Painting by Van Gogh
Her mind collided with confusion, then wilted under strains of faintest music. She steadied herself for air and read the paper creased with worry lines and self-doubt. She feels like a stranded ship as she carries the weight of toddler strapped in front of her chest, and a backpack. She had journeyed the last miles with the world on her shoulders.
At the distance, she can see the blue-tiled slope of the buildings and trees surrounding the area. This is what she has come for - haven, a sense of quiet away from red dust streets and smell of burning tires. She inhales the sun's golden light, aroma of crisp air of autumn and serenity of hummingbirds. Relief rains over her tired face and steeps into her cold bones. Warm as father's tight embrace to a prodigal daughter.
fields of yellow and blue
wave, weave and warble with wind
in autumn's dying light
Posted for D'verse Poets Pub - Haibun Monday ~ Thanks for the visit ~
You have captured the peaceful quietness of the scene with your words. We all need such a haven.
ReplyDeleteOh I hope her welcome was a warm one, she sounds so tired. Beautiful writing, Grace!
ReplyDeleteSo gentle this is and so full of redemption and finding of a place. It is a beautiful place and full of quiet hope and peace.
ReplyDeleteKnowing it's the sight from an asylum make the image of a sanctuary so much stronger. I love how you have captured the contrast between the city and the countryside ... I truly hope she find what she search for
ReplyDeleteOh my, this is so gorgeous. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI too hope she finds peace and at least a moment of repose. A touching story - with the hint of a father in the background...
ReplyDeleteIn all the
ReplyDeletehuman condition..
a baby strapped
to breast for
two years..
is a solution...
Strapped to
chest..
beats heart..:)
I see this as such a stunning metaphor for life, culminating in the embrace of the father, the homecoming. Peaceful and comforting.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written and I too see this as a metaphor for life and an article of faith. - Suzanne of Art and Life
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful dear Grace :)
ReplyDeleteLove the description of the trees, red dust, tires...the weight of the toddler and her worldly goods...such is our individual journey ...seeking not just refuge and peace but taking in the crisp richness around us on the treacherous road getting there....thinking of the people of Syria and others, too..
ReplyDeleteHow uncanny that you should think of the migrant's journey because they are the inspiration for this post ~ Thanks Kathy ~
DeleteAfter a long weary jaunt, having such a place is sure needed
ReplyDeleteLovely capture.
ReplyDeleteLike this.. seems relevant to me at a time when so many are making hazardous journeys with children on their backs seeking a safe place...
ReplyDeleteThe transition from city to country is well versed in this piece. Enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteStunning!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful writing.
ReplyDeleteWell, it was a relief! A home-coming that she finally had the brave heart to undertake!
ReplyDeleteHank
Heartwarming. If only all journeys had such peace.
ReplyDeleteTranquil painting and tranquil poem!
ReplyDeletestunning imagery.
ReplyDeleteI like this very very much!
ReplyDeleteThe peace of arrival, that relief, hope and promise all laid out before her across this fields. We make it through the trials of life by dreaming of sanctuary... And I love love love the warble of wind in your close.
ReplyDeleteYour haibun is as serene and beautiful as Van Gogh's painting, Grace! Glad the young mother found a peaceful sanctuary.
ReplyDeleteWhat a haven to go after days in the city you describe perfectly, the weight on her shoulders with underlying stories there. This is a rich piece and that last sentence of your haibun made me smile...warm embrace of her father, lovely.
ReplyDeletemagical nature imagery.
ReplyDeleteI could feel the relief flooding over her as she sees her oasis in the distance, Grace. No telling what her story was that led her to the desperation of needing escape. I hope her arrival was welcomed with a warm embrace.
ReplyDeleteShe found what she was seeking. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe need and hunger for sanctuary comes through your piece so richly, Grace a truly beautiful haibun.
ReplyDeleteGreat write, Grace! Two things that I especially love: Your description of inhaling the sunlight, and the alliteration in your haiku :-)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful write ... a font of serenity. Bastet
ReplyDeleteYou have created a wonderful feeling of peace at journey's end.
ReplyDeleteI could feel her relief. This line really stood out to me...
ReplyDelete"She inhales the sun's golden light, aroma of crisp air of autumn and serenity of hummingbirds." Beautiful!