Heeding Haiku With Chèvrefeuille, January 20th 2021, (special) Death Poems

Dear friends of MLMM,

Welcome at a new episode of Heeding Haiku With … This week I have a “special” for you. Let me explain first why I have chosen to create a special episode. As you (maybe) know I am an oncology nurse and with Covid-19 that brings a lot of work … but also a lot to cope with … people dying of Covid-19.

I am working in a nursing home for the elderly people and we have a Covid-19 outbreak. Recently my mom died (January 5th 2021) as a result of Covid-19. She lived at the nursing home were I am working, so it hit me hard. On the same day as my mom died, we lost two other elderly to Covid-19. It is tough, but I have to cope with it.

That’s the reason why I have chosen for this special episode about dead poems or Jisei. Maybe you are familiar with the Jisei of Matsuo Basho (1644-1694):

Sick on my journey,
only my dreams will wander
these desolate moors

© Matsuo Basho

It’s one of the most beautiful Jisei in my opinion. In 2016 my dad died and that gave me the gorgeous thought to create a Jisei for him:

bare branches
a painting against the blue sky
leaves under my feet

© Chèvrefeuille

And, as I told you above, recently my mom died. Here is the Jisei that I wrote for her:

lost in her thoughts
she searches for the dead
between the living

© Chèvrefeuille

Well … now it’s up to you. Create a death poem, maybe for a loved one you lost or maybe you have already thought about your own death poem. Here is the one I once created:

morning dew
evaporates in the early sunlight –
spirit climbs to the sky

© Chèvrefeuille

Have fun!

When you have written your haiku, please TAG Heeding Haiku with Chèvrefeuille and Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie. Then add your link to the Mister Linky widget below.