Hanoi Warms Up

 

Early one morning I circle Hoan Kiem Lake?(“Lake of the Restored Sword”) in Old?Hanoi. The lake is a?rich jungly green. In its centre on an island stands the?Turtle?Tower, commemorating the return to the Golden Turtle God of?his Magic Sword. A shrine, joined to?the lakeshore?by a red lacquered bridge, attracts wedding parties,?brides in?crimson ao dai and?grooms in white. The lake is a focal point for strollers,?families, and?lovers. Elderly men and women practice their morning?martial arts on the manicured grass. I photograph a young?couple beside the lake in the shade of a bamboo grove.

tai?chi class?
two lovers turning it
horizontal

 

 

(senryu published in?’Asahi?Haikuist Network’,?May 1, 2015 and ‘Under the Basho’, 2015)

8 Responses

  1. Jano Says:

    I really liked this – such a great snapshot on life.

  2. Alan Summers Says:

    I really liked the build up to a well chosen haikai genre choice that is senryu.

    Delightfully cheeky, and oddly respectful.

    warm regards,

    Alan

  3. marykendall Says:

    A surprise that I didn't see coming. It is just perfect, Marietta. Well done.

  4. Jan Benson Says:

    Marietta
    So good to read you here.
    Fun haibun.

    Jan

  5. seaviewwarrenpoint Says:

    Ha – I enjoyed that ending, Marietta! Nice one.

    marion

  6. janewilliams Says:

    Loved this, terrific depiction of Hoan Kiem Lake and the life around it, took me back …

    spring date in Hanoi
    her modest dress creeps up
    riding pillion

  7. Marietta Says:

    I love your haiku too, Jane. So true! Those floating butterfly dresses!

  8. Marietta McGregor Says:

    Thank you all for the very kind comments! I had somehow dropped off the tinywords emailing list, so didn't even see this was up until a friend on Facebook gave me a shout-out!

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