Posted on by Sonia Dogra

Exploring Memories through the Haibun

Dear Readers,

At the outset, I’d like to thank you for staying with me for this poetic adventure. This is the eighth week and we are only left with two more. I have enjoyed writing, experimenting with different poetic forms so much and I’m so grateful to Namratha for challenging us with the prompts. As you know, I’ve been working on my children’s book for nearly six months now and you’ll be glad to know that the final proofing is midway. The point of mentioning the book is to share that even as I write for children, I feel the need to often connect with my deeper self at a different level, almost one of confession and honesty and a sort of rendezvous with who I am. That’s where poetry steps in, nourishing me in different ways. Another good thing about writing here over the last eight weeks is that I’ve become comfortable/ am getting comfortable with the idea of sharing my raw thoughts without the fear of judgement. This poetic adventure has helped me focus on writing and not on how it will be received.

And now, I’d like to move on to this week’s prompt. Namratha invites us to write the haibun. Says she, Write a haibun. If it is your first haibun, I would ask you to be inspired by your immediate surroundings. Write about something that happened today. Write about something that is bothering you. Write about your latest vacation or a conversation. But, remember to use the title and the haiku to create a piece in which the sum is greater than its parts.

However, if you have played with the haibun form before, then try to push the boundaries. Add surrealism to your prose. Use bigger leaps between your title and prose and haiku. Let the reader do some work. (For more details, please click on her page here).

I’ve wanted to try the haibun for very long and I’m excited to be finally doing it. From what I feel, I will be writing more haibun in the future. I enjoyed it so much. But for now, I’ve kept it simple, as it is my first attempt. I pulled out two recent memories from my gallery (images inserted in the post) and turned them into a haibun. I hope you enjoy reading them. Do share with me what you think of my attempt in the comments section of this post.

Sand Museum

This poem has been removed.

Photograph

Before departure we stand together, a circle of poets, exchange

poetries, pens, promises, phone numbers.

We’ll be in touch.

Four fortnights later, a deep hush muffles group chats. Each day

I wake up to X has left the group.

X is an anonymous number.

forked roads

each step a new place

faces fade to dust

Thank you for reading. See you next week!

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14 Replies to “Exploring Memories through the Haibun”

  1. OMG, Sonia! Sand Museum is so beautiful. I was there will you on every line. This form really works for you. The haiku is apt too and adds that beautiful warmth to the piece.

    Photograph is so relatable. Happens with all our workshops and get-togethers. We lead such different lives, but when we meet for a common interest (poetry or writing) we know we have found kindred souls. But, very difficult to keep in touch.

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  3. Hi,

    The first Haibun was a delight to read. It really touched my heartstrings and put a smile on my face.

    The second made me sad. I saw people leaving my life, and then there was only me.

    I hope you keep expressing yourself through Haibun.

    Shalom shalom

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  4. First of all, wow, 2 poems!! And they’re so differently charming! I love the playfulness, the flirtation of Sand Museum, and the softness with which it unfolds. Photograph, on the other hand, is so pragmatic and blunt. Brilliant work as always, Sonia!

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    1. Thanks Manisha. I enjoyed doing Photograph so much that I wanted to try another one. Hence, Sand Museum happened. In fact, there’s a third one too. I was having so much fun. Thanks for the support.

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  6. I have loved your adventure with words in poetry these past few weeks. Although I have not read some of them, I am in awe of your discipline.

    This particular one is rather easy to read and my tiny brain could process this better. The Sand Museum stood out for me – gentle, simple and full of warmth.

    Thank you for taking us on this ride and looking forward to the next two weeks.

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    1. Thank you, Sudha. I appreciate your presence so much. I,too, surprised myself with the discipline. It was fun.
      The Sand Museum is one of the most precious memories from a family trip. I’m glad you felt it.

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