This is a reprint of one of my haibuns that was published in Unbroken Journal.

The main poem is composed of eleven five-syllable sentences. It is based on the premise that there are eleven senses: pain, temperature, touch, sight, taste, nothingness, smell, hearing, balance, pressure, and pleasure.

—

Nothingness surrounds. Pain squeezes body. Cold banishes warmth. Blanket rubs and chafes. Harsh light torments eyes. Bitter taste sickens. Dizziness abates. Sweet smell tickles nose. Soothing voice murmurs. Softness presses lips. Pleasure satiates.

Mother’s milk is the
elixir that sustains life
and suckles the soul.