Pink, or: Ultraviolet

Posted on March 29, 2021March 29, 2021 by ben Alexander

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.

81 thoughts on “Pink, or: Ultraviolet”

murisopsis March 30, 202101:25 Reply

I’m smiling at your pink scalp that no doubt matched the cherry blossoms!!
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:38 Reply
  
  It wasn’t a competition, Muri, but I probably would have won first prize!
  
  🌸
  David
Beverly Crawford March 30, 202101:23 Reply

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?
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:37 Reply
  
  Yes, Bev, it’s actually quite fascinating to reflect upon the things that we recall and the things that we don’t.
  
  ❤
  David
robtkistner March 30, 202100:57 Reply

Excellent write David — and next time remember the words of many mothers, “wear a hat!” 🙂 Beautiful haiku!
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:36 Reply
  
  I know, I know. That was my takeaway too, Rob. 🧢
  But I have an unfortunate tendency to learn things the hard way.
  
  ❤
  David
msjadeli March 30, 202100:37 Reply

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.
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:35 Reply
  
  💜 Lisa 💜
  1. msjadeli March 30, 202118:33 Reply
    
    ❤
Ken / rivrvlogr March 30, 202100:23 Reply

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.
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:35 Reply
  
  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
Barbara S March 30, 202100:16 Reply

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.
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:33 Reply
  
  💖 Barbara 💖
Ron. March 29, 202123:37 Reply

Blossoms fade faster than hair thins, though both are inevitable, eh?
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:32 Reply
  
  So true, Ron. Although the blossoms to grow back at least!
  
  💓
  David
Maggie C March 29, 202122:54 Reply

The blossoms fade as fast as some hairlines. I like your haibun.
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:31 Reply
  
  Thanks so much, Maggie 🤍
  
  Yours,
  David
Ron Rowland March 29, 202122:46 Reply

Well, that’s kind of sad that cherry blossoms remind you of balding.
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:31 Reply
  
  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
K.Hartless March 29, 202122:40 Reply

Trees blooming, you’re deblooming (in a way). Clever, David. Enjoyed.
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:30 Reply
  
  Thanks, KH 🤎
  
  -David
Gillena Cox March 29, 202122:40 Reply

Beautiful images in your haibun, Happy Monday

much love…
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:29 Reply
  
  Thanks so much, Gillena – I really appreciate it 💝
  
  Yours,
  David
yassy March 29, 202122:37 Reply

Awesome 👏 🤩
1. ben Alexander March 30, 202108:29 Reply
  
  Yes, you are, Yassy❣️
  
  -David
  1. yassy March 30, 202109:42 Reply
    
    You are too , David. 🤗
    
    Wonderful work.
    
    Yasmin.