Comment from rama devi

Excellent

A wonderful poetic tribute to our Alvin...a most beloved teacher here on site. Bet he loves this meditation on roses, and especially that superb alliteration of S. Excellent form and style. Superb satori line--potential blossoms for those straggling sticks. Bravo

Love,
rd

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Mar-2014

Thank you, dear rd

You knew him much better than I. I was aware that he was failing, but the news of his passing still took me by surprise. So pleased that Lois organized this book.

love, peace and blessings, julia

reply by rama devi on 06-Mar-2014

Yes, it's a nice gesture, the book!
I knew him a long time but we were not close as of late.

Love, peace and blessings to you, rd

Comment from MizKat

Excellent

Hi Julia,

Your poem is very nice and an enjoyable read. I was sure surprised to hear about Alvin's passing. He was a lot younger than I am, which is sad.

Kat

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Mar-2014

Hello Kat

Thanks for the sweet review. I took two classes with Alvin. He had been coping with serious health challenges for a long time. He knew he was dying but still soldiered on with teaching and writing. I'm sure you know that he was a devout Episcopalian and I want to believe that his religion sustained him as the end neared.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from sweetwoodjax

Excellent

this is very well written, julia, did something happen to alvin? i haven't been able to access the site for three days and i can't access the full site on my borrowed computer

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Mar-2014

Hello swj

Alvin passed away on February 2nd, but the news only reached the site day before yesterday. My poem is a chapter in a book mumsyone (lois) started a book for him. I knew he was ailing but it was still a shock to learn that the end had come.

Thanks for the great review.

Comment from words

Excellent

As always, your verse made me smile.

Love the idea of the "straggling sticks" transforming to roses.

This is the truth and a metaphor for much of life.

Hugs, your fan, d

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Mar-2014

Hello Diane

Thanks so much for this sweet review. And you're spot on - I used concrete imagery but I was composing a metaphor. Alvin taught me the power of symbols so I think that somewhere he's smiling and appreciating the write.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from Halfree

Exceptional

You keep at this and I might even try haiku....you have really hit your stride lately. This one is such good imagery . Think about this, nine words and I sit back in my chair and say WOW...wow nothing..gonna change the five to a six...it is that good

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 07-Mar-2014

Wow! You made my day with your words and rating, Halfree. Encourages me to try harder to put into practice what I learned from Alvin.

peace and blessings, and many, many thanks

julia

Comment from kiwigirl2821

Excellent

I loved this one Julia as it has such sweetness to it. Alvin will be missed and your contribution is a perfect write for him. Gorgeous writing. xoxo Kiwi

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 07-Mar-2014

Thank you for a wonderful review, Kiwi. I'm humbled by your words.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from mountainwriter49

Exceptional

Good Evening, Cheryl

You're a master at this poetic form and your skill shines brightly with this beautiful haiku honoring Alvin. It was clever of you to write of roses, thus linking with his last post not the Site. A most beautiful, contemplative haiku, my friend.

Ray

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 07-Mar-2014

Heartfelt thanks for your magnificent review and for the generosity of your rating, Ray. I have so much more to learn about this form. But it is a labor of love.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from Jean Lutz

Excellent

Such a beautiful tribute to a teacher that was loved by so many. I took four of his Biblical poetry classes. I've been alternating laughing and crying since I learned of his departure. So many memories.

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 07-Mar-2014

Thank you, Jean. He was a man of many parts. I admired and liked him for his expertise and his kindness. May he rest in peace.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from omerta16

Excellent

Nice job. I really have been enjoying haiku's lately and this one is no exception. I love how it flickers of winter and then of summer, all in so little words. Great poem.

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 07-Mar-2014

Thank you for this kind review. It seems that Alvin's passing has triggered an interest in the Japanese short forms. The rules are complicated. But you can learn as you go along.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from Maureen's Pen

Excellent

Dear Julia, a great post and tribute to a wonderful man.....this work is powerful and leaves me with a smile for summer roses.
Thanks for sharing it.
Maureen

straggling sticks
half-buried in the snow-
my summer roses

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Mar-2014

Thank you so much, Maureen. For me, haiku is a way of seeing the world around me with fresh eyes. Perceiving is a better word. Before I learned of Alvin's passing, I looked out the window and saw the rose bushes in the snow, so forlorn and bare one could think they should be disposed of like yard trash. And I thought, how appearances deceive, these bushes are alive. What else or who else am I passing by without a second glance, not seeing the vitality, the divinity, within.

Alvin taught me to use concrete imagery. And he enthused about the subtlety of haiku - the way it leaves room for the reader to engage, the power of symbols, for Alvin the rose would conjure up an image of the Blessed Virgin. Some readers will make the association with romantic love.

I will miss his enigmatic posts and his erudition. I will miss his kindness.

peace and blessings, julia