After my folks divorced, my mom and us kids moved away. The new house was smaller, but brighter. The old, quiet, mostly childless neighborhood switched to one full of children for my brothers and I to play with.
running in sunlight
I shoot and make the basket
my new best friend cheers
Weekends with my dad were always fun. We went boating on an inland lake, walked along a railroad trestle bridge in the marsh, and enjoyed impromptu rope swings in parks. He made us stilts that we stepped off on from the tall concrete back step. He bought us vehicles ā bikes, go-carts, mini-bikes, and later, cars ā as birthday gifts. We went on family bike rides, but only at night, to playgrounds and through cemeteries.
Streetlight’s small moons watch
us run-jump merry-go-round
Dad’s cigarette glows
On Saturday nights we would bake a store-bought frozen peach pie and put a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on each warm wedge. We would eat them as we watched shows on black-and-white television. Dad would name the actors as we watched.
So far from the tree
a peach bodhisattva sings
duets with Hepburn
Michelle Beauchamp aka Mish is today’s host of dVerse’ Poetics. Mish says:
Fruit has found its way into poetry. For today’s prompt, I’d like it to find its way into yours. You have options for this prompt.
Write a poem based on a memory that a fruit evokes. Kim did a lovely prompt, entitled “How to Cut a Pomegranate” back in June. You can revisit the idea of exploring a fruit, appealing to the senses. Share the connection or memory that a fruit evokes for you. OR
Write about an emotion or abstract concept. What does it taste like? Consider the quote above by Rodman Philbrick, from The Last Book in the Universe and how he imagines the taste of clouds. What does freedom taste like? What does guilt, grief or peace taste like? Does it remind you of the taste of a fruit? You do not have to stay in the confines of fruit. OR
Think outside of the fruit bowl! Create your OWN fruit. Yes, imagine the look, feel, and taste. Where did it come from? How does it grow? Is it magical? Take us to the a fantasy land of fruit.
Tao Talk 
the intersperal of haiku with your prose recollections touched with nostalgia is wonderful to read and imagine. That last haiku is superb!
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Laura, thank you. Frank Tassone often uses that format with haibun. I’m pleased you enjoyed reading them.
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yes its a style I eschew, never quite knowing how to grasp it
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I’m not a poet, but did have a thought about a particular fruit that I’ve consumed more each year…..
The fruit of grief….. Which must be consumed whenever and wherever it arrives…. With its bitter taste, it goes down hard and burns all the way through…..
Yet once digested, this fruit from the tree of grief….. can give the sweetest and most tender appreciation for each precious moment of life ….
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Josaia, are you sure you aren’t a poet š Such a beautiful and wise comment. Thank you for sharing it.
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Thank you so much! ā„ļø
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You’re very welcome. If you ever want to write “non-poetry” again, please come and visit the poets at dVerse.
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Will do!! (Feel free to check out my blog as well if you like!…..josaia.com).
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Just did and commented.
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I think you may be a poet. š
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š
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I love how you layered the prose with haiku… they create just the right contrast.. also I love the difference between your life with your mother and your father…
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Bjorn, thank you for your thoughtful and observant comment. You’re right, the differences between the two lives were extreme.
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I could almost hear children laughing in the background. Beautiful memories, skilfully gathered together with poetry and prose!
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Irene, thank you very much. It was so long ago and yet seems like just yesterday ā¤
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š
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This format worked wonderfully, each haiku adding more depth to your stories. There is so much joy and love that shines through your words. Pieces of pie….and pieces of your heart. A special dad. š
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Lisa,
“Dad’s cigarette glows”: that really got to me in this beautifully penned remembrance of your father. He sounds wonderfully loving.
pax,
dora
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Dora, thank you very much and glad you connected with the poem.
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Youāre welcome, Lisa.
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Oh my heart this is poignant! Especially moved by the image; “a store-bought frozen peach pie and put a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on each warm wedge.” Thank you for sharing.. š
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Sanaa, thank you very much and glad you enjoyed the poem.
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You were fortunate that, even though divorced, your father appears to be a very constant and loving influence in your life. That is often not the case. Great write.
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Beverly my dad was like clockwork in his ways and yes, so much of his influence was positive, I’m fortunate. I agree many are not so fortunate. Thank you for reading.
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Did your parents remarry others? Stepparents muddy the waters. Your customized haibun really hits the spot, much like your peach pie ala mode.
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“Someone” (who is this?), Mom remarried and stayed with Stepdad until he passed on. Dad never remarried. Stepdad and I did *not* get along at all at the time, but honestly speaking he was twice the parent my mom was. Thank you for reading, your question, and your comment.
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Such wonderful memories Lisa, and there was love, and a bit of tender longing. Excellent piece!
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Thank you, Rob. I’m glad you caught that longing. So many things I never had a chance to tell my dad.
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I so enjoyed this glimpse into your past ~~ your poem is beautifully composed!!
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Thanks, Helen.
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Sweet sorrows..the weight of them grows with each year. Beautifully rendered. (K)
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Kerfe, thank you.
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Isn’t it something how seeing a food item, or even just thinking about it, can bring back memories? I section a tomato for a salad, and nothing. But slice it to top a burger with lettuce, and I see my dad, fifty years ago, eating a sandwich with nothing more than tomato slices and Miracle Whip.
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Yes it is. I think it has something to do with the multi-sensory experience of food that lodges it within us. If the prompt would have been butter pecan ice cream it would have brought back other memories of my dad also.
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Love this very much, Jade! Such a rich and full account of a well -managed childhood. Your Dad must have given great thoughts to the family’s happiness. Thanks for sharing Ma’am!
Hank
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ā¤ Yes he did, Hank. I can see that now.
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I really enjoyed your haibun. The memories are as delicious as a bowl of fruit.
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Suzanne, thank you š
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Lovely childhood memories Li.
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Sadje, thank you ā¤
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Youāre welcome Li
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Nostalgic and touching! You let us have a glance into your life as you composed this beautiful haibun. Amazing!
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Jay, thank you and I appreciate your comment.
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Memories with parents should always be cherished, after all we are the fruit of their love!
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Vandana.
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Wonderful telling of your childhood, and love the haiku.
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Linda thank you very much.
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Youāre welcome.
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This is so very well written. Full of life and passion as well as sadness. The pie and ice Creams sounds wonderful!
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Thanks much, Dwight. It was ā¤
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That reads, dare I say, like a very positive divorce… How far apart did you parents live, Lisa?
ā¤
David
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Maybe 3 miles at the most apart, but a very different part of town. Thanks for reading, David.
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I had fun visiting my dad also. Smells and foods can remind me of that time…that was lovely Lisa.
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Thank you, Max. What is one food you and your dad used to eat together?
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His favorite steak was a T-Bone…we would go to a restaurant where he knew the owner and he would order us one each…and he would cook them for us…he would broil them with onions.
Whenever I hear T-Bone I think of him.
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YUM! What a special memory to have with your dad.
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so well written and sweet memories of you Dad!šš
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My dad was a good guy and did the best he could for us kids. He taught us valuable lessons that have stood the test of time.
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