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)
I really liked this – such a great snapshot on life.
I really liked the build up to a well chosen haikai genre choice that is senryu.
Delightfully cheeky, and oddly respectful.
warm regards,
Alan
A surprise that I didn't see coming. It is just perfect, Marietta. Well done.
Marietta
So good to read you here.
Fun haibun.
Jan
Ha – I enjoyed that ending, Marietta! Nice one.
marion
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
I love your haiku too, Jane. So true! Those floating butterfly dresses!
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!