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Masked Emotions

After a short ceremony, the few people present, standing at a safe distance from each other, watch the coffin being lowered slowly into the grave. Another covid-19 victim is laid to rest without pomp, yet with dignity and respect. end of funeral the silent birds in the trees resume their singing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Contest: Haibun – Pick Your Theme Sponsor: Line Gauthier Placed 3rd © 16th July 2020

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Angela Crabtree

Date: 11/8/2020 3:41:00 PM

Wow, Paul. This is such a magnificent write about the reality and the horror of this virus. The birds added a great touch to this :)

Paul Callus
Date: 11/10/2020 1:35:00 AM

I love your reaction and comments, Angela...thank you!! Best regards // paul

Jack Horne

Date: 10/6/2020 12:16:00 PM

I think I already read this one but enjoying its stark reality again - so well expressed, as always

Paul Callus
Date: 10/8/2020 8:51:00 AM

Thank for stopping by again, my friend :) Regards // paul

Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/19/2020 6:16:00 PM

Interesting take on a COVID funeral. Especially interesting that the birds stopped singing. Often nature is oblivious to whatever humans do around them --- although I guess birds can be intimidated. Great write, Paul. Pax Humana, Gershon

Paul Callus
Date: 8/20/2020 2:01:00 PM

Thank you for the insightful feedback, Gershon. Let us hope that peace among humans will always remain on our agenda! ~ Regards // paul

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 8/14/2020 1:18:00 PM

You can hear the silence. Congratulations, Paul!

Paul Callus
Date: 8/16/2020 3:23:00 PM

Thank you, Kim. I loved your winning entry. Regards // paul

Jean Murray

Date: 8/13/2020 11:58:00 PM

Sad times Paul. Very strange for us Irish folk who love a good wake. Well done on your placement.

Paul Callus
Date: 8/16/2020 3:12:00 PM

Thank you, Jean. Even here in Malta we treat such occasions with all the respect they merit. Unfortunately, the present situation has been a cause of disruption. Best regards // paul

Aditi Mishra

Date: 8/13/2020 6:54:00 PM

Your Haibun portrays such real images of reality blended with tender emotions Paul. The angst of loss while the world would go on has been penned intricately. Congratulations on your win :)

Paul Callus
Date: 8/16/2020 3:24:00 PM

Your insightful feedback is truly appreciated, Aditi...thank you! Regards // paul

Jan Allison

Date: 8/13/2020 10:29:00 AM

Dropping back to say many congrats on your win Paul:-) hugs Jan xx

Paul Callus
Date: 8/16/2020 3:08:00 PM

Thank you, Jan. It's been a while since I last appeared on a winners' list! Hugs // paul

Jenna Logan

Date: 8/13/2020 5:07:00 AM

Congratulations on this winning write, Paul.

Paul Callus
Date: 8/16/2020 3:08:00 PM

Thank you, Jenna. Pleased to have you stopping by. Regards // paul

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 8/12/2020 2:01:00 PM

Congratulations on your win. WOW!! A few words with much said. It is all so very sad. My girlfriend could only have 10 people for her husband. It was not from the virus, he was a sick man. Enjoy your win and day....................

Paul Callus
Date: 8/16/2020 3:30:00 PM

Thank you for the feedback and congrats, Paula. We are experiencing very strange times! Warm regards // paul

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 8/8/2020 7:32:00 AM

My heart bleeds for the families, it is so sad that the cases in America have gone into the millions - we in South Africa I think are better than most, Paul, although we have been warned that by September it will become chaotic - warm regards and hugs Jennifer.

Paul Callus
Date: 8/9/2020 1:56:00 PM

Thank you, Jenny. Here in Malta up to a couple of weeks ago we were under the impression that the virus had been conquered....now it has returned with a mighty wave! We have a tough time ahead! ~ Warm regards & Hugs // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/4/2020 4:22:00 PM

ok, here I am again what must be a triple visit. Why is this fun contest not closed out by now so I can congratulate you. If you do not win, I will be unhappy.

Paul Callus
Date: 8/7/2020 10:04:00 AM

Now I'm grinning, Andrea:) It's not right that you be sad, so let's hope Line makes us both happy!! Thank you for your pleasant visit and support. ~ Warm regards // paul

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 8/4/2020 10:08:00 AM

Funerals like this are happening far too often, Paul. I wonder if the virus threat will ever end. Joyce called yesterday and said she wonders if the end of the world is coming soon. Your poem is very powerful and well written as always. Hugs, Carolyn

Paul Callus
Date: 8/7/2020 9:57:00 AM

Thank you, Carolyn. Here in Malta we thought we had defeated the virus, but now it has come back with a vengeance! Government and business people gave preference to Economy over Health :( Time to beat our breasts and cry Mea Culpa! Hugs // paul

Phyllis Babcock

Date: 8/2/2020 4:18:00 PM

I feel this connects to so many at this present time Paul. So sad and tragic and you convey this well. love phyl

Paul Callus
Date: 8/7/2020 10:22:00 AM

Thank you, Phyllis. Have a nice weekend. // paul

W.A. Cholt

Date: 8/2/2020 2:52:00 PM

This is a poem that connects with the heart. A few short lines that express powerfully a very real and tragic event . It takes the reader to the graveside. Nice, the way the birds start singing again. Life continues in the midst of death.

Paul Callus
Date: 8/7/2020 10:28:00 AM

Thank you for the insightful comments, W.A. Hope you are keeping well! Regards // paul

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 7/25/2020 11:22:00 AM

Such a humbling piece Paul, really first rate bringing dignity into such sadness. Such respectful birds to humble is all! Take care in your lovely island, Blessings,Gordon

Paul Callus
Date: 7/29/2020 3:38:00 PM

Thank you, Gordon; your feedback is appreciated. Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/19/2020 4:02:00 PM

Why did I not fave this one? I fell upon it again. Gotta fave it.

Paul Callus
Date: 7/22/2020 1:12:00 PM

Thank you Andrea! I love double and triple visits, especially if one of them comes with a fav :) Take care. Warm regards // paul

Jack Horne

Date: 7/19/2020 10:10:00 AM

a very sad reality expressed here so well, my friend

Paul Callus
Date: 7/19/2020 2:41:00 PM

Thank you for your visit and input, Jack. Take care, my friend. Regards // paul

Elaine George

Date: 7/18/2020 9:10:00 PM

Very powerful Haibun, and...sadly...true, dear Paul. ~Elaine

Paul Callus
Date: 7/19/2020 2:39:00 PM

Thank you, dear Elaine; so pleased to have you stopping by. Hope you are keeping well. Warm regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/17/2020 8:54:00 PM

wow, powerful one, paul!!!

Paul Callus
Date: 7/19/2020 2:17:00 PM

Thank you, Andrea. I will be looking out for your Haibun...probably I'll be saying wowx2 :) Best regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/17/2020 8:54:00 PM

mine is on Covid too but with different slant (not posted yet)

Eve Roper

Date: 7/17/2020 8:38:00 PM

Blessings to those that were there and so sorry for the decease. Good luck in the contest.

Eve Roper
Date: 7/19/2020 11:08:00 AM

Heartbreaking

Paul Callus
Date: 7/19/2020 6:18:00 AM

Thank you, Eve. I 'attended' one such funeral. A handful of family members only were allowed...I stayed in the background. Hugs // paul

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 7/17/2020 11:14:00 AM

A poignant themed, sad poem written w/abundant grace, Paul. Your compassionate thoughts always move me. May love and peace be w/thee always.

Paul Callus
Date: 7/19/2020 5:36:00 AM

Hi Freddie! It's a pleasure to have you stopping by! Thank you for the lovely comments. Take care & be safe, my friend. // paul

Vijay Pandit

Date: 7/17/2020 7:17:00 AM

How true are the moments you you captured, Paul--a memorial to how things are today.

Paul Callus
Date: 7/18/2020 5:09:00 PM

Thank you, Vijay. Where I live the virus has been controlled quite well, but some countries have big problems! Regards// paul

Joanna Daniel

Date: 7/17/2020 12:27:00 AM

Such a sad situation well expressed, Paul:)

Paul Callus
Date: 7/18/2020 4:40:00 PM

Thank you, Jo. All the best // paul

Jan Allison

Date: 7/16/2020 5:02:00 PM

such sharp ink Paul, we couldn't go to my uncle's funeral in the Uk in fact i wasn't until i could actually see mum face to face in June that I told her of his passing, thankfully he didn't have the virus but so many have perished:-( hugs to all the family:-) Jan xx

Paul Callus
Date: 7/18/2020 4:00:00 PM

Thank you, Jan. Covid-19 has been quite disruptive! Here in Malta we have not had any new cases in the last 7 days, but opening the airport for tourist arrivals might spark off more cases (in fact we had 1 such case today). Hugs and best regards to all your family. // paul