Hass avocados are usually available in February (other avocados are available before and after).

Poet Biography

I’m a poet who loves exploring and discovering new forms of poetry and collaborating with other poets to create art out of our combined words.

Fish in Israel

Fishing in Israel is a branch of the Israeli economy with historical significance. The three main natural fishing zones are the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). All species of fish sold are available throughout the year. More than half of the fish consumed in Israel are imported.

Seasonal vegetables and fruits

• January marks the beginning of the mangold and pomelo season (citrus fruits — oranges, lemons, clementines, grapefruits — are starting to hit their prime);
• February marks the beginning of the asparagus, bok choy, cardoon, Hass avocado, and kumquat seasons;
• Late February marks the beginning of the chamomile, fava bean, loquat, passionfruit, pea, and rhubarb seasons.

---

d’Verse poetics prompt

One of Seventy-Two Seasons

At d’Verse, poets were encouraged to create their own major season (Sekki) and then a micro-season (kō) within it using the format below. Create one based on the season you find yourself in. If possible include images, artwork, drawings, photos, etc. from your community to help bring it into three dimensions.

The format for each Kō

• The title of the ‘major season’ or Sekki;
  • Outline why it is called that;
• The title of the ‘micro-season’ or Kō;
  • Outline why it is called that;
• Write a haiku that speaks to the Kō;
  • Include insider information on the haiku and include information about the poet (you);
  • Seasonal fish, information about it, and including ways to prepare it;
  • Seasonal vegetable, information about it, and ways to prepare it;
  • Seasonal activity, often including the holiday or tradition involved, etc.;
  • A preview of coming attractions for the next Kō.

Notes

• If fish (or vegetables) are not part of your diet, please choose other foods;
• You will be writing your own haiku, so put a blurb in there about yourself;
• You should end up with a painting of description with a figure of haiku in the center;
• For an example, check out Lisa’s Kō.

---

Let’s write poetry together!

When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option. You can’t take the same photograph every time and live with art forms with no differences.

–Ben Harper (b. 1969)

Would you like to create poetry with me and have a completed poem of yours featured here at the Skeptic’s Kaddish? I am very excited to have launched the ‘Poetry Partners’ initiative and am looking forward to meeting and creating with you… Check it out!