twirling in freedom
sick child dances in heaven
parents weep at grave
Right now I’m reading George Saunders’ 2017 novel, “Lincoln in the Bardo,” which revolves around Abraham’s son, Willie’s, death as a child and how Willie finds himself in a purgatory-type place called Bardo. Seeing this image immediately made me think of Willie Lincoln.
top image: “Child Dancing With Chrysanthemum Branch” by Katsukawa Shunshō
senryu form
Merril is today’s host of dVerse’ Poetics. Merril says:
So easy-peasy prompt: choose one of the paintings below and write a poem in any style or form. You can describe what you think is happening, or you can write about a feeling it evokes.
Tao Talk 
An excellent take on the poem! I love how that inspired your choice.
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Thank you, Dwight. It’s a compelling read!
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:>)
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Very poignant!
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Thank you.
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Wonderful senryu form Lisa! Short and sweet!
Hank
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Thank you, Hank. I had to refresh myself on the rules of senryu and when I read there has to be some irony in it, the direction was clear.
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Great take Li.
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Thank you, Sadje. We grieve at the passing of loved ones but they go on to a whole new life, with no more pain or sickness.
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Absolutely right. They are the free ones now.
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This is so bitter sweet. The release of death for the child, and the mourning of the heartbroken parents. Great job, Lisa.
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Thank you, Tanmay.
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I’m so glad you chose this image, Lisa – I thought it was going to be left behind – and that you condensed it together with the novel into a poignant haiku.
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Thanks much, Kim.
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You’re welcome!
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The only way to cope with the death of a child must be to believe they’re happier in death. Yes, poignant.
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Thanks much, Jane.
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Above comment is from Jane (not Anonymous)
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I read the novel several years ago, and I still think about it, so I understand how it influenced you.
Such a poignant poem–so much summarized in a few words.
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Thanks, Merril!
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You’re welcome, Lisa!
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I… just – wow…
~David
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❤
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Almost went with this beautiful image Lisa. You brought a powerful sadness with your haiku,, as a wonderful contrast to the joy on the child’s face. Excellent my friend.
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Rob, thank you very much.
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Hi Lisa I picked this one too – but came up with a different theme – beautifully done ❤
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Thanks, AJ! Am behind on my reading but will definitely check out what you wrote soon.
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All a matter of perspective. This painting contains both joy and sorrow. (K)
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Very true, Kerfe. That book is worth a read if you haven’t already read it.
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I’m sure it is–I’ve read Saunders, but not that one. I’m starting to read a bit more, but I’ve still got probably hundreds of books in my apartment I haven’t yet read…
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Glad to hear you’ve read his work. He’s new to me. Saw him on Colbert as a guest and his world view made me want to read some of his work. I hear you on the books! They’ve become an irritation the way they are lying about. Instead of the sensible thing, doing another cull (the last one was when I moved here from my old house in 2011) I bought a big bookcase 🙂 It’s still in the box, but…
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That made me smile. I seem to bring in as much as I take out…
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They know where they want to be ❤
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You picked the perfect form to tell a life’s story, Li. Very poignant. ❤️
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Punam, thank you ❤
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You are welcome. ❤️
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Love that image… i caught myself just staring at it.
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It is a beauty.
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Another gorgeous image. 😍
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