I offer you only one promise…
Have you noticed this?
Funerals move too quickly —
they close the casket
before you’re ready
I need — and want — to linger.
Is this is a favor?
That truck with the dirt
shows up as we leave the grave.
Please, don’t let me see.
He lived a long life
so, you think you won’t be sad.
Death is expected.
Still, a reminder
your place in the universe
has shifted a bit.
Then you see his son…
sitting in that same church pew
where you sat with Dad.
Please spare him this pain…
and then, the tears flow in waves.
You move your gaze,
And see the sibblings
the baby brother is now
left behind, again.
I’m so happy
that I still have someone small
who sits on my lap.
My tears fall on his
little shoulder; can I stop
grief’s sting in his life?
I hug him tighter
then I whisper in his ear
love is forever…
24 Comments
janet
this is very moving. thank you for sharing this.
jenni
What a beautiful and haunting haiku.
storyteller
I’m sorry for your loss. Funerals are hard, and tears necessary … each does help us keep life in perspective. Thanks for sharing and take care.
Hugs and blessings,
wright
I loved this haiku. It was beautiful.
Secret Agent Mama
Oh Susie, this filled me with such emotion. I’m sorry for your loss. ((HUGS))
melissa
i’m so so so sorry for your loss!! my thoughts are with you and yours!!
take care!
MotherPie
Very lovely. Your banner at the top is precious. Particularly I thought the photo was quite poignant.
Kathryn
That was a gorgeous haiku. And a gorgeous pic to go along with it. Thank you.
Shannon
This was so reassuring to me while I grieve the loss of my grandmother. As always you are so eloquent.
phyllis
beautiful. it is truly through our love and remembrance that they live on….in the bright and beautiful eyes of our children….
thank you.
cate
what a beautiful and touching haiku. i’m so sorry for your loss. my thoughts are with you and your family.
Heather
What a beautiful haiku… such emotion, in so few words. I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Penelope Anne
This is such a poignant string of haiku, so well written and meaningful…a perfect poem to share during this time.
Oh, I popped in to say you have been added to the Magnificent Mamas of the Universe Blogroll… you definitely earned it.
There is also a silly award on my blog today, created by me….grab it if you like.
Gift of Green
Oh gosh, Susie. Now you’ve gone and done it again. Made me a fan all over, as if I hadn’t been already!
Eve
This is my first visit to your site. Beautiful words, beautiful sentiments. So sorry for your grief. Hope you find solace.
Kankie
Very powerful. I’m sure it was therapeutic to get your thoughts written down. Thank you for sharing.
Julie Pippert
Susie, how moving—lovely and sad and sweet.
louann
Another beautiful one.
It brought tears to my eyes.
Sara
thanks for sharing 🙂
Toni
Lovely. Painful but lovely.
Sorry for your loss….
melissa
Wow. That was so moving. Sadly, I can’t think of anything more eloquent to add to all of the other great comments.
Leslie
Beautiful. Heart-wrenching, but beautiful.
Becki
Very beautiful.
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