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A Family Tradition

In the chapel wherein Joe laid, his son stood, those final moments, needed.
A reflective image of one’s boyhood flooded through his mind, 
fourteen years he has lived, yet somehow a hope of emulation to carry on 
with a family tradition. 

nature needs balance
a wild beast if uncontrolled…
dawn’s chorus each day
 
His Mother, has need of him and his five sisters, two of whom as yet 
school age. The happiness they knew was to till the land, dwell within nature’s simple things, but many tears hamper this midsummer day, leafy pasture Joe knew so well, allied, his roses dip their heads in a suave way, the village folk salutes his final ride. Yet no more time to grieve, next day animals to feed, pastures to be hoed, seed to sow knowing he’d understand, if winter’s inclemency stretches into spring.
 
at the end of day
sunset rolls along the moor…
a time to reflect

© Harry J Horsman 2021

emotionsfamilyhaibun

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Andrea Dietrich

December 7, 2021 at 3:32 PM

A sad and nostalgic one. I especially loved your ending haiku. Can't believe I never saw this one yet!

Michael Tor

December 6, 2021 at 2:26 PM

Reality has a way of shortening the grieving process. So true in so many lives when a death occurs. Touching and heartfelt. I lost my wonderful dad Rene in September of this year. I can relate somewhat. Miss your writings Harry...

Lisa Ricci

December 6, 2021 at 7:49 AM

Hello hh- I turned to this entry at random originally do to the title not knowing what I would see or read. I know I read this previously but it was worth reading once again and commenting once again so you can know your work is wonderful. This is most powerful and reflective with the emotive factor being present. May this day find you well. Blessings always.

Valsa George

November 27, 2021 at 5:16 AM

'Yet no more time to grieve'- the painful and at the same time mature realization of a son who has to carry on the family tradition after his father. His frozen grief has to be thawed by the promise of a spring awaiting him. Great write, Harry !

Kim Rodrigues

November 21, 2021 at 8:58 PM

Those last three lines so beautiful!

Lindsay Laurie

November 20, 2021 at 9:29 PM

Hello Harry ... this is the way of the rural lifestyle. As sad as your Haibun is, the needs on farms cannot be neglected - a great write indeed Harry - Lindsay

Mandy Tams The Golden Girl

November 20, 2021 at 2:06 AM

so sad xx

Sara Kendrick

November 17, 2021 at 4:46 AM

I don't know if this is written from life's experience or if it is written about a family you know or knew but that is horrible for a family. My mother's father died when she was five years old leaving children ages 12 to 6 months old. It was not an easy life for them back in the day. Her father was bitten by a rabid dog and succumbed to rabies. Your visit to my page was uplifting. Sara

Joe Maverick

November 16, 2021 at 12:03 PM

Thoughts and imagery so rich in this one mate So much of the world, is so much the same in The struggles we must face; little more trouble Is needed, more empathy and unity defiantly.' Really well done

Lisa Ricci

November 16, 2021 at 7:32 AM

Good Morning hh - I did not know what was behind the title before turning the page. This entry truly has the emotive factor present along with other poetic elements. Allow me to let your words stand as we all reflect this moment and scene which is clear and vivid. Thank you for sharing your poetic talent. Have a wonderful day. Keep enjoying poetrysoup.

Mystic Rose Rose

November 15, 2021 at 2:42 PM

How sad when one loses a father young and is forced into manhood at a pace much too quick, that childhood suffers. Beautifully expressed Harry, what a powerful soul this young man must have had :)

Judy Ball

November 15, 2021 at 8:35 AM

Excellent job here Harry. So much emotion here showing the sorrow and uncertainty the young teen feels knowing he now must shoulder the job of his father when he is not yet a man. He knows it's now up to him to see his family through the coming winter months. No time to grieve. Great writing my friend. God Bless, JB

Sotto Poet

November 14, 2021 at 8:36 PM

Outstandingly superb written, Harry. I considered it awful and tragic, yet so similar of a situation ubiquitously. Good thing!

Besma Riabi Dziri

November 14, 2021 at 1:45 PM

Many a time we are faced with Life's crossroads and we have to choose to move with the changes or against them.. let alone when a free soul at the very first stage has to shoulder a family tradition.. Achingly beautiful and impressive is your rendition, Harry! Your poetry holds between its layers beauty and depth.. a great pleasure to read! My deepest regards and blessings.

Paul Callus

November 14, 2021 at 11:34 AM

Excellent, Harry! Indeed, in times like this, reflection clears the mind and helps show the way forward. ~ Regards // paul

L Milton Hankins

November 14, 2021 at 9:27 AM

Exceptionally fine writing, harry. I thought it sad and poignant, but so typical of a scene oft-played. Good stuff!

Jennifer Proxenos

November 14, 2021 at 7:17 AM

Always work to be done - immediate family must help and in this case 14 year old Joe had no option, had to earn a livelihood for those left behind. Little time to grieve after his fathers death, seasons would come and go but this Winter's harshness had to be faced, in order to expect a fruitful Spring. Gone were his carefree days,' animals to feed, pastures to be hoed, and seed to sow. A masterfully written Haibun, how families rally and take on responsibility when disaster strikes. h&b,Jen.

Jack Horne

November 14, 2021 at 6:57 AM

love this very thoughtful write, my friend

Vijay Pandit

November 14, 2021 at 4:37 AM

Great poetry Harry--your story of survivors says it all in these lines: ---next day animals to feed, pastures to be hoed, seeds to sow knowing he’d understand...