Etiquette (Haibun)
They write books of etiquette - the code of conduct which ladies and gentlemen must keep to in social situations. It's about 'correctness'. And it's about power: who defers to whom. (You introduce the younger person to the older, or the one of lower status to the one who is higher. Oh yes, I know my etiquette!) Thoughtfulness, on the other hand, cannot be codified. Thoughtfulness is spontaneous, improvised, real: a response in the moment.
'Don't stare, it's rude!'
But the watchful child reaches,
steadies the old man.
Written for Poems in April, Just One Word: Etiquette at 'imaginary garden with real toads'.
Also sharing – many months later, with a different audience – in Writers' Pantry #52 at Poets and Storytellers United.
Oh yes!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this! Kids notice everything......I love this child's kindness.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for those watchful children!
ReplyDeleteSocial codes are often thoughtless.
ReplyDeletePart of knowing them is knowing when to disregard them...
Thoughtfulness is indeed something that is inbred .. it can not be taught. Profound write, Rosemary!💞
ReplyDeleteOh, how lovely! I love the observation you make in the haiku. Sometimes the child knows better.
ReplyDeleteA lesson I hope the adult takes note of! Well penned.
ReplyDelete"But the watchful child reaches,
ReplyDeletesteadies the old man."
I love that so much.
Good thing the child ignored the rebuke.
ReplyDeleteWhat’s the point in writing books of rules when children learn from example? Thoughtfulness and kindness should be at the heart of everything we say and do. I love the senryu, Rosemary!
ReplyDeleteyes, thoughtfulness is spontaneous.
ReplyDeletewhat an alert and kind child. and what a great haibun. :)
The child will have to have been well brought up by a parent to recall the need to help others.
ReplyDeleteGreat Haiku Well worded
ReplyDeleteGlad to live in NZ Here there is far less social code then in the Netherlands.
Yes, Ma'am.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we old men need to be steadied once in a while. May we recognize and appreciate the effort.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful on so many levels Rosemary. Happy new year to you!
ReplyDeleteLove the distinction between propriety and care.
ReplyDeleteI love the truth of the senyru , and the wisdom of the haibun. Children seem born with the traits of kindness and thoughtfulness. It is not to the credit of adults that they learn otherwise.
ReplyDeleteHaving recently had the pleasure of viewing Sanditon and Bridgerton .... your haibun resonates perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThis made me smile. The world could do with a lot more careful observation and genuine thoughtfulness.
ReplyDeleteVery nice. I wouldn't know "correctness" if it was in front of my face! Just not in my social circle!
ReplyDeleteThe tone of the piece is a song my heart can dance to. I've felt those feels so often (and many times, I've been frustrated by such situations). The haiku is what keeps giving me hope--may there always be a child who can show the truth to the old blind eyes who have convinced themselves they know better.
ReplyDeleteThe world is short on kindness. It is a rare trait.
ReplyDeleteLuv the spontaneity and innocence in the haiku contrasted against the schooled constraints reported in the text
ReplyDeleteHappy you dropped by my blog
Much✨love
Very good! Kids don't know the rules -- so they're not afraid to break them sometimes. :)
ReplyDelete