Paulette Calasibetta Poet Haibun

A Gift of Sight

A harried beginning to the start of the day, running behind schedule, headed to the city to deliver medical records for a law suit, in the city.

Boarding a crowded bus, I took the only available seat, next to a young woman.  She asked where I would be getting off?  I replied, “Legal Building”, she said, “so am I”. As the bus approached our destination, it came to an abrupt stop; unsteady from being thrust forward, she held onto me.

Working our way through the ‘standing’ passengers, awkwardly moving toward the exit, still clutching my arm, feeling anxious and impatient, I looked up at her, wanting her to release her arm; I realized she was blind. She revealed that her blindness was due to the severe impact of a serious car accident. 

She asked me what the day looked like. I had not given much thought about the day, except for the responsibilities, that lie ahead. With a lump in my throat, swallowing hard, I paused, searching for the right words for her to see, with my eyes and her memory.
			
                           Clouds floating on a celestial sea, 
                               headed for exotic places, 
                         beyond imagination, drifting aimlessly. 

                        Their lofty sails puffed out like pillows,
                catch the wily wind that gently prods and billows, 

                       slowly transforming, creating a disguise,
                  becoming cats, and rabbits and dragons that fly.
 
                  Stealthy and reticent, helmed at a steady pace, 
                     the sun in the east, the wind at their back,
                               Sailing in beauty and grace.

In her sweet and gentle voice, thanked me for sharing the magical beauty of the day. It occurred to me, I never realized my gift of sight was impaired; a blind person gave back to me, what I took for granted.

As we ascended the steps, documents securely in my bag, arm and arm we entered the office together.~

Haiku:
The blind see clearly, 
There is vision without sight,
Memories unfold

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Suzanne Delaney January 29, 2022 at 10:03 AM I love your Haibun: The sky you described was Magical. I have a similar poem of being some one’s eyes. I will try to find it and post it. Hugs, SuZ Paulette Calasibetta January 29, 2022 at 11:55 AM Thank you Suzanne~it was a life altering experience, one I shall never forget. Thanks for stopping by to comment. I will look for your similar post. :) Paulette

Bill Baker January 21, 2022 at 8:25 AM A great example of a Haibun poem, Paulette. You wove the prose, the poem, and the Haiku, together masterfully. A touching story of two soul communicating from their authentic selves. Beautiful and heartwarming to read. Smiles ~ Blessings, Bill Paulette Calasibetta January 21, 2022 at 11:44 AM Thank you Bill~and the story is true with the exception of the poem, which was more simple, being spontaneous! Haibun form is very interesting, it certainly broadens the poetic canvas. Cheers, Paulette

L Milton Hankins January 18, 2022 at 12:06 PM Paulette, this is a lovely story with wonderful poems enhancing it. Both of you had something extra special to share with each other. I loved "The blind see clearly." Paulette Calasibetta January 18, 2022 at 12:28 PM Thank you Milton. This actually happened to me many years ago, although the rhymed poem was not exactly what i said to her, it was close. She really opened my eyes inspired me, and I was happy to have given her the vision of a beautiful day. :) Paulette