A haibun
Nearly twenty years ago when I was in my mid-twenties, I drove to the District of Columbia from my parents’ home in New Jersey to meet an online friend of mine in person. This was during the famed National Cherry Blossom Festival, and we walked about together, chatting outside under the hot spring sun, enjoying the fantastic flowers in bloom.
The following day, back at home in New Jersey, I gingerly patted the top of my head and, with much surprise, discovered a painful sunburn. That was when I came to realize that I was balding.
crystal-like pink gleam majestic sakura sun ultraviolet
d’Verse
Haibun: Cherry Blossoms
Today at d’Verse, poets were prompted to write haibuns about cherry blossoms. This particular memory of my youth that I’ve shared with you came to my mind immediately.
The skeptic's kaddish 
I’m smiling at your pink scalp that no doubt matched the cherry blossoms!!
It wasn’t a competition, Muri, but I probably would have won first prize!
🌸
David
I was amused that you will always associate that very pleasant time with discovery of your thinning hair. Odd how our memories are structured, is it not?
Yes, Bev, it’s actually quite fascinating to reflect upon the things that we recall and the things that we don’t.
❤
David
Excellent write David — and next time remember the words of many mothers, “wear a hat!” 🙂 Beautiful haiku!
I know, I know. That was my takeaway too, Rob. 🧢
But I have an unfortunate tendency to learn things the hard way.
❤
David
That’s why God made hats, David. I like imagining you as a young man, strolling along with a friend under blooming cherry blossoms. Nice haibun.
💜 Lisa 💜
❤
This brought a smile. My son finally gave in to his thinning hair and shaved his head a few years ago. He’s had a few of these days.
Ken,
I keep my hair very short – not entirely shaved, but close.
But these days, I have a beard to enjoy instead 🧔
Thank you,
David
can’t help thinking about that conversation, obliterated first by the feast of the flowers and then again by the sunburn – what might it have been about, that was worth driving all the way… the scene is very vivid, David.
💖 Barbara 💖
Blossoms fade faster than hair thins, though both are inevitable, eh?
So true, Ron. Although the blossoms to grow back at least!
💓
David
The blossoms fade as fast as some hairlines. I like your haibun.
Thanks so much, Maggie 🤍
Yours,
David
Well, that’s kind of sad that cherry blossoms remind you of balding.
Well, I don’t often think about it, and now I’m used to being mostly bald so it doesn’t occupy my thoughts much. Plus I have a beard these days so that’s some compensation 😉
Thanks, Ron!
-David
Trees blooming, you’re deblooming (in a way). Clever, David. Enjoyed.
Thanks, KH 🤎
-David
Beautiful images in your haibun, Happy Monday
much love…
Thanks so much, Gillena – I really appreciate it 💝
Yours,
David
Awesome 👏 🤩
Yes, you are, Yassy❣️
-David
You are too , David. 🤗
Wonderful work.
Yasmin.