Haibun

THE SIMPLE LIFE  

an ekphrastic haibun

August Renoir, Gabrielle, Arising, c. 1909

 

Early morning and a woman arises from her bed. She is not a wealthy woman. No one attends her. No morning coffee placed on a bedside table to ease her into the day. No warm bath, perfumed with rose water.

 

She rises quickly, slips off her night dress. Naked, she reaches for her skirt

 

She is a healthy woman with ample hips and a slight bulge in her stomach, perhaps from having a child. What cares she for cellulite, firm abs or slender thighs and small hips? She knows nothing about fitness training or jogging or dieting. 

 

She has her husband and her child. She has her place.

 

the silver dawn

rising with the cock

the babe’s cry

Chrysanthemum October 2023