Laura Leiser | + Follow Poet |
Haibun | + Fav Poem | Comment | Email | Print |

Dragonflies

  While on my daily neighborhood walk, I glanced down to see a flurry of unusual shadows flitting around on the sidewalk. Looking up, I saw several dragonflies moving around in circles. “I never see dragonflies around here”, I thought. 
  Immediately, I was transported back in time to my childhood home. I remember standing in the side yard  next to my neighbor’s fence, watching a stream of dragonflies, with their translucent wings and bodies, hovering above me. 
  “Why are they there?” I wondered. Peeking over the fence, I saw that our neighbor’s backyard pool was green and slimy. Algae had collected all along the pool’s edges.
 “Mommy, Mommy!” I called. “Why does Ruth’s pool look all green and dirty?” Mom looked at me with concern in her eyes. “Ruth has been busy. It’s been hard for her to keep up with things.” she replied.

                        dragonfly wanders 
                  lost in a maze and confused
                       needs the narrow path

  A few days later, mom baked some oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies, her specialty. “I made an extra batch. Let’s bring some over to Ruth.” she said. As we approached Ruth’s front door, I noticed her overgrown yard and chipped paint on the siding. We knocked and waited a minute or so. Ruth cracked the door open, but did not invite us in. Curious, I was still able to notice the newspapers stacked high in her living room. 
  Mommy didn’t flinch and smiled warmly at Ruth. “We thought you’d enjoy some cookies, Ruth. I made an extra batch.” “Thank you, Pat.” Ruth quietly answered. 
“Can you come over for coffee this Thursday? I’d love to visit with you!” mom kindly added. “I think I can.” Ruth replied with a hopeful glimmer in her eyes. 
“Wonderful!” mom enthused. 
As we walked back home, mom seemed happy and satisfied. I was happy, too! 

                       sweet love of God 
                 feeding on hope from heaven
                       nectar of kindness 

Copyright © Laura Leiser | Year Posted 2025

Please Login to post a comment

Victor Buhagiar Date: 8/21/2025 1:04:00 AM Ruth is my favourite biblical name after Mary (of course). Dragonflies are beautiful. Well done for the final haiku. Blessings. Login to Reply Laura Leiser Date: 8/21/2025 7:06:00 AM Thank you, Victoria, for stopping by to comment. Glad you enjoyed this one! :)

Sara Etgen-Baker Date: 8/20/2025 5:43:00 PM Such an engaging story and poem. I agree with Daniel...how you carried the reader from memory to meaning takes skill. Like your poetic voice...thanks again for visiting my site, have a blessed evening, Sara Login to Reply Laura Leiser Date: 8/20/2025 6:25:00 PM Thank you for stopping by to comment, Sara. I’m happy you liked my poem! :)

Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 8/19/2025 5:42:00 PM Dear Laura, such a tender and beautiful piece, it held me from the first flitting shadows on the sidewalk to that final note of kindness. I love how you carried us from memory into meaning, weaving the dragonflies into childhood wonder and the quiet lessons of compassion you learned from your mom. What a gift you’ve given in this poem, Laura. Blessings, My Dear Laura, Daniel Login to Reply Laura Leiser Date: 8/19/2025 7:11:00 PM Thank you so much for your kind words and supportive comments, Daniel! I’m glad you were touched by this memory that taught me how to be more aware of helping others in need. God bless you! :)