twelfth month memories CD Special 123 12.21

twelfth month memories       CD Special 123 12.21        

The scarecrow's old hat

Was flung by the winter wind

Into a graveyard.                                                                © Richard Wright

landed on memories grave

the elder lost way too young

and the young not quite

able to breathe that first breath

so very still, cold

yet there the hat rested on

the flag of those who served true

father, brother, and

uncle, sister, mother, aunt -

grandparents who gave

along with the orphan and

the stranger - compassion's friend

tumbled yet again

over the flowers left there

weathered and brittle

the sun can only fade cloth

not the love kept in the heart

for on the mantle

candles are lit to honor

each and everyone

throughout the year, mind open

with the thoughts of how and why

those gone might enjoy

visions now that living eyes

treasure with delight

winter is but one season -

capping the end of the year                                             © JP/dh

Note: While a cemetery is not my most favorite place. It is a challenge when days pass and we miss those we love. In this season last year we lost an elder. But when we gather to light candles and celebrate we always have a food item we know that would have brought joy to them. Without words it is like having them join us. Their presence honored. And too we remember all those, who that scarecrow's’ hat in the graveyard might have tumbled by...

CD -special-123-richard-wrights Scarecrow's hat

So you have to start with this opening-verse or "hokku" and in your closing-verse or "ageku" there has to be a link or association back to this "hokku". Why? Well ... it's because of aesthetic reasons ... by linking or associating from the "ageku" to the "hokku" you make the "circle" complete.

"Soliloquy no Renga" in which I asked you to write a solo-renga with a maximum of 12 stanzas.