Haibun by Angelee Deodhar

Angelee sent this to me on reading the post “A Healing Stitch.”

Haibun :Threads

It is cool and the Autumnalis is in bloom. We are expecting visitors and will need new quilts for them. The old ones, embroidered rallis handed down from generations are now threadbare, translucent in places. I remember being wrapped in one of those quilts, tracing its floral designs as my mother read me a bedtime story…now I have to share the warmth of a new poly fill quilt with my ten month old grandson…

a kayak moves into
the distant shouts of children
and honking geese

Previously published in Haiku Canada Review Feb 2014

*Ralli quilts are traditional quilts made by women in the areas of Sindh, Pakistan, western India, and in surrounding areas. The rallis come in three categories of design: patchwork, appliqué, and embroidery. The designs are not written down but are held in the women’s memories and are passed down from mother to daughter.