Thursday 9 February 2023
How good it was to have full attendance this time after a few months of depleted numbers—Glenys Ferguson, Hazel Hall, Kathy Kituai, Marietta McGregor, Gregory Piko and Jan Dobb. Due to rain, we were not under the trees this time but tucked away in the marquee.
After ordering lunch and enjoying some personal catch-up, we found ourselves admiring a copy of recently published Contemporary Haibun 18 (Red Moon Press) available from Amazon. This led to a clarifying discussion of qualities to aim for in a haibun and the wide scope of content the form offers. Some lively input crossed the table as views and experiences were exchanged.
As suggested last time, a few of us brought some haiku-in-progress for consideration and comment by the group—haiku that invited a further look, haiku that was unfinished or perhaps still seeking that elusive ‘something’. This sparked long, warm, and frank discussion both specific and general, while appreciative of the trust between us as we shared this ‘raw material’. We seemed to glimpse afresh how the melding of inspiration and technique offers so many possibilities.
Where does time go? There was more talk still waiting in the wings, but that will be for next month. The Oaks staff were packing up and we realised we were the only customers left. Outside, the sun had begun drying up the rain.
Jan Dobb
Australian Haiku Society 