English Original
after Mother's death ...
standing in autumn wind
among the pines
Frogpond, 46:2, Spring/Summer 2023
Charlotte Digregorio
Chinese Translation (Traditional)
母親過世後 ...
在松林之間
佇立於秋風中
Chinese Translation (Simplified)
母亲过世后 ...
在松林之间
伫立于秋风中
Bio Sketch
Charlotte Digregorio curates The Daily Haiku Special with poets from sixty-one countries on her blog. She is the author of nine books, including Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets: How to Write and Publish Moving Poems and Books and Publicize Like a Pro; Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All; and Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing. Her books are also adopted as texts and supplemental texts by university English departments.
L1, “after Mother’s death …,” is stark but effective, and "..." creates a pause that mirrors grief and transition.
ReplyDeleteL2 , “standing in autumn wind,” gives the emotional context a physical analogue, and “autumn wind” functions as a kigo (season word), traditionally associated with decline, impermanence, and letting go.
And L 3, “among the pines,” gives a quiet, enduring setting. Pines carry connotations of endurance and stillness. Their presence makes the moment feel both solitary and supported by the natural world.
Charlotte's fine haiku uses simplicity to let the emotional weight come through on its own.
The following haiku could be read as its sequel:
in pine shade
for a while I forget
this life will end
Moonset, 7, 2010
Robert Epstein