Life Re-Imagined

Summary

Lori Carlson's haibun poem envisions a life lived into the next century, filled with continuous learning, global exploration, meaningful relationships, and altruistic endeavors.

Abstract

The poem "Life Re-Imagined" by Lori Carlson is a creative exploration of a life that spans over 120 years, characterized by wisdom, curiosity, and fearlessness. The protagonist embarks on a journey of lifelong learning, traveling the world, mastering languages, and immersing herself in various cultures. She experiences the richness of different societies, contributes to archaeological discoveries, and documents her adventures through writing and photography. In her fifties, she meets Katarina, a doctor with Doctors Without Borders, and their partnership leads to a life of philanthropy and continued exploration. As they age, they settle in Bali, where they remain active in their respective passions, contributing positively to their community and enjoying the fruits of a well-lived life.

Opinions

The protagonist values knowledge and experiences over material possessions, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and cultural understanding.
The author portrays a rejection of societal limitations, particularly those related to age and gender, by depicting a woman who continuously reinvents herself and her life path.
There is an underlying theme of the interconnectedness of all human experiences, as the protagonist's life is deeply entwined with the diverse cultures she encounters and the people she helps.
The poem suggests that a life well-lived is one that is filled with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
The author's choice to set the later part of the protagonist's life in Bali indicates a preference for a serene and simple lifestyle, away from the hustle of modern society.
The use of haibun form, combining prose with haiku, reflects the author's appreciation for the beauty in the simplicity and depth of Japanese poetry.

A Haibun Poem on Living 120+ Years

Resetting my life choosing a new path to walk wiser woman born

I’ve come from my mother’s womb — a newborn filled with knowing. A chance to live well into the next century. I am curious and aware. Fear does not have a home in me. Instead, I embark on an adventurous journey. No longer the silent child, the meek child, the forgotten child. I make myself heard with a booming voice of confidence. I am no longer invisible. I cast my cares into the wind and come out dancing, singing, rejoicing.

unrushed — gathering flowers and feathers tome-pressed no trifilings here

There is so much I want to learn — science, music, literature and art. I begin my studies early. Focus-minded. No time for procrastination. No time to be told no. I spend my days buried in books and applications. By evening, I explore museums and zoos, or attend the ballet, the opera, or a play. I am a sieve — sifting knowledge.

By my teens, I travel the world and learn new languages. I fill blog posts with the sights and scenes I discover. Learn photography and create photo-blogs. The world is my classroom. Eventually, I settle in England. Attend Cambridge University. Study Archaeology, History and Theology.

feast upon the past gain insight for the future live only for now

By my thirties, I have spent decades seeking knowledge. Now I put that knowledge to practice. I assist digs in Egypt and South America. Write memoirs of my work and travels. Make new friends everywhere I go. I become interested in the diverse cultures, taking the time to learn their ways, aid in their struggles.

By my fifties, I have been nearly everywhere and seen most everything. I’ve climbed some of the world’s highest peaks and dived into the deepest oceans. I’ve enjoyed cuisine from the far east to the west and everywhere in between. I’ve had deep, meaningful friendships and passionate lovers, and then I find her.

the world offers much life well-lived curiously she holds mysteries

I take a much deserved vacation in Bali. Soak up the sun, dance in the ocean’s waves, and just unwind. It is late evening and I am sitting at an outdoor bar observing a raven-haired beauty at the far left of me. She is dressed in a purple two-piece bikini covered with a see-through white hooded cover-up. She’s sipping something fruity with an umbrella and straw. I am captivated. And then she turns her head and I am met with the most beautiful emerald eyes and red lips. She sashays over to me, plops down on a stool and introduces herself. Katarina.

emerald eyes shine laughter peals throughout the night by dawn, we are one

As mid-life cycles around, Katarina and I have made Bali our permanent residence, but not yet our home. She is a doctor with Doctors Without Borders and we travel to third world countries for her work. By day, she assists the sick, poor and elderly while I photograph her working and write about the people she helps. My writings are published in magazines all over the world and I donate the proceeds to the charities who serve these people. It is symbiotic. Sometimes, she accompanies me on digs and serves as a medic for the archaeological team. This is our life for the next few decades.

silver streaks shimmer laugh lines encircle her mouth she’s still my beauty

Still healthy and fit, as I near my nineties, I feel the need to slow down. Katarina and I retire to our Bali home. She sets up office as a village doctor and I spend my days engulfed in photography and writing. We travel less these days. We still have a few decades left, maybe more. And there may be more adventures yet to come. For now, we are content to just be here in the sun with the ocean breeze, together.

I’ve chosen a rather idyllic world because the one I currently live in has been wrought with pain and trauma. So please forgive my indulgence.

I’ve chosen to tell my story here in a Haibun. This is a combination of prose, haiku and/or senryu form of poetry. Thank you for reading.