Haibun – Ivor.Plumber/Poet

An Epic Saga (a Haibun)

Featuered Image Above; Theo, tethered but tenacious — reaching for the light once more.

** Over at Weekly Prompts, the Weekend Challenge is the word Epic. To visit their wonderful site, please click >> Here.

Back in early June, readers might remember my poem about “Theo” the tomato tree — a bold little sprout defying the odds. I’m pleased to announce that Theo has survived an arduous winter. Today, beneath the mulch and morning mist, there are tender signs of regrowth. >> https://ivorplumberpoet.press/2025/06/09/bold-and-defiant/.

Like good Doctor Who
Theo’s regenerated
Will he produce fruit?

Ivor Steven (c) November 2025

Falling (a Haibun)

This morning I attended the Dome Poetry Group’s monthly meeting, and the theme/topic was to present a “Haibun”.
‘Falling’, is the Haibun I wrote for the group to peruse.

Haibun Definition: In a haibun, the prose section provides a descriptive narrative or a personal essay-like passage, while the haiku serves as a brief, poetic moment or reflection that complements the prose. The prose typically describes a scene, a journey, an experience, or a memory in a concise and vivid manner, often incorporating sensory details and emotional insights.

Falling (a Haibun)

On this day 24 years ago. I abruptly awoke. I was struggling to breathe, and my right arm and leg felt strange. I did not know I was having a stroke. I struggled and fell out of bed. My tumble woke my wife, Carole, and I could see the anguish or fear in her eyes. Somehow, I was able to ring “000“, and slur enough information for them to locate me. Fortunately, the ambulance guys knew of Carole’s condition and promptly organized the appropriate health agencies to have her minded and cared for.

Falling (the Haiku)

I stumbled
She cried … don’t fall
Love hurts

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Lulu Books >> Until Eyes Hear Sound (lulu.com)

Perceptions:

Amazon >> Perceptions : Steven, Ivor, Knight, Derrick: Amazon.com.au: Books
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Tullawalla:

Amazon >> Tullawalla A Meeting Place Where My Empty Hands are Full of Memories and Rhymes : Steven, Ivor: Amazon.com.au: Books

OR: >> You may email me directly for a signed copy at
ivorrs20@gmail.com

Ivor Steven (c) September 2024

Tell Me Why (a Haibun)

Feeling very privileged and happy today. Last night, as a invited guest, I attended the special pre-show celebratory gathering and performance of Tell Me Why – Archie Roach, concert.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

A new work sharing stories and songs from Archie Roach’s award-winning memoir and companion album, Tell Me Why is an intimate, moving and often confronting account of his resilience, strength of spirit as well as a great love story. It’s an extraordinary odyssey of love, heartbreak, family, community, survival and renewal, showcasing the healing power of music.

Not many have lived as many lives as Archie, from stolen child, teenage alcoholic, seeker, lover, father, musical and lyrical genius, to social advocate and First Nations leader – but it took almost a lifetime to find who he really was. He is Archie Roach.

In the “Tell Me Why” show, Archie Roach voiced joy, pain, and hope within the songs that he had found on his journey to becoming the legendary singer, songwriter and storyteller that he is today; and below is my Haiku that I wrote straight after the concert …

Why (a Haiku)

The stolen children

Tell me why did they do that?

Does the river know?

Below; I have attached two of Archie Roach’s music/videos, and you can find more of his powerful lyrics and music on YouTube ...

Ivor Steven (c) December 2021

The Analogue Academy

Hello readers, today I’m presenting my first Haibun. The Haibun is a prosimetric literary form originating in Japan, combining prose and haiku. The range of haibun is broad and frequently includes autobiography, diary, essay, prose poem, short story and travel journal.

Yesterday I travelled by bus into the city centre, to visit the unique Analogue Academy, an art gallery, a creative arts school, including a coffee shop/bar, and a drop-off depot for photographers to have their films developed. Definitely a friendly venue for creative people to meet, and enjoy the atmosphere of the rustic and comfortable surroundings. And of course Ivor had his usual coffee, cake and a few beers. The specific purpose of my outing was to view an exhibition of paintings by local artist, Jacklyn Foster, who is a fellow member of Geelong’s ‘Lowercase Poetry Group’. I found her display, “Replying To Spam Emails” to be imaginative and colourful, and I was very satisfied with myself that I had made the effort to attend the Analogue Academy.

Gallery

Uniquely homely

Creativity set free

Here’s Tullawalla**

** Tullawalla, and an aboriginal word meaning, ‘a place to sit and meet’

Below: A fabulous painting by Jacklyn Foster