Laura Leiser Poet Haibun

A Wilting Flower

Quietly I sit and observe the profile of her expressionless young face. 
She looks so peaceful and serene, a flower in the full bloom of life. Her hair flows softly around her in its auburn beauty.  Now I see her eyes flutter open, and observe how thick her long lashes are; how they pleasantly frame her light green eyes. Her flawless skin has a translucent quality to it, so silky and smooth. 

                                         crimson rose in bloom
                                 seared petals bleed heavy tears
                                        down a stem of thorns


A near drowning victim, she is getting restless, her breathing becomes labored. I hurry over and adjust the oxygen cannula in her nose and take her vital signs. Then I stroke
her arm to comfort her as I raise the head of her bed and adjust her pillows. She seems to settle down with a heavy sigh. 

Are those tears around the corners of her blank, staring eyes? 
Tiny beads of sweat lightly dampen her forehead 
I prepare a cool, wet towel and place it over her brows.
What a beautiful flower she is, how brief her bloom. Now her flower has been plucked too soon. 
She is wilting, her petals are fainting, falling...
 

                                       weeping flower bends
                                    colors weaken, fade away
                                           falling so softly




    

                            







October 28, 2020

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Paul Callus December 10, 2020 at 12:28 PM Yours is a beautiful offering, Laura, but so sad, touching. All lives are important, but when it concerns young ones it becomes more heartbreaking. Regards // paul Laura Leiser December 10, 2020 at 5:16 PM Thank you for commenting, Paul. It is sad to see a young life suffer in this way...

Sara Kendrick December 8, 2020 at 10:56 AM Sad one. Enjoyed reading this very emotive and descriptive work. Sara Laura Leiser December 8, 2020 at 12:31 PM Thank you, Sara. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It is sad, as it is based on in reality..

Alexis Y. December 3, 2020 at 12:24 PM WoW! Laura, You have penned such a sad write that pulls at the heartstrings. It was hard to read. A young life laying their withering away. Excellent job- Alexis Laura Leiser December 3, 2020 at 1:03 PM Thank you, Alexis. This really happened, too. I was a nurse for many years and took care of patients like her at times..it is heartbreaking, indeed...

Kim Rodrigues November 22, 2020 at 4:53 PM Sighing...reminds me of this beautiful five year old laying in pink satin. Laura Leiser November 22, 2020 at 5:56 PM It’s a sad thing to witness, isn’t it? Thanks for commenting, Kim. :)

Quoth Theraven November 15, 2020 at 9:42 PM Laura, You have a wonderful gift in this telling poem. Thank you for sharing it. -Richard Laura Leiser November 16, 2020 at 7:42 AM Thank you for your kind compliment, Richard. I truly appreciate it! :)

Gordon Mcconnell October 29, 2020 at 2:39 PM Such lovely penning Laura, though very sad and heart wrenching but brings home the importance of those in the medical profession as you no doubt was. Have a blessed day, Gordon Laura Leiser October 29, 2020 at 3:35 PM Thanks so much for commenting, Gordon. I really appreciate you stopping by! :)

Silent One October 29, 2020 at 8:59 AM You really know how to do a great haibun.. The two haiku are brilliant and full of imagery... I like the analogy you have used here, one that many can relate to... Laura Leiser October 29, 2020 at 10:00 AM It’s a common metaphor, but I couldn’t think of any other thing to represent this young girl’s life. First time trying the haibun form...so glad you liked it, Silent. :)

Regina Mcintosh October 29, 2020 at 4:54 AM This is beautifully done... so sad and filled with sorrow which beckons to the heart of the reader. Such a fleeting glimpse into your amazing spirit. God bless you dear friend Laura Leiser October 29, 2020 at 7:54 AM Thank you for the high compliment and comments, Regina. This scene and others are events the public eye rarely sees...it can be so heart wrenching to deal with...

Susan Ashley October 28, 2020 at 7:12 PM Oh, Laura, your poignant pen spills sadness with such sensitive beauty. Your exceptional haiku add tender poetic imagery to an expressive and heartbreaking piece. Gorgeous and affecting poetry, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Susan Ashley October 28, 2020 at 7:44 PM While reading this emotive piece, I was wondering if you were a nurse.. your kindness and compassion radiates through your pen, my friend. A tragedy for this young girl for sure.. she was fortunate to have you with her at the end.. Laura Leiser October 28, 2020 at 7:37 PM I’m so glad you liked this, Susan! It is based on a true event from my years in nursing...I’ll never forget this innocent young girl injured in a tragic accident. It was sobering and heartbreaking.