Fisherman's Pride

I catch myself roaming around our cottage by the bay this July--- the glare of sun toasting shells along the coast. My mind wanders on until nets are hauled by fishermen of our town, arms bronzed by summer’s tug and rowboats swelling with a day- long’s catch. On through dusk, moonlight gradually rises as elders welcome exhausted yet joyful trawlers with a serenade.


            
fragrance of heat wafts on mariners’ parched bodies reflecting noon’s toil
With delight, I await grandfather’s arrival along the dock. Knowing he loves the sea, we linger on the bank while I help him carry a weighed basket of trout, the prize of his quest . Quite nimble at sixty- eight, Gramp begins to tell me a litany of fables gathered from his water-world journeys—the sails through rainstorms and the different glories of dawnscape… orange in the moisture of bamboo shoots. I start to laugh quietly at his repeated tales knowing his memory slightly fails him now. After mellow exchanges, my gaze lifts above, tracing eventide’s call by the path of new stars on the foreground. I revel at how we would stroll back home with laughter in our eyes, my own knees bending with his wobbled gait…the music of folks streaming.
as nightfall hushes-- guitar tunes ripple like waves cooling blaze of night
Haibun Contest for Mick Talbot 7/3/2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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Gentry Avatar
July 7, 2018 at 9:57 AM
Congratulations on your win. I like how you added the personal in with the realistic imagery. Enjoyed!
Talbot Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 10:44 AM
A beautiful haibun Nette, for me the twist in the juxtaposition was not strong enough in both the haiku, kigo great. Please accept my congratulations on your 2nd place, Mick
Horsman Avatar
July 4, 2018 at 10:44 AM
Love all of this wonderful poetry, nette, my mother's uncles and cousins, trawler-men, love the haikus.. best of luck in contest.
Oimbo Avatar
July 4, 2018 at 3:50 AM
This poem is fiercely experimental. I like it this way
Callus Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 4:49 PM
A very lovely haibun....blending fluent, captivating narrative with exquisite haiku. Hugs // paul
One Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 12:43 PM
Great story telling... Love the haiku..
Ajmal Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 12:39 PM
I enjoyed reading this wonderful poem of yours and especially the story, it has truly touch my heart, good luck and have a nice day
Andresen Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 8:16 AM
- A wonderful poem, Nette - Your words give a great picture of your thoughts - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Man Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 7:08 AM
Nette, I love this story, non-fiction or not, because it features your grandpa. I know you had a very special relationship with him and when I see him show up in your writes it always kinda feels like a spark of the Divine is present. I definitely feel it here. You're a poetic treasure, girl!
Cunningham Avatar
July 3, 2018 at 1:45 AM
Beautiful haibun Nette, I could just picture the images in my mind. Good luck. Tom
Pandit Avatar
July 2, 2018 at 6:38 PM
Enjoyed reading your story and the heart to heart with your grandfather..a pleasant conversation. Your haiku..fragrant and melodic..best for a win, nette.
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