The Līgo Haibun Challenge is hosted by Ye Pirate and Ese.
This week we are invited to be innovative. Instead of completing our prose with a haiku, we can choose an alternative style of oh-so-brief poetry. I have selected the Cambodian pathya vat style – four lines of poetry where the second and third lines must rhyme.
This week is also prompt week, and i have chosen the Mexican proverb ‘It is not enough to know how to ride – you must also know how to fall’ as my inspiration.
Please do go and check out the other entries by visiting the co-hosts’ blogs and finding the InLinkz linky thing! There are some very talented writers out there…
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– One Wild Song –
The weather yesterday was what I told myself to be the winter version of the day of my dad’s funeral – blue skies, here and there the odd wisp of teased, cotton wool clouds, everywhere crisp and bright.
It was a fitting day for us all to gather for his memorial service. A man who loved colour in his clothing as well as in his art, he would have delighted in such a day to celebrate his life, his achievements, his work.
Throughout the service – a mixture of classical music, hymns, choral works, poetry and other readings – I kept on thinking that I wouldn’t have been surprised if the man himself had arrived, charging down the aisle in a puff of cigar smoke, rainbow-hued tie flailing. It was all so ‘him’. The stunning surroundings, the atmosphere, the sheer grandeur of it all, yet wrapped in an intimacy so tangible it could almost be touched and held close.
So many amazing sentiments were expressed. They were touching, even humorous at times, topped off by a huge round of applause fit to lift St Paul’s Cathedral from its foundations and expose the OBE Chapel to the world outside.
It could have been no better.
clapping of hands stings in echoes for life that flows – sorrow no more
an honorable haibun to your father – love how you included the Pathya vat as it really completes the flow. may your father rest in peace and abundant blessings to you and loved ones, Freya. ♥
Beautifully written. I did not of course know your father but if I were him I would be very proud to have such an eloquent and heartfelt writer such as you for a daughter.
While I am sure we are not related….this sounds a bit like my own father’s memorial – over 13 years now. I read two pieces I wrote for him. No other members of my family could speak – overwhelmed I guess. As I almost was for the brief moment I took my eyes away from my words.
So many traditions that we have remembering those we have lost. This is a wonderful tribute.
Thank you for your visit to my story haibun. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Thank you, Jules. I found the memorial service easier to speak at, with a few months having passed – the funeral was another matter. But I was determined that I should honour him in the way he would have appreciated, so I did it anyway, without breaking down once.
Freya Writes... 
This is a fabulous haibun Freya and wonderfyl tribute to your dad and his legacy. A pleasure to read. Well done.
Thank you. He would have had a ball yesterday, I’m sure of it.
Well yes as it is sounds like everyone else did…..I’d like that reference to him coming down the aisle cigar puffing, great image….
Thank you – I can just see it now, actually.
I must admit, I keep having to reread this for the instructions on the different types.
I like what you have done 🙂
Yes, I had to print it out to get my head around it all! Thank you 🙂
🙂
an honorable haibun to your father – love how you included the Pathya vat as it really completes the flow. may your father rest in peace and abundant blessings to you and loved ones, Freya. ♥
Thank you, Sun. Yes, the pathya vat just seemed to work somehow.
Beautifully written. I did not of course know your father but if I were him I would be very proud to have such an eloquent and heartfelt writer such as you for a daughter.
Thank you so much, Paul. He was an eloquent man himself – I hope I have inherited some of his skills.
I do think you have
While I am sure we are not related….this sounds a bit like my own father’s memorial – over 13 years now. I read two pieces I wrote for him. No other members of my family could speak – overwhelmed I guess. As I almost was for the brief moment I took my eyes away from my words.
So many traditions that we have remembering those we have lost. This is a wonderful tribute.
Thank you for your visit to my story haibun. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Thank you, Jules. I found the memorial service easier to speak at, with a few months having passed – the funeral was another matter. But I was determined that I should honour him in the way he would have appreciated, so I did it anyway, without breaking down once.