Comment from N.K. Wagner

Excellent

You celebrate the promise of rebirth with your beautiful roses, Julia. Alvin was a special, talented man. He'll be missed. :) nancy

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Mar-2014

Thank you, nancy. I appreciate your perceptive words. Alvin taught me the enormous power of symbols in haiku.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from jadapenn

Excellent

Once again a very visual poem. Sticks now only just surviving through the endless snow will soon sprout and present you with the most beautiful roses. Well penned. I enjoyed. Luv jada

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Mar-2014

Thank you, jada. I always appreciate your kind words.

peace and blessings, julia

reply by jadapenn on 05-Mar-2014

So sad about Alvin. I wish we had a way of knowing when one of our family is ill and on deaths bed. We have had many who died, like Dportwood and Missy98writer. Miss their good work. luv jada

reply by the author on 05-Mar-2014

"when one of our family is ill and on deaths bed"

Yes, it struck me that we are a family of writers; whether or not we ever meet in person.

I wrote a poem about connections a few years ago. You've inspired me to write another, jada. Thanks!

Comment from Taffspride

Exceptional

Thank you for these lovely words to celebrate Alvin. Here I believe you have captured the essence of him.

We, his students were like those straggling sticks, only half aware of what good poetry is.

Your last line, my summer roses, encapsulates what he achieved with his teaching, and his pride in each and every one of us.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute.

Iechyd da

Ann

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Mar-2014

Thank you, dear Ann

Alvin taught me the exceptional power of symbols in the short forms like haiku.

I appreciate your perceptive comments and your gift of the sixth star.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from Leineco

Excellent

Not only is this a truly great haiku
it is a wonderful tribute to Alvin!
He would be proud of this memorial.

Nice write

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Mar-2014

Thank you, Leineco

I appreciate your kind comments, my friend.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from TAB_that's me

Excellent

I am sorry that I never got to know Alvin and never took any of his classes. This is a great tribute to a fellow FanStorian.
~Teresa~

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014

Thank you for reading and for your wonderful comments, Teresa

Alvin was a devout Episcopalian so this poem is not only concrete imagery, it's a spiritual metaphor.

He was a truly gifted teacher, able to convey his expertise and passion, and always respectful of his students.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from Rdfrdmom2

Excellent

Julia:

not only did Alvin take great pride in the work of his
students, he also took great pride in those of us to
whom he gave suggestions through reviews and we learned
that way - he was a gentleman and a scholar
thanks for sharing
love,
jan

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014

Thank you for your review, jan. Yes, he was someone who was generous in sharing his expertise. And always courteous.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from mumsyone

Excellent

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

He certainly did take pride in the success of his students. Thanks so much for paying tribute to him with your beautiful rose haiku.

Lois

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014

Thank you, Lois. As you must have guessed, although it's concrete imagery, on another level it's a metaphor.

peace and blessings, julia

Comment from Gungalo

Excellent

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


A fine haiku tribute to Al girl. He was loved by so many and never a harsh word for anyone. I hope he rests in peace forever.

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 Comment Written 04-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014

Thank you, Pam. This is a sad day for us on FS.

peace and blessings, julia

reply by Gungalo on 04-Mar-2014

Sigh yes it is.

Comment from twinklepoems

Excellent

Your haiku. has lovely alliteration with straggling/sticks/snow and summer. Great word "straggling". This poem has good imagery.

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 Comment Written 04-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014

Thank you so much. It's a metaphor - haiku style.

peace and blessings, julia