Darjeeling Haibun
Hugo had just met Samantha the week before. She is new to the Eighth Avenue scene. She is wearing a scarlet silk scarf & handcrafted turquoise earrings that droop down three inches, tickling her neck when she moves. Samantha has an assured countenance. Her wheelchair, too, has power like a seahorse giving birth.
on sidewalks, in cafes
titanium discs glide
creating sparks
Samantha orders Darjeeling tea with a slice of lime. She squeezes the wedge into the golden tea water & it squirts on Hugo’s thumb. They begin a laughing fit, tears trickling on apricot scones. Something rearranges itself in both of them. Just like that—at the moment of lime and Darjeeling—they fall in deep.
flavors blend
he guides the wheels
of her bright chair
16 thoughts on "Darjeeling Haibun"
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“has power like a seahorse giving birth” — what an image! This is tender and sweet, the haikus carry weight yet work on their own too.
yes, and “a seahorse giving birth” blends with the lime wedge “squirting”
I too was struck by the image of the power of a seahorse giving birth
I love the punch of this haibun!
Power like a seahorse giving birth is such a vivid image (at least to those who have ever seen it! Whoa!) and this whole poem is lovely!
Yes! that’s how it happens
just like that
Wow!!!! Haibun , love love love it.
I could also say……..
“has power like a seahorse giving birth” — what an image! This is tender and sweet, the haikus carry weight yet work on their own too.”
This friend speaks my mind
This poem fills my heart with joy. I agree with everyone who mentioned it— that “has power like a seahorse giving birth” image is brilliant!
Ohhhhhhhhh how delicious! This is such a beautiful and hopeful poem. Your best haibun ever, I think.
Good thing she didn’t squirt him in the eye…
Agreed with everything above. And beautifully beautifully narrative, like a film on the page.
Oh, my sweet Lord! – Your poetic mind is in full steam ahead mode! Echo the seahorse line brilliance –
Something rearranges itself in both of them – wow!
Such a surprise and delightful haibun!
Yes! I love the eye you have for character and scene compressed so engagingly for us to enjoy. Your voice and eye of detail build a trust and the writing carries it home.
Cinematic in scope and scene. Such detail and impactful imagery. Simply exquisite, Linda
What a stunning story you create, with fully-felt characters and setting. So rich and tender.