27 Comments
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Nina S. Nazir's avatar

This is beautiful, Ain. I want to know if it's true? :-) It somehow feels like you're recalling a memory but it has a filmic feeling about it. Hope you are well where you are! My very good wishes to you and all the other brave soldiers <3

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

Lovely comment there Sunra...I would say 75% true, the bathing a gentle sensual introduction to adulthood, the car accident yes, and subsequent hospital visits, the wheel chair hopefully was temporary but I "thickened" the ending for dramatic purposes. Sunra, your words mean so much. There are wonderful guys here, from many nationalities, all very sincere. We are south now, near the sea.

Nina S. Nazir's avatar

Thank you for updating us all. Always a pleasure to read your words <3

Tzvi Fievel's avatar

very moving.

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

Thanks Tzvi, appreciated.

Punam's avatar

Sometimes I feel beautiful cannot exactly convey what one wants to but there is no better word than it. This is beautiful, touchingly tender and written with a lot of love. The haiku is exquisite.

Stay well, Ain.

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

Such an amazing comment Punam. Some very good people from your country here. Top class guys. Thank you again for your words. So kind.

Punam's avatar

Glad to know good people are giving you company. My pleasure and stay safe.

Marion Horton's avatar

Magnolias are beginning to flower here, reminding us there is still beauty in the world. Such a tender loving story Ain. I hope you have many warm memories to sustain you at the moment.

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

That js so kind Marion. Thanks very much. Lovely words of yours about beauty.

colleen looseleaf's avatar

This gave me a chill of goosebumps and so it works as good writing...for one thing... like a memory that floats like a fragrance.

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

So nicely put Colleen. Wonderful, thanks.

hedgewitch's avatar

We are most alive as we age in these mementos, these gifts of the past, even if they are bittersweet, even if life has twisted them into a braid of pain which we must somehow wear like a crown...beautiful poem, Ain, especially the ending phrases. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts with you on your current path. Be well.

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

Such a lovely set of words thank you. So kind of you to take the time to write them. Thank you so much and all the best.

Merril D Smith's avatar

This is so very tender, and so evocative Ain. The magnolia blooms that still blossom--and their scent--I feel like I can almost smell them.

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

Yes.....thank you for such lovely words Merril, so kind. The aromas always bring memories and vice versa.

Carol Congalton's avatar

Such love written here.

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

Oh yes.......that is what it is....thank you so much..

Gillena Cox's avatar

Stunning haibun!!!

Much💚love

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

Really appreciate that Gillena..

Ingrid's avatar

A beautiful haibun! I love the conclusion!

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

Wonderful Ingrid..I really value your words, thanks.

Christine Bolton's avatar

This is absolutely stunning Ain! A beautiful Haibun that draws the reader in to a private world and what a twist you gave us.

a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

That is such a lovely comment Christine, thanks.

Björn's avatar

So sad and bittersweet... but if you have a lovely past it is always to live in the forest of memories.

Sanaa Rizvi's avatar

You have left me quite breathless with this one, Ain! This is beautiful ❤️❤️

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Mar 18, 2022
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a forestbather in ukraine's avatar

As your words Dale...thank you so much.