The bench is damp. I pull my jacket under. Don’t know why they chose to take that one path over there, right on the other lakeside. There are so many ways. I listen to my breath. They raise a hand and wave at me. They form come with their lips. But anywhere is where we are supposed to die. Don’t they remember what one says about living exposed? I watch a tiny insect on my sleeve, I want to let it crawl on my fingernail, but it jumps. I didn’t even know it could do that. As I look up, I see they have turned around and disappear now among the trees, whereas I, whereas I am taken: I adjust my jacket. I count all leaves. I take all routes, and then the next.
Haibun, or something I call haibun. You could also say it is a fable! Decide on your own.
I have amazing news, but I was so exhausted the whole week. I need to take more breaks from … everything?? But yeah, the good news!
My haibun ‘All These Things’ is among The Touchstone Award winners of 2023!!
You can read it on The Haiku Foundation’s website or in The Haibun Journal 5.1 or on my own site. I am very happy it made it, it is so personal to me, I poured my heart into it. I hope you will follow the link to the award page and congratulate all winners and read their pieces, because each one shines. Each one has such power.
Enjoy!
pi & anne 
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