The #poetrypals are writing ghazals today yet I chose to write about Memorial Day, a day important to me this time. But I did write a ghazal in April for poetry month if you'd like to see it! You can find it here! It certainly wasn't an easy form so I'm really looking forward to these newly crafted ones, imagining they will be terrific.
Memorial Day is special to me. My father died in World War II, was a pilot shot down in the Pacific theater, never found. Other family members were in combat during that war and those since. Thankfully all survived. Every year, the memories return when I see the iris blooming and the peonies popping up. Those were the flowers we took to the cemetery, for remembrance of those we held in our hearts always.
Beautiful haiku for your dad (and us!), Linda. An iris is the perfect "flag" to wave when remembering. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your father, Linda. Such a tragic loss. Your haiku gave me goosebumps. I'm not familiar with ghazal, but I read yours and am intrigued to find out more.
ReplyDeleteHolding you and your family close to the heart --and all those who lost loved ones in service to our country, Linda. What a lovely way to honor your father's memory with an annual iris beauty. May his memory continue to be a blessing for you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and so poignant. Thanks for sharing your Dad's photo. This holiday always brings to mind childhood days when we visited the graves of lost family members -- whether they served in the military or not. The iris "flags" are/were such a lovely remembrance of your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteLove those flags, those reminders. There is such loss in people all around us --even if we don't know their story. I'm grateful for your Dad. I will remember him in our celebrations this weekend. Thank YOU for reminding us.
ReplyDeleteYour haiku is so poignant, Linda. We, too, took iris (and peonies) to the cemetery every Memorial Day. The beauty of these blooms is always tinged with sadness.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very touching haiku and post, Linda. And the picture of your handsome dad is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda, what a beautiful and touching post and poem. I will remember that photo of your dad and the image of waving irises. ❤️
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful poem for your father, Linda!
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, what a tribute to your father. I'm so grateful for his service. I'm sorry your family had to make the ultimate sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is so beautiful. I thought of you when I was teaching at a young authors conference a couple of weeks ago. I was talking over dinner with a friend who also lost her fighter pilot father before she ever met him. Such a hole in her life.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone for your kind comments. Laura S., I did meet my father, though I don't remember. I was only two. But I still have a teddy bear he gave to me! Keep those we lost close to your hearts this Memorial Day! I am grateful to all of them.
ReplyDeleteIt is so tragic that you lost your dad in the war. A pilot! How brave. I love your memorial iris. It's a lovely haiku. Thanks, Linda, and have a peaceful Memorial Day.
ReplyDeleteLinda, the anonymous comment was mine. :)
ReplyDeleteBeyond beautiful, Linda, and so moving. Grateful for the selflessness of your father and so many others. Your post is a perfect tribute. Hugs, Robyn
ReplyDeleteThanks, Robyn and Janice, for the kind thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI know I've seen that photo of your father before, Linda, but the new haiku about the flags of remembrance is just perfect. Thank you for reminding of the real Memorial Day.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heidi, yes, I'm sure I've shared it before.
DeleteLinda, when I read your previous post I remembered your loving ghazal about your husband. As I read it again, I felt your deep love. What a magnificent tribute. Today's haiku is a sweet beauty-a flower remembrance. I am on the road to Central NY for my Uncle's funeral. The ride is so long but the sights are nurturing my soul-could be the start of a poem.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about your uncle, Carol, but glad you are close enough to get to his funeral, perhaps see some other family? Thanks for re-reading that poem for Arvie. He is always close! Memorial Day makes me sad, not only for my father, but for a son's friend, and others who've gone much too soon. Thinking of you!
Delete