AnElephantCant deny he was worried
But last week was better than he thought
Some nice words were said
When his first piece was read
So he gives Līgo Haībun Challenge a second shot
This week’s Līgo Haībun Challenge is to write a piece on the image below.
Ligo Haibun Challenge – Photo Prompt
Pot Plant
So is your mum not coming up this afternoon, then?
Has she ever let you down, dad?
Her mother has been dead over twenty years.
She pats his hand and looks around the small ward.
Ach, I’m an old fool! That’ll be twenty four years next month since I lost her, you know.
Yes, dad.
Since he lost her.
No mention that she lost her mother.
In that, at least, he is always consistent.
You’ll take care of my plants, that peace lily was your mother’s favourite, you know.
I remember her wiping the leaves, snipping and pruning, she had green fingers all right.
Yes, dad.
She gave her father the plants about ten years ago, after his last cat disappeared, as cats do.
Her mother never tended a plant in her life.
Cal was here yesterday afternoon, never misses a visiting, you know. Aye, I don’t know what I’d do without him! He’s been a real tower of strength since I lost your mum.
Her brother’s freak drowning accident eighteen months ago was the final straw.
Although Cal had been home only once in the twelve years since he emigrated to Australia, her father refused to accept it.
His decline was swift and terminal.
Yes, dad.
memories are entangled
by the kindness of passing years
then death brings clarity
Pingback: Ligo Haibun Challenge – Fantasy or Inspiration | call2read
Very sad and powerful. My heart goes out to the daughter, who must need/ have the patience of a saint.
Happy that it moved you a little.
Thank you for visiting and commenting.
AnElephantCant possibly go wrong with this very emotional, well-written piece. great haibun for this week 🙂
Very kind of you to say so, KZ, much appreciated.
we get to be old only once…sometimes it’s rough but having someone compassionate enough just to be there to listen to you ramble on is the love that can see you through it. very moving scene from start to the end of the haiku. ♥
Glad that it touched you in some small way.
Thank you for taking the time to comment so kindly.
Sad story 🙁
Thank you for liking my poetry ‘Close’, your future visits, and your likes 🙂
Thanks, Yoshiko.
thoughtful, compelling, honest, and wonderful..I am so glad that I stopped by
AnElephant is delighted you stopped by.
Very high praise gratefully accepted!
Oh how sad. The things that come up…with roles reversed, caring for an elderly family member & even with death. A great write!
Thank you, RoSy, for your visit and kind comments.
Sometimes (as family members age and others become responsible for their care) responsibilities coupled with memories and unresolved conflicts can become too personal to bear, even if love and good intent is still there! An excellent haibun, and haiku, well written and expressed!
Thank you, kind words much appreciated.
Tres emouvant et puissant. Touches close to home.
Superb writing. Then again, that is no surprise. 🙂
Toujours tres gentille, Emmy.
Sois forte chez toi.
We’re living through this with an elderly relative. Beautiful work, and so true!
Thank you, Donna, I wish you well.
an excellent piece .. the haiku is like the icing on the cake. It was sad piece but i enjoyed it 🙂
Happy that you enjoyed it.
Thank you.
What a tender post; i liked it very much, and you certainly understand that affliction. z
Thank you so much for your kind comments.
What a brilliant tragedy. Alzheimer’s mixed with the loss of special people taking the mind of people. This is a very poignant piece. Makes you see the sadness in the daughter and the old man. I really feel for the daughter, she has lost so much but still has to be a rock for her dad who is slowly losing his mind.
Brilliant.
Thanks, Alastair, glad you appreciated.
Yoiu’re welcome
a sad piece! The impact of personal tragedies on old age…and a powerful haiku
I also agree with you, Padmini 🙂
Thank you for your comments.
These times are difficult for all concerned.
Yeah