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2014/08/17

Traces of the Soul (haibun)



Walking and cycling used to be such a great way to get in touch with self. In the past few years my work hours have changed, as well as my health and so walking has decreased somewhat.  

I have written many poems and verses in my other blog which has helped;  and also found journaling and writing very helpful most of my life but last year I started a blog under a nom de plume and wrote uncensored  especially when I was in terrible pain either emotionally or physically suffering with chronic pain.  I could not help but notice how therapeutic...cathartic many times, this was for me.  I was getting reacquainted with me but also, more importantly, loving all me including my dark side.   

When I saw this prompt entitled “Solitude” I could not help  but write about it immediately. {despite that it is 5am}.    I was married 24 years having left my family home;   so basically for 43 years I had never ever lived alone.  That was a huge change for me and not easy.  I slipped into dark moments, until I finally started getting to know ME. Isolation, solitude and loneliness are not the same. I love my solitude... have always enjoyed quiet times to refuel But this alone time, living in a city where I knew no one but 2 relatives I had not seen in over 30 years forced me to stare at solitude right in the face for days, months, years.
 

[...] "Solitude is a silent storm that breaks down all our dead branches; Yet it sends our living roots deeper into the living heart of the living earth". [...] Khalil Gibran 

 

The plus side of facing these solitary moments was getting in touch, finally, with my inner self.  I had another relationship for several years but never moved in with another man.  The fear of losing my “self”  seemed too threatening.  

My deep soul searching writing last year, however, opened my heart and soul more than years of therapy.  I was finally coming home and  getting acquainted with me through traces here and there of my soul. 

And now with this Japanese form of poetry I am finding it is like reflecting on nature and looking inside our selves constantly...So this prompt is a real treat to write.

 

Our host has written 2 beautiful haiku:
 

deep down inside
hiding in the deeper layers of the soul
divine inspiration

© Chèvrefeuille

 
scent of incense
guiding me through the depths of my soul -
showing the light

© Chèvrefeuille 

 
© Clr '14 Solitude

 

writing for hours
removing clutter lodged,
crevice of the soul,
bumped into my inner self
wandering towards the light.
 

scented candles
keep my muse and me company
insightful script. 

(c) Tournesol
 

 

 

 
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn Roberts 2014/08/17

10 comments:

  1. Awesome post Cheryl Lynn ... a really gorgeous (and honest) haibun ... chapeau! Thank you for sharing this with us.

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    1. Merci bien, Kristjaan, I'm pleased you enjoyed this.

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  2. A wonderful haibun -- thank you for opening up to us Tournesol :)

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  3. Thank you, Jen. The fun thing about being so transparent is that I don't have to make anything up {grins}

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  4. I think the sense of smell is an amazing gift, especially in its ability to lead us inward.

    Solitude

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  5. I agree with Kristjaan, very honest and intensely personal - you explored two different faces of being alone, and came out on top. A very good read, in which many of us will find something to relate to. Superb verse - gen of a haikum

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  6. Thank you, MMT, I find we connect with self through all our senses.

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  7. Yes, Hamish, it is personal and it is the only way I know how to write for I am most selfish when writing, I`m afraid, partly I write because it feels good:) Thank you so much for your kind words.

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  8. Indeed the solitude is a place for strength -- loneliness only breaks you down

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  9. I have mostly lived my life with someone else. Family, friends, or my husband. However with his travels at times it did seem like I was very much alone. And sometimes raising to young children it was like being married to a soldier. Just a different soldier I suppose. It is though the nature of his job for him to travel. And now with our sons grown and out... I do have moments of alone time. As you say though we have much to learn from ourselves.

    May you continue to be inspired by insightful scripting :)

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