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Posted by: JustDaniel Dec 1 15, 06:08

Haibun

Haibun is a combination of abbreviated prose and haiku. It's focus is often on everyday experiences, but sometimes it records a journey... and in the style of the originator of haibun, a Japanese monk named Basho, who kept travel journals.

The following are some characteristics of Haibun adapted from William J. Higginson, the Haiku Handbook March 1992, Kodansha International. ISBN 4-7770-1430-9.


1. Terse prose.
2. Contains one or more Haiku. Usually concludes with a haiku, but it may also include several haiku between short prose passages.
3. Abbreviated in syntax; grammar, sometimes even verbs are omitted.
4. Juxtaposition of Haiku and Prose. The haiku is related, but not necessarily in a direct and obvious way. The haiku does not simply repeat aspects of or words and phrases used in the prose.
5. Imagistic. Relatively few abstractions or generalizations.
6. Objective. The writer is somewhat detached, maintains an aesthetic, even when describing himself.
7. Humorous. While seriousness and beauty concern the writer, a haibun often demonstrates a light touch.

My own poor examples:

"Hi, Bun!"

Hmmmm No vase, but at least I found some flour. I’m gonna milk this time alone at home; it’s the yeast I can do. I can stand this at least for a while, can’t I? Perhaps I knead it! I’ve greased the sheets enough. Too hot to stay here long, but I think these globs can stand it in the oven. Ya think? I’m headin’ to the pool, takin’ that old advice, “If it’s too hot, get out of the kitchen!” . . . That was refreshing. Wonder how they're doin'. Peekin' in the oven now:

Hi, Bun! How are you?
I see you’ve swelled up somewhat.
Hope you’ll feel butter.

© Daniel J Ricketts 25 June 2003


The Twain be One!

Along life’s perilous path, I’ve met too many who’ve dreamt that when they discover a thing must be done, they tender two choices: 1. Do it, or 2. Don’t. Indeed the choices be two… but rather: 1. Do it 2. …or you’re gonna! …and the longer the wait, the more dry the drought between them; the more perilous the precipitation of clouded choice; the more horrendous the hurricane in its wake. Mark… these words: To the Nike belong the spoils… so lace up thy mudders, and Just do it!

two choices there be
nay but one; wait, and you’ll see:
do, or you’re gonna

© Daniel J Ricketts 10 Dec 2004