You say a lot with such economy of words. So many questions about the father...what was the look on his face? what did it mean... to me... I read it it that the 8 year old could see that he didn't love his mother any more. now THAT is the moment a child gets dragged into the world of the adult. Great poem
It's sad that children witness so much death and can see death/absence coming for those they love. And it is unavoidable. Things will never be the same again.
Very well written; even an unimaginative, non-poet gets it.
What's painful is that children always feel they're somehow responsible for their parent's wellbeing. This 'sense of failure' can be torture indeed and attaches itself to us. Even when resolved, it is never forgotten.
(I shall pray to St, Claire of Assisi - patron saint for good weather. Clare also loved music and well-composed sermons, so I guess she will help a poet too.)
those looks will def stick with you...a very long time..both the good...and the bad...
ReplyDeleteYou say a lot with such economy of words. So many questions about the father...what was the look on his face? what did it mean... to me... I read it it that the 8 year old could see that he didn't love his mother any more. now THAT is the moment a child gets dragged into the world of the adult. Great poem
ReplyDeleteVery astute interpretation Stuart. Poets have great insights.
ReplyDeleteOuch. Multilayers of emotion here. Children know a lot more than we give them credit for. You pack a lot into a few words.
ReplyDeletestark moment
ReplyDeleteVery sad moment you've painted in words here
ReplyDeleteSuch a deep and meaningful set of haiku. I read it as the look is one of sadness as the boy's mother has died but it is a mystery!
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that children witness so much death and can see death/absence coming for those they love. And it is unavoidable. Things will never be the same again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your comments. For those who pray..spare one for North Western NSW today as it faces the inferno.
ReplyDeleteA tough memory to live with for sure - seeing relationships change for the worse before our eyes is never easy...
ReplyDeleteVery well written; even an unimaginative, non-poet gets it.
ReplyDeleteWhat's painful is that children always feel they're somehow responsible for their parent's wellbeing. This 'sense of failure' can be torture indeed and attaches itself to us. Even when resolved, it is never forgotten.
(I shall pray to St, Claire of Assisi - patron saint for good weather. Clare also loved music and well-composed sermons, so I guess she will help a poet too.)
How kind of you Dodo. Thank you!
ReplyDelete