Welcome to Day 12 of my 30-Day Poetry Challenge!
Well DRAT, no comments yesterday, so no winner! Dear Reader, I hope you are not feeling shy about commenting… the stakes are very low, no-pressure to be anything in particular, you can just say “hi” from wherever you are, honest. I’d love-love-love to hear from you, and I hope to give away another poetry book tomorrow! (It’s so fun!)
Now onto today’s poem. Don’t forget to comment, and check back tomorrow to see if you’ve won!
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Today’s prompt is to write a haibun that takes in the natural landscape of the place you live.
I’d never heard of form before! A Writer’s Digest article says, “The haibun is the combination of two poems: a prose poem and haiku. The form was popularized by the 17th century Japanese poet Matsuo Basho. Both the prose poem and haiku typically communicate with each other, though poets employ different strategies for this…”
Okay then… here’s mine:
Minneapolis Haibun
Late Spring brown in the city neighborhood, snow clumps cling to rectangle yards, towering trees stretch naked limbs over blocks of Craftsman, Bungalow, Post-War homes, outlined in sidewalks and black asphalt. A quiet still-life interrupted by distant freeway hum, occasional trains on tracks, planes buzzing in sky. Two blocks away– the bluff, looking down on the navy blood pulsing below. The Mississippi knows who was here first, hugging close its banks of rocks, trees, birds, critters. Here, uniquely, you can stand like tall Paul Bunyan:
one foot in City,
one foot in Nature, both are
Minneapolis
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DETAILS:
- I’m writing and posting a new poem every day through the month of April (yikes!), for better or worse.
- AND, as a gift, I’m giving away a copy of my poetry book EVERY DAY this month. FREE!
- Sign up to WIN a copy of (After) Confession by just leaving a comment beneath the poem of the day.
- I will pick a winner every day in April! So comment every day for a new chance to win.
OR, you can purchase your own copy of (After) Confession for the new low price of $9.00 USD, shipping and handling included! Click here to read sample poems and purchase a copy.
April is National Poetry Month, which was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996.
This month’s posts are part of the NaPoWriMo challenge — that’s National Poetry Writing Month. At NaPoWriMo.net, you’ll find links to other participating writers and their poetry. AND daily writing prompts for inspiration to write your own poems. Check them out.
I’m so looking forward to your comments– it doesn’t have to be about the poem. Write anything, share the name of your favorite poet or poem, write about the weather, whatever! And thanks for reading.
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Photo credit: the great Bob Alberti
Ooooh! I’ve never heard of this form, either. What a nice poem! Makes me want to come over there and stand tall like Paul Bunyan. ;->
Anytime, my friend! And thanks!
Yes ! Minneaplolis. I loved image one foot in city,one in nature.
Thanks, Ann… we have a great secret here in this city, how wonderful that we can embrace both at once!
You captured much of what I love about living here. Close to the river, and nature , yet close to a community .
I really liked yesterday’s poem and sent you an email comment. For me this challenge has opened up an enjoyment of poetry that I’d put away !
Thanks so much for the email and your comments here, and wow, what kind words! I am humbled if my challenge has led you back to your enjoyment of poetry… I have long periods where I go away from it and forget how much it can give me. There are so many wonderful poets out there! Take care, Nora.
I love this—your thoughts, your words, and the form.