I open the letter, read the words again and again. But they don’t change. They recount the battle and your acts of bravery. They describe the sudden storm, a tempest that battered your ship against the rocks, as you were journeying home to me. I had warned you not to go. I told you of my dream, where the storm clouds gathered and flew like demons, covering the moon, and you appeared beside me, cold and still, dripping, smelling of the sea, smelling of decay. I felt the pain then, clean and sharp in my breast. You laughed at my fears, called me Cassandra. Perhaps I am, for you did not believe me. I look at the ring on my finger and think of this other love-pledge you have given me, feel him flutter-kick in my womb. A son. He’ll be born in the spring. I will tell him about you.
ghosts drift in moonlight
clouds obscure the pale glowing
drops like silver tears
Johannes Vermeer, “Woman in Blue Reading a Letter,” [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
This haibun is for Colleen Chesebro’s Weekly poetry challenge. The prompt words were clean and sharp. I’ve also used this week’s Secret Keeper’s prompt. The words: | OPEN| ROCK| RING | ACT | LETTER |
Jane Dougherty used the Vermeer image above for a post this week, also using Secret Keeper’s Words. I like it so much, that I decided to steal use it, too. The painting is carefully constructed and illuminated, of course, but I also like the literacy of the woman that is portrayed as unexceptional. Also, though it is most likely the fashion, the woman in the painting does look pregnant.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
What luscious dark dripping imagery! And the haiku is tremendous 🙂
Thank you so much, Jane!
“luscious dark dripping imagery” Wow!
I seem to have written a few women and war haibun. It’s weird.
The scene was really vivid and ghastly I suppose is the right dictionary word, contrasting with the placid painting. That was weird. But the expression on her face seems like shock to me.
Yes, I thought she might look stunned, as well. I actually wrote the poem, and then went back to the image to see if it fit, and I was happy to see that it did. 🙂
It does, perfectly 🙂
Amazing and stunningly movi g writing Merril! Bravo!
Thank you so much, Holly! 🙂
A pleasure always
A lifetime told in a few words…beautiful. I like the way it mingles with the painting too. (K)
Thank you very much, Kerfe.
The visions this conjures are just hauntingly beautiful. Cassandra indeed! Bravo!!!
Thank you very much, Damien! 🙂
The prose piece is brilliant. The final sentence so perfect
Thank you so much, Derrick!
And your poem matches it and the painting perfectly
Thank you!
You’ve made the painting speak, Merril. And, I agree with Jane about the haiku.
Well done.
Thank you very much, Ken!
The art work comes alive from your words, Merril. I got goosebumps as your prose Haibun story unfurled. This is fabulous! I love when a story is told like this. Excellent! ❤
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Colleen. It’s wonderful to know that my work gave you goosebumps!
Absolutely! I loved it! ❤️
🙂
I love imagining stories from just observing details of paintings, Merril. One of the benefits of realism in paintings is that it can ignite expressionism in writing. I suppose the reverse can be true also?
Thank you, Shirley. I think it does go both ways. In this case, the poem is not really about the painting, but the image does fit, doesn’t it. 🙂
Wonderful story you’ve created for this character. The haiku is especially delicate, atmospheric, and lovely.
Thank you very much, Jennifer.
Isn’t it funny how characters seem real?
Perfectly executed the accompanying painting is astutely an ideal match
Thank you. 🙂
Haunting and heart wrenching; although happily, the woman still persists in looking to a brighter future. Your haiku is stunning and shines in the dark. Superb!
Thanks so much, Rose!
I hope her future is brighter. 🙂
Oh, that poor woman. You express beautifully what I see in that painting – perfectly.
Thanks so much, Pam!
very effective use of language Merril! love it!
Reblogged this on purehaiku and commented:
I love this post from Merril D Smith… what do you think?
Thanks so much!
Oh my goodness! This moved me so! Love, love this haibun, and the photo just cemented it. Wow! Very nicely done Merril.
Pat
Thank you so much, Pat, for your lovely comment!
This is wonderful – so resonant, beautiful and sad!
Thank you very much, Mary. I appreciate your lovely comment.
This was full of dread and portent, as I read I felt I “knew” the sense of loss.
Beautiful for both mothers and readers on Wednesday through Sunday, Merril.
Wishing you all kinds of joy and love today.
We are blessed to have our sweet, dear Moms! 💗
Thank you, Robin. We are. Happy Mother’s Day!
Oh good, Merril! 🙂 🙂
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Wow, this is such a sad story, but powerfully written.
Thank you very much, Judy!
You are welcome. Merril. 🙂