A Time To Smell the Flowers

Yesterday, I went to an exhibit which showcased the native products of the place where I grew up.  It was held at the entire fifth floor of one of the premier malls of the city where I now live. The place hummed with the welcoming sound of the region's familiar lilt, as I edged my way toward the kiosk to meet old friends.

leather and rhinestones
         on abaca wallets and bags -
                   women at their prime

As I recognized each smiling face of former classmates from the all-girls school, the impersonal place turned into a warm, familiar one. Everybody knew everyone, at least in our group of twelve excited, chattering women eager to catch up on each other’s news. A late lunch after the show stretched into an even longer coffee at a nearby restaurant. We laughed as we recounted comedic classroom situations, times of mischief, and romantic trysts with old flames from the all-boys school across the street. The food was not particularly memorable. The moment was.

your face lights up
        upon recognizing mine  -
                  friendship survives time

We eventually broke into groups of threes or fours.  My group, which included the batch Valedictorian, decided to continue our chat at another coffeeshop along the way.  Each one shared personal angst, the latest in her career, and the familiar topic of loved ones. We parted around midnight, promising to keep in touch, a fitting end to a day which I will treasure for a long time. It was one of those breaks in my routine which I did not have to take, but I was happy I did.

in my journey 
      I saw a sign to stop -         
                 time to smell the flowers




* abaca - hemp, material for bags, shoes, ropes, etc.




05 August 2015
For Scott37's HAIBUN


This haibun is adapted from my journal of a not so recent real event in my life.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Smith Avatar
May 22, 2016 at 8:09 AM
Wonderful write Kim, congratulations on being featured...
Dietrich Avatar
October 23, 2015 at 8:49 PM
Yep, it sure did. BIG congrats to you.
Dietrich Avatar
October 23, 2015 at 8:48 PM
oh, Kim, I was looking and looking and finally I found this awesome haibun you had written. WELL DONE. did it win the contest? Let me look and see!
Lawless Avatar
August 23, 2015 at 7:30 AM
an interesting transition from journal to Haibun. Congrats on the placement Kim.
Thirtyseven Avatar
August 21, 2015 at 9:52 AM
I haven't been able to see that photo before, what a great partner to this wonder haibun. Your last haiku is superb. Thanks for entering this piece into my contest. May you write many more haibun.
A. Sharma Avatar
August 21, 2015 at 1:48 AM
Congrats on another wonderful win Kim with this amazing haibun!
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 8:58 PM
Very lovely Kim.. so proud of you.. i admire your haikus... weeee !!!galing galng... Olive Eloisa=`)
A  Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 6:35 PM
Hi Kim, Congratulations on the win. SKAT
Spagnola Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 4:36 PM
Further reflecting on your poetry prowess, I have a lot more growing as a poet before attempting to partner up with you! Congratulations on the win of your utterly enthralling Haibun. I felt as if I was there with you on your holiday smelling the flowers. :0, jill
Spagnola Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 4:39 PM
P.S. hugs....
Kendrick Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 1:50 PM
Ahh!! Enjoyed reading your winner..True friendship is good..Since there was a smile I am thinking a human and not Marju...Sara
Kendrick Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 1:51 PM
Congrats!! Sara
Allison Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 11:51 AM
Dropping back with my congrats Kim hope you are feeling better now:-) hugs Jan xx
Laurie Avatar
August 11, 2015 at 1:19 AM
Hello Kim... a school reunion; its surprising what surprises pop up even after all the years that pass. A very enjoyable and easy reading tale you do tell Kim - thank you - Lindsay
Nunez Avatar
August 23, 2015 at 9:21 AM
Thank you, Lindsay! It was an impromptu reunion. The purpose of the meet was to support our hometown...actually it's a small city, where we grew up. Yes, it was fun and I had fun writing this. hugs!
Callus Avatar
August 6, 2015 at 6:07 PM
You recount with flair and ability, Kim. I love: "The food was not particularly memorable. The moment was." + "It was one of those breaks in my routine which I did not have to take, but I was happy I did." You make that day sound wonderful. Each haiku is lovely....mostly 2nd and 3rd. #7+ Hugs ~~~ paul
Inman Avatar
August 6, 2015 at 11:14 AM
Well done, lovely story.
De La Luna Avatar
August 6, 2015 at 11:00 AM
I haven't tried this form, Kim, but I have been contemplating of trying it. All the more now, reading your piece! This is such a heartwarming write and yes, I smelled the flowers ??
Muideen Avatar
August 6, 2015 at 12:22 AM
A well written piece, it is lovely and intriguing KIM, I like your subject. Excellence...........A.M.
Scott Avatar
August 6, 2015 at 12:01 AM
Beautiful write Kim!!! And you are so right!!! God bless.
Breidenthal Avatar
August 5, 2015 at 11:32 PM
Very masterfully crafted Kim. Amazing work here!!! LOVE IT! I particularly love the heartwarming center... Always, Laura
Pinet Avatar
August 5, 2015 at 2:30 PM
Very interesting subject matter with just the right amount of nattiness to wet our appetites. Great poem!
Neels Avatar
August 5, 2015 at 11:04 AM
You shared memorable moments in this gem Kim, I really enjoyed reading it tonight ;) hope your week is a brilliant one thus far.. hugs Wilma
Nayak Avatar
August 5, 2015 at 9:02 AM
Dear Kim, this made an awesome read !!!! Beautiful and glazing tile taken from your life's colourful mosaic! Loved it! I became nostalgic as few life events similar to this surfaced in my mind after reding this... I will rate this 7!!!! loads of love n' hugs, Anulaxmi:-)
La France Avatar
August 5, 2015 at 8:17 AM
Kim, a wonderful day with old friends so well penned 7 and thanks for visiting my sunset poem
Andresen Avatar
August 5, 2015 at 8:05 AM
- A wonderful and exciting day with friends :) - A real "girl day", dear Kim :) - hugs //Anne-Lise :)
Williams Avatar
August 5, 2015 at 5:46 AM
Hello Kim, What an extraordinary day to have and I am so glad you re-lived it with us all. There are so few moments { outside family } in life that are really memorable and this has been one for you. Yes Kim, one must stop and smell the flowers, otherwise life passes you by. Happiness- not success---i wish to my friends and that is what I wish to you. However, if you have some success in life, just call that an added bonus....kind regards----John
Allison Avatar
August 5, 2015 at 5:03 AM
what a wonderful story Kim sounds like such a memorable day - brilliant imagery - good luck in the contest:-) hugs jan xx7
Allison Avatar
August 5, 2015 at 5:10 AM
no news yet am hoping it will be aired today and not end up on the cutting room floor lol:-) hugs jan xx
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