While I sit at my desk watching the midwest winter creep in slowly, I realize that I have not yet got my head wrapped around all that it meant for me to be a curator for Drifting Sands Haibun, Issue 29.
 
It was certainly a learning experience. And answered the question: What do people think is a haibun?
From a travelog to poems about personal pain to social statements. The style of prose varied from traditional narratives to free verse poetry. 
I also realized that there was one thing I was drawn to in each haibun: a very strong, a touching haiku/senryu. If the haiku was weak, the rest of the poem crashed down like jenga.
 
I also realized that not all poets are good with prose and some with excellent prose gave a so-so haiku. Haibun challenges a writer to be good not just in haiku but also to be an effective wordsmith in the narration of a tale. 
 
Another thing I enjoyed with a haibun is the linking and shifting of the haiku with the prose. This, I understand is not a requirement of a haibun but it certainly does enhance the poetic value in my mind. 
 
What I also enjoyed is a title that adds layers to the haibun. Again, this is not a requirement. In fact many poets don’t give much weight to the title, and it certainly does not need to be laden with meaning. But it does enhance the poem, in my limited experience. 
 
I hope you enjoy the issue. I certainly did have the time of my life! Here’s the link:
http://Drifting Sands Haibun Issue 29
 
Hope you’re having a great autumn!
 
 
 
 
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