Comment from kiwisteveh

Excellent

I think you need to 'exorcise' your demons. If you exercise them they'll only get fitter! But that's in your notes, not in your interesting poem!

Yes your poem consisting of five separate but related haiku is a little grim, but beautifully expresses your current situation and mood.

Sorry to hear of your father's health issues. I think we all go through these testing periods in our lives, maybe more so as we age. Stay strong!

Steve

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

Thank you for reading and reviewing, Steve. I appreciate your feedback, especially about "exercising" my demons. Oops! I will fix that. Thank you for catching that slip. I'm glad you found the format effectively conveying my emotional journey. It helped me process a lot. Thank you again. Best wishes and take care. :D :D

Comment from Janet Foor

Excellent

Amazing haiku poem filled with emotions of joy and sadness. We are never ready to see a decline in lived ones but you used that energy in such a positive way with this piece. Thank you for your notes that gives the reader a glimpse into your world.
Well done.
Blessings
Janet

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

Thank you for reading and reviewing, Janet. I appreciate your feedback and am glad you found the format effective in conveying my emotional journey. It helped me process a lot. Thank you again. Best wishes and take care. :D :D

Comment from Carol Clark2

Excellent

You run the gamut of emotions here in your haikus. I can understand the struggle you're feeling over the news about your dad. I'm sorry his health is waning. Prayers for both of you. Blessings. Carol

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

Thank you for reading and reviewing, Carol. I appreciate your kind words and your prayers. Best wishes and take care. :D :D

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

I'm glad your writing was able to help you in this time of stress. We are never ready to lose a loved one, but sometimes it is time for them to go, unfortunately. Sending you some hugs.

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

Thank you for reading and reviewing, Pearl. I appreciate your kind words and your hugs. Yes, losing loved ones is never easy, but it's also an unfortunate part of life. At least our memories never die. Thank you again for reading. Best wishes and take care. :D :D

Comment from Pam (respa)

Excellent

Thanks for sharing everything about this poem from the artwork to the notes and poems. I am sorry about your father. You seemed to have found a way to lessen the burden by going out in the snow. I am guessing you don't get much snow there usually.

You put a lot of emotion into each poem. It is like a cleansing of the spirit. I hope it felt that way for you. I like the first one with the "cleansing respite," followed by the beauty of the scene. The next one follows well with your title "Numb" that can be from the cold, as well as your feelings of not being able to make your father's health situation better, and it has become your reality.

A very good concluding poem. Good thoughts are being sent your way.

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

Thank you for reading and reviewing, Pam. I appreciate your feedback and kind words. Yes, it was cleansing me--stepping out into the bitter cold and writing these haikus. Writing's always been pleasurable, but now it's also cathartic. Regarding the snow, it's only my second year in Arkansas, and last year's winter was mild, so I'm still learning. Thank you again for reading. Best wishes and take care. :D :D

reply by Pam (respa) on 16-Jan-2024

You are very welcome and I appreciate your reply. Best wishes to you, too.

Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

I love the creative idea of expressing thoughts and feelings in a series of haiku styled poetry. Here, you have succinctly stated the essence of what you are experiencing without laborious detail.

I can identify with your feelings about your father. During his failing health, my father told me he was ready to go, but I wasn't ready. That was over ten years ago. I'm still not ready. Your beautiful words made me reminisce.

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

Thank you for reading and reviewing, LJbutterfly. I appreciate your feedback and kind words. I can relate. Dad and I were there with Mom when she passed in 2012, and even though we "released her," I still wish she was here. Even though it's been over ten years, I'm still sorry about your dad. Loss, no matter what kind, is devastating. Thank you again for reading. Best wishes and take care. :D :D

Comment from patcelaw

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your post. It flows smoothly when it's read aloud. I also feel for you as far as the classroom goes because I know that the Covid situation set children back quite a bit and your to be commended for trying to get them back up to grade level. Also, I'm sorry to hear that your dad is declining and I hope that you will be able to find that he recovers to an extent that you are able to help him and enjoy him for some more time. Patricia.

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 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

Thank you for reading and reviewing, Patricia. I appreciate your feedback and that you enjoyed my piece. Yes, Covid did not help our kids, and though it's a struggle, I love witnessing the growth in my students. I especially love watching a struggling reader flourish and become a helper to another struggling student! Thank you. I hope he does. I haven't spoken with him since Christmas because of the craziness at school, and I'm anxious to share my experiences, even if he doesn't remember them. Thank you again for reading. Best wishes and take care. :D :D