Japanese poet Basho popularized the haibun form
in the seventeenth century.
The haibun presents a scene or moment caught in
prose. A haiku follows as a climax
or epiphany.
A defining moment occurs between the prose and
the haiku. The connection between the two offers a
springboard to a variety of thoughts and unexpected meanings. One does not define or explain the other but both add to the whole experience.
Choose an emotional moment or a nature
scene. It could also be an
exchange with another person. Write 20 to 118 words in the prose segment.
Make every word expressive. Include nouns of
description, active verbs, sensory imagery and rhythm.
Add a haiku. First line of five syllables, follow with seven syllables then end with five syllables.
Or, alternate between prose paragraphs and haikus.
You can create a single haiku sandwiched between two paragraphs of prose
poetry, or continue the process as long as you like.
Around the
neighborhood, the breeze brings scents of morning: muffins, bacon and
coffee. Sparrows awaken in song
and share sound waves with mockingbirds.
Dew drips from morning glories and daisies that shine in the sun. The
ocean lazes and folds in egg white that scramble to shore. Pelicans, cormorants
and seagulls begin their day of flying and feeding. Around each corner a day breaks fresh with discovery.
Children
chalk sidewalk
Red, yellow
combine with blue
Give sunshine
to passersby
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