Saturday, January 23, 2021

Butterfly Dream: Snowdrop and Memory Haiku by Marion Clarke

English Original

In memory of Rachel Sutcliffe

first snowdrop 
a Facebook memory
of you

Marion Clarke 


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

以此紀念雷切爾·薩特克利夫

第一朵雪花
一頁臉書記憶中
的你

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

以此纪念雷切尔·萨特克利夫

第一朵雪花
一页脸书记忆中
的你


Bio Sketch

Marion Clarke is from the east coast of Northern Ireland. Growing up surrounded by the scenic shores of Carlingford Lough, the Mourne Mountains and Kilbroney Forest Park,  she was destined to write haiku.

6 comments:

  1. The jux. of a "snowdrop" and a "Facebook memory" is visually and emotionally evocative and symbolically rich, and most importantly, timely relevant and sparking the reader's reflection on life (L1), death (Ls 2&3), and technically-enhanced "remembrance of things past" ("memory" in L2 is layered with multiple meanings).

    A heartfelt haiku for a greatly missed friend who passed away two years ago today.

    FYI: "Snowdrops have many meanings and symbols associated with it. They can mean purity, innocence, and sympathy. ... The white of the snowdrop symbolizes innocence and purity. Because it is the first flower to bloom at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, it also symbolizes hope."

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  2. Aw, that's lovely, Marion. She often pops up in my Fb memories, I'm glad to say. 😊

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    1. Rachel's poetry crops up in many places, Eamon. It's really great when it happens.

      marion

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  3. My grandmother believed that to bring snowdrops into the house presaged the death of someone close. I am still, as an old man, reluctant to pick them! It is fascinating to see them stirring memories of a deceased friend in Marion’s poem.

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  4. My grandmother believed that to bring snowdrops into the house presaged the death of someone close. I am still, as an old man, reluctant to pick them! It is fascinating to see them stirring memories of a deceased friend in Marion’s poem.

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    1. I didn't know that, Guy. It makes this poem for Rachel more poignant for me. Thank you.

      marion

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