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a few years ago, my brother was visiting me - we don’t live in the same country, so we don't see each other very often. He was so amazed with some of my artwork, and was looking at each and every piece with great admiration. My artwork is a bit unusual, I work with different kinds of real eggshells - from goose to rhea, from emu to ostrich. He asked me many questions about the process, and wanted to watch how I cut those fragile eggshells in exquisite shapes. In the end, I picked a beautiful one and told him - "This is for you". That one was a goose-shell, painted black and shaped like a jewellery box with two doors, and I painted a gorgeous mountain-scenery on it. He looked mesmerized, and extremely delighted.

Then I added - "but listen. I am working on bigger emu shells, very unusual colours, and those are perfect for carving. You will have one - probably with a picture of your soccer-idol - in the future".  His eyes sparkled, and he smiled with joy. 

Who knew the future? This is my brother who was the kindest, compassionate soul from his childhood - he was almost a refuge for the boys who were victims of bullying in our neighbourhood. He is the brother who had me in the back seat while he was riding a bike. He was the brother who brought me the nicest dress I could imagine, when he received his first pay-check. He was the brother who waited hours and hours in extreme cold outside the airport to receive me when I went back home. 

I promised, but then for a few years I got busy with other activities, and both of us forgot about the Emu eggshell. 

My brother passed away in summer this year suffering from cancer for a few months. Someone who never complained about any discomfort of his own, passed away enduring excruciating pain. 

One morning I was organizing my art for an exhibition, and something struck me. What? What did I do? I did not keep my promise to my dearest brother - there are a few rare emu eggshells in my display cabinet - waiting to be carved! 
Now I have no way of going back, and presenting my artwork to the one person who would love and treasure it most!


                             art stares gloomily
                                        no more a prized possession
                                                     admirer left world


                                            November 18, 2021
                          For " Haibun - with a message" Poetry Contest 
                                         Sponsor: Charles Messina
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