Over the last twenty-four months, which include the diagnosis of, and (successful, difficult) treatment for breast cancer, I’ve received much inspiration from writing to poetic prompts from dVerse community members.

Indeed this participation and connection have kept me living and breathing on more than one occasion: they are life-enhancing if not life-saving.

This Monday Frank J.Tassone offered the following challenge – his entire post, along with examples of poems about the Breath, is here – and I invite you to join in too.

A huge thank you to Paul Vincent Cannon who first suggested this to me!

New to haibun? The form consists of one to a few paragraphs of prose—usually written in the present tense—that evoke an experience and are often non-fictional/autobiographical. They may be preceded or followed by one or more haiku—nature-based, using a seasonal image—that complement without directly repeating what the prose stated.

New to dVerse? Here is what you do:

  • Write a haibun that alludes to breath, breathing, or to breathe.
  • Post it on your personal site/blog.
  • Include a link back to dVerse in your post.
  • Copy your link onto the Mr. Linky. (Reminder: Mr. Linky will close on February 3, 2024 at 3PM!)
  • Remember to click the small checkbox about data protection.
  • Read and comment on some of your fellow poets’ work.
  • Like and leave a comment below if you choose to do so.
  • Have fun!
https://dversepoets.com/2024/01/29/haibun-monday-1-29-24-breath/

Here’s mine:

Haibun

My response to the Coronapause - the involuntary solitary retreat that begins in March 2020, 600 miles away from my family - is to write my way through fear, uncertainty, panic, distress, and illness; towards love, faith, creativity, sharing, and wholeness. In my Thoughtbooks. 

I start blogging weeky writing prompts, based on my shared practice of Writing our Way Whole exercises at Home (© WoWWaH), renamed and tamed. Ultimately because it is the only way I know to offer a gift to the Rest of the World, from home. 

And I offer a Benediction too, on 27 March 2020. Please enjoy both here, with my blessing!
Haiku

vernal equinox
four long years ago and still
breathing in and out


© Kathy Labrum McVittie 30 January 2024 All rights reserved   www.writingpresence.com