it was a narrow wooden plank, between the small boat and the shore's platform. my friends keep on egging me that it is safe to cross over. but fear is stalking my spine, cold rivulets of sweat on summer day. my mind sees a long bridge with no tightropes to hold on to. i fear falling over to the water as my balance is off, and i am not a good swimmer. i fear falling ignominiously before the crowd. i breathe deeply and request for help, to steady my jelly knees. the boatman moors the boat closer to the edge of the steady platform. i take another deep breath and make the last few steps to safety.
spring wind lashes
with rage, tiny pink buds tiptoe-
ballerinas on the beam-
"We are afraid of the enormity of the possible". Emile M. Cioran
Posted for D'verse Poets Pub - Haibun Monday - Hosted by Toni (Kanzensakura) ~ Join us when the pub doors open at 3pm EST.
Wow. This was scary! And the haiku is perfection and stand alone wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSome really need that safety net.
ReplyDeleteI was shaking with you as I read, Grace!I can remember a time when nothing bothered me and I could jump and climb like a mountain goat. Now I'm just an old nanny goat :)
ReplyDeleteI love that phrase, 'my mind sees a long bridge with no tightropes to hold on to'. I can understand the fear of falling before a crowd.
I love the reduction of the great big fear to the size of pink buds teetering on the beam.
ReplyDeleteYou related the tension of "walking the plank" very well. I love the ballerinas on the beam in your haiku!
ReplyDeleteI conquer my fear of falling from heights and water by avoiding both. Airplanes flying over water are unavoidable just like this plank walk.
ReplyDeleteI have struggled with weak legs & poor balance for a decade. I have fallen in crowds--pride is displaced by alacrity & fear accompanying every step.
ReplyDeleteI think that yours is a common fear although I know that it doesn't help dissipate it does it. Love your ballerina on the beam, Grace.
ReplyDeleteYou successfully brought your mind and the moment to life.
ReplyDeletethe lowercase letters reflect childhood - what a stroke of genius!
ReplyDeleteYou painted a powerful vision of fear, like walking the plank. What can you do though? I feel for you. Those planks don't look real steady
ReplyDeletehad us right on the edge, Grace ~
ReplyDeleteThe haiku was a perfect match to such a finely painted simple fear on that day. So nicely done. So fine to end in safety!
ReplyDeleteHairy, scary moments...glad you made it! Lovely haiku too.
ReplyDeleteGrace...this is so beautiful. Delicate and something that many of us (me) share. I fear falling but I have compromised ankles. So I can feel your anxiety. And the haiku is as delicate and lovely as what was above.
ReplyDeleteJane
Goodness. I know this feeling, oh so well. PERFECTLY put:
ReplyDelete"but fear is stalking my spine"
Fearful of water is a real thing! One is practically on one's own!
ReplyDeleteHank
I felt your fear. Glad you made it to safety. Your haiku is simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteooooooh. the fear is vividly felt my dear! can feel it! :)
ReplyDeletepink bud ballerina...the prefect close...sound of delicate balance.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful writing...loved the haiku!
ReplyDeleteI share that fear to the point that my palms sweat when I see it in writing or image--think "True Lies."
ReplyDeletePowerful and captivating. You're an awesome writer.
ReplyDeleteFear can be paralyzing. Glad it was overcome. Well done. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful metaphorical haibun. The conversational tone of the prose piece works beautifully with the content.
ReplyDelete