Post by diannet on Jan 13, 2012 20:14:00 GMT -6
First I'd like to thank Dust and Water for allowing me to wade into his territory. I'd like to think I can give as enlightening instruction as he...that will inspire you all to have a go at writing a haibun. We shall see... 
So here goes with my first...guest focus on haibun.
Haibun is a form of Japanese poetry in which I have recently decided to dabble. The form itself was created by Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) in the late 17th century. During the last years of his life Basho traveled by foot throughout Japan, writing about his journey using a combination of prose and haiku. Here is a haibun from Matsuo Basho.
I left my rundown hut beside the river during the eighth month of 1684, placing my trust in my walking stick and in the words of the Chinese sage who said: “I pack no provisions for my long journey – entering emptiness under the midnight moon.” The voice of the wind was oddly cold.
Haibun is, as stated above a combination of prose strong in imagery and at least one haiku. This is the form traditionalist’s use, starting with prose and then ending with one haiku. The idea of Haibun is to explore and reflect on an everyday moment, on a journey or from everyday life. Haibun can contain a revelation or an epiphany obtained through the journey. I liken it to a postcard in words, prose that reflects the journey and scene succinctly (it may even be an internal journey) and the haiku the picture. Of course with all forms of poetry, the modern form is open to all creative interpretations. For this focus though, I thought restraining the Haibun to the more traditionalist form, might be a good starting point. Beginning with prose and ending with a traditional haiku with 5-7-5 syllables. (I can hear the modern haiku enthusiasts groan but go on humour me on this one.) Create a haibun that reflects a journey and that can be anything from a day at the beach (as with mine) or an inner journey. If you find you enjoy this form then go on be daring and see how you can manipulate it to suit yourself that is indeed what art is about. Create a longer haibun if you wish.
Here’s my haibun about a visit to the local dog beach.
Over golden sands they run, dogs, with tongues lolling out their open mouths. Smiling, laughing in the sun, barking with glee. Sniffing butts and making new friends. Together with their people they delight in freedom without restraint.
So here goes with my first...guest focus on haibun.Haibun is a form of Japanese poetry in which I have recently decided to dabble. The form itself was created by Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) in the late 17th century. During the last years of his life Basho traveled by foot throughout Japan, writing about his journey using a combination of prose and haiku. Here is a haibun from Matsuo Basho.
I left my rundown hut beside the river during the eighth month of 1684, placing my trust in my walking stick and in the words of the Chinese sage who said: “I pack no provisions for my long journey – entering emptiness under the midnight moon.” The voice of the wind was oddly cold.
Weather-beaten bones,
I'll leave your heart exposed
to cold, piercing winds
I'll leave your heart exposed
to cold, piercing winds
Haibun is, as stated above a combination of prose strong in imagery and at least one haiku. This is the form traditionalist’s use, starting with prose and then ending with one haiku. The idea of Haibun is to explore and reflect on an everyday moment, on a journey or from everyday life. Haibun can contain a revelation or an epiphany obtained through the journey. I liken it to a postcard in words, prose that reflects the journey and scene succinctly (it may even be an internal journey) and the haiku the picture. Of course with all forms of poetry, the modern form is open to all creative interpretations. For this focus though, I thought restraining the Haibun to the more traditionalist form, might be a good starting point. Beginning with prose and ending with a traditional haiku with 5-7-5 syllables. (I can hear the modern haiku enthusiasts groan but go on humour me on this one.) Create a haibun that reflects a journey and that can be anything from a day at the beach (as with mine) or an inner journey. If you find you enjoy this form then go on be daring and see how you can manipulate it to suit yourself that is indeed what art is about. Create a longer haibun if you wish.
Here’s my haibun about a visit to the local dog beach.
Summer at the Dog Beach[/b
]Over golden sands they run, dogs, with tongues lolling out their open mouths. Smiling, laughing in the sun, barking with glee. Sniffing butts and making new friends. Together with their people they delight in freedom without restraint.
Flat turquoise waters
Sparkling cool jewel invites
dogs, their owners’ to swim
Sparkling cool jewel invites
dogs, their owners’ to swim
