Marilyn Ashbaugh's haiku, haibun, haiga and tanka appear in journals and anthologies dedicated to these forms. One of her haiku was shortlisted for the 2021 Touchstone Award for Individual Poems. She is the haiku editor at Under the Basho.
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such a perfectly chosen verb for this poem – “dusting off” — which can be understood 2 ways: the casual nature of this action saying he doesn’t matter at all now; perhaps he’s returned to dust; what matter? OR dusting off his image to better remember and reminisce a love lost but not forgotten. Two potent possible meanings in 7 words. So well done!
Oh, how this one resonates! I’ve spent a lot of time searching out ‘old boyfriends’ and lots of other people to offer them pictures from whenever our lives crossed. The reactions have been from “yes, please” to one who insisted I was stalking him. Even was able to share memories with the son of one. Love your words!
Nice one!
Bob,
Thank you!
such a perfectly chosen verb for this poem – “dusting off” — which can be understood 2 ways: the casual nature of this action saying he doesn’t matter at all now; perhaps he’s returned to dust; what matter? OR dusting off his image to better remember and reminisce a love lost but not forgotten. Two potent possible meanings in 7 words. So well done!
Oh, how this one resonates! I’ve spent a lot of time searching out ‘old boyfriends’ and lots of other people to offer them pictures from whenever our lives crossed. The reactions have been from “yes, please” to one who insisted I was stalking him. Even was able to share memories with the son of one. Love your words!
This one made me smile, then sigh wistfully, Marilyn. Brilliant!
marion
Barbara,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Alma,
Thank you! Old photos are special.
:-) Made me laugh! Well done. “dusting off” (with both of its meanings) is brilliant.