The haibun prompt at dVerse today is to tell why we write the poems we write — our subject matter or style. Here’s my take:
I find my poetry in the seams of life — frontiers; transitions; where doors close or open; where meadow meets woods; where summer meets autumn; where love turns to hate, or worse, to apathy; where middle years meet old age.
fields become stubble
the moon rises silent, gold
the mouse is not safe
– Sarah Russell
Note: The photo was taken last fall, mid-afternoon, in Lederer Park in the center of State College, PA — the place where I walk with my dog every day. We were on a path across a grassy picnic area leading into an arboretum, traffic not a hundred yards away.
Sarah Russell Poetry 
It seems like those seams are where actions happen. I suppose hate could turn to love there as well. I liked the last line of the haiku about the safety of the mouse, a very specific “seam of life”.
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Thanks, Frank.
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Your poem is succinct and says much in few words. Great haiku and astonishing photo!
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Thanks, Bev. I thought the photo could illustrate better than anything the sometimes astounding things that take place “at the seams” — in this case where grassy urban lawn met a small woods.
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Did you really see a bear? Oh My? XXX
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It was a thrill, but I’m glad my dog was on a leash. He usually runs free.
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Absolutely, those seams are magical treasures. Very nicely done.
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Thanks a lot, Misky.
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Seams of life…I like this very much. Love the (scary) photo and haibun response Sarah ~
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Thanks, Grace. Seems to be a theme for me.
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Love how you find your inspiration in the transitions. I think it’s true, that you notice those the most. Maybe that’s why poetry is easier to write about change,
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I found so many poems in that vein that I’m even thinking of a chapbook with that theme. A workshop in January should tell me if it’s a hit or a miss of an idea. Wish me luck!
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I do… and it reminds me of some prompts we have had.
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In the seams of life – lovely image.
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Guess I’m a quilter like you are, Margaret. Still thinking about your wonderful metaphor.
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Sarah, this is absolutely beautiful and true – and I wish I’d written it!
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Thank you, Sarah. I’m honored.
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All perfect places to find poetry, Sarah! I hope the mouse finds a safe place in the stubble 🙂
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Thanks, Kim. I do too!
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Appropriate for your particular talent of weaving with words.:-)
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Thanks a lot, Kathy.
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My assertion has always been that inspiration is everywhere we look. Even what falls behind the seat cushions could trigger a bit of wit. Your process sounds very appealing. I find it quite satisfying, Sarah!
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Thanks a lot, Walter. I started thinking that way when I was driving on a country road in early March a few years ago and saw a cow that had just given birth trying to protect her calf from a coyote lurking just at the edge of the pasture where it met the woods. Another cow had come to help, and they made a formidable barrier for the poor little guy who was trying to get to his feet. I decided then that the best stuff happened at the margins.
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The photo is amazing. You didn’t exactly say, but it is one of my favorite places, the “in between.” There are always insteresting things to find there.
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Thanks, Annell. Yes, the “in between” — a great way to put it. I’m finding all kinds of new ways to look at that phenomenon. I was going to put “borders” in the haibun, but I think it has too much of a political connotation and would be taken too literally right now. One of those loaded words.
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Yes, the mouse is not safe. Exactly. The moment of writing is ready to pounce at any time.
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Love your interpretation here. Poet as predator/mouse as word. What a picture! Thanks.
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The magic of between-places, transitions and borderlands. I love what you’ve captured here, Sarah. Perfect.
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I really like this idea of seams. The haiku is lovely, and that photo–Wow!
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Thanks so much, Meril. I thought the photo showed what can happen at the seams pretty well!
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I enjoyed the poetic density of your prose-poem, and how you capped it off with the raw uncertainty of your haiku.
Yes, the seams, the edges. A great place to seek the stories.
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Thanks a lot, Frank. High praise. I’ve read your work! Yes, the seams are great places for stories.
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