Memory Won't Save Me: a haibun

by Mimi White

Poetry. Prose. From the author: "The haibun is a traditional Japanese form that dates back to Matsuo Basho's time (1644-94). It combines prose and haiku and often recreates a journey that ends in personal or spiritual growth. The haibun became a reservoir for the fatigue, love, fear, and wonder I felt as I approached and then experienced my father's final hours."

Genres: Poetry

44 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2012

Reviews

[Chris LaTray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful modern take on the Haibun that I found both emotional and frustrating. As a character in her own story White comes off as a bit privileged and entitled. But that’s part of what makes it engaging.

[andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first engagement with a haibun.
Very much appreciated Mimi White sharing this "passage"- one that most of us navigate - that of coming to grips with our parents' mortality, which of course shines the light on our relationship with them and then somehow back on us ... on how we're doing now, us as kids they raised ... and as adults now in this moment contemplating their loss.

These embedded haikus resonated with me most:

"always a hand, go,
stay, always a last wave
heart in the air"

"not all sounds equal
silence or noise, consider
the coffin lowering

and this one I actually chose to accompany a painting of mine in Instagram:

"moon's borrowed light
passes for illumination
night is infinite"