For those new to haibun, the form consists of one to a few paragraphs of prose—usually written in the present tense—that evoke an experience and are often non-fictional/autobiographical. They may be preceded or followed by one or more haiku—nature-based, using a seasonal image—that complement without directly repeating what the prose stated.
In winter, moments before Spring’s advent, I listen. Male Northern Cardinals are poised to start singing their ‘welcome song’. They are the first creatures who set their sights on longer, and warmer, days in New England. Do they speak for us or to each other?
My ears have an instinct born from years of paying attention to the ‘little things’. It’s time. And when I’m granted witness, I’ll pause lifting my smiling face toward the sun, presently connected to the natural world’s harbingers of hope.
Birds aren’t vain nor proud.
Voices raised toward heaven,
Life professing joy.
Haibun Monday 1/31/22 Harbingers of Hope
Sillyfrog's Blog 
Elegant and made me think back fondly on my grandmother’s bird feeder. I appreciate the gentle hope buried in the piece, and the expectations of warmth somewhere in the distance.
Your comment warmed my heart. Thank-you!
A reminder that Spring follows winter, often sooner than we expect. Nicely done!
Thank you, Frank.
This is quite beautiful! 🙂
❤ Thank you, Ron. It’s heart felt.
Fun images
Delighted to hear that. Thank-you.
‘My ears have an instinct born from years of paying attention to the ‘little things’. It’s time. And when I’m granted witness, I’ll pause lifting my smiling face toward the sun, presently connected to the natural world’s harbingers of hope.’ – me too! What a lovely write!
❤ Thanks very much, Carol.
I love that phrase “when I’m granted witness”. Sets a lovely tone of appreciating the seasons.
I too wrote of a bird. Loved hearing the cardinals. We don’t have them in our country.
All birds offer us a special feeling of hope, IMO.
Much appreciated!
This was delightful and I adore cardinals and their songs. I have a few that live near me.
Listen closely for their Spring Song. Coming soon. Thanks!
What a beautiful post Susan
It pleases me that it touched you. ❤
💕💖
In what still feels like the depths of winter, your haibun comes like the first of spring…very nicely done…
Glad to offer some warmth. Thanks!
I love your thoughts here! Birds are wonderful. I like that they just sing without thought of who might be watching!
It’s a comfort to watch and listen to them for that very reason. 😊 Thanks.
Yes, I agree!
I was going to write that this is “so uplifting”, Susan, and then I realized that this would be a pun, but I’m still sticking with it!
❤
David
Unintended then intended always works. 😊
Thank you David. ❤
“Birds aren’t vain nor proud.
Voices raised toward heaven,
Life professing joy.”
Yes! Yes!!
😊 many thanks!
Cardinals are a welcome sight and sound. You’re so right, they aren’t vain, they just go about their business.
😊❤👍 Thanks
You’re welcome.
The harbinger birds here are the great tits, they are already singing…
😊 Wonderful news! Thanks Bjorn.
What a wonderful introduction to spring!
Thanks! 😁 I heard them just today!