It’s a goodbye for now. I’ve been honored to be your host for Haibun Wednesday here at Go Dog Go Cafe, but life is doing what it does and is taking me down another path. I do adore this poetry form and hope, if you’ve found this page, you’ll try it out yourself!

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What exactly is Haibun?

Autobiographical poetic prose accompanied by haiku.

Bruce Ross

In his old age Basho, who may be credited with establishing the haiku form, undertook a long journey to the remote regions of northern Japan, fully expecting to die before completing it. He did complete the journey, and his record of it has become a classic of world literature and an example, in the broadest sense, of haibun, autobiographical poetic prose accompanied by haiku. 
– Journey to the Interior, American Versions of Haibun, Edited by Bruce Ross

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Writer’s guide…

Some things to keep in mind when writing haibun:

• The range of haibun is broad and frequently includes autobiography, diary, essay, prose poem, and travel journal.
• A haibun is a combination of prose and haiku.
• The prose is brief and simple and usually written in the present tense.
• The haiku should not attempt to repeat, quote, or explain the prose.
• A haibun should be titled.

Online Resources:
Contemporary Haibun Online
Haiku Society of America
Haibun Today
Knock-Your-Socks-Off Art and Literature
Poets.org – Closer Look at Writing Haibun

Books:
Word Craft: Prose & Poetry: The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry

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Hey y’all, thanks for visiting the Go Dog Go Cafe and reading today’s selection. I am Donna Matthews, a born and bred Texan who can usually be found writing at the DJ Ranch, doodling, taking pictures, and traveling the world on foot. I’m all about love, people, sharing, and exploring life together, and would love to get to know you. Come on over for a visit sometime 💙