Paul Callus Poet Haibun

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


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Contest: Haibun – Pick Your Theme 
Sponsor: Line Gauthier
Placed 3rd
© 16th July 2020

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Angela Crabtree November 8, 2020 at 3:41 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 November 10, 2020 at 1:35 AM I love your reaction and comments, Angela...thank you!! Best regards // paul

Jack Horne October 6, 2020 at 12:16 PM I think I already read this one but enjoying its stark reality again - so well expressed, as always Paul Callus October 8, 2020 at 8:51 AM Thank for stopping by again, my friend :) Regards // paul

Gershon Wolf August 19, 2020 at 6:16 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 August 20, 2020 at 2:01 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 August 14, 2020 at 1:18 PM You can hear the silence. Congratulations, Paul! Paul Callus August 16, 2020 at 3:23 PM Thank you, Kim. I loved your winning entry. Regards // paul

Jean Murray August 13, 2020 at 11:58 PM Sad times Paul. Very strange for us Irish folk who love a good wake. Well done on your placement. Paul Callus August 16, 2020 at 3:12 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 August 13, 2020 at 6:54 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 August 16, 2020 at 3:24 PM Your insightful feedback is truly appreciated, Aditi...thank you! Regards // paul

Jan Allison August 13, 2020 at 10:29 AM Dropping back to say many congrats on your win Paul:-) hugs Jan xx Paul Callus August 16, 2020 at 3:08 PM Thank you, Jan. It's been a while since I last appeared on a winners' list! Hugs // paul

Jenna Logan August 13, 2020 at 5:07 AM Congratulations on this winning write, Paul. Paul Callus August 16, 2020 at 3:08 PM Thank you, Jenna. Pleased to have you stopping by. Regards // paul

Paula Goldsmith August 12, 2020 at 2:01 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 August 16, 2020 at 3:30 PM Thank you for the feedback and congrats, Paula. We are experiencing very strange times! Warm regards // paul

Jennifer Proxenos August 8, 2020 at 7:32 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 August 9, 2020 at 1:56 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 August 4, 2020 at 4:22 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 August 7, 2020 at 10:04 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 August 4, 2020 at 10:08 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 August 7, 2020 at 9:57 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 August 2, 2020 at 4:18 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 August 7, 2020 at 10:22 AM Thank you, Phyllis. Have a nice weekend. // paul

W.A. Cholt August 2, 2020 at 2:52 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 August 7, 2020 at 10:28 AM Thank you for the insightful comments, W.A. Hope you are keeping well! Regards // paul

Gordon Mcconnell July 25, 2020 at 11:22 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 July 29, 2020 at 3:38 PM Thank you, Gordon; your feedback is appreciated. Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich July 19, 2020 at 4:02 PM Why did I not fave this one? I fell upon it again. Gotta fave it. Paul Callus July 22, 2020 at 1:12 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 July 19, 2020 at 10:10 AM a very sad reality expressed here so well, my friend Paul Callus July 19, 2020 at 2:41 PM Thank you for your visit and input, Jack. Take care, my friend. Regards // paul

Elaine George July 18, 2020 at 9:10 PM Very powerful Haibun, and...sadly...true, dear Paul. ~Elaine Paul Callus July 19, 2020 at 2:39 PM Thank you, dear Elaine; so pleased to have you stopping by. Hope you are keeping well. Warm regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich July 17, 2020 at 8:54 PM mine is on Covid too but with different slant (not posted yet)

Andrea Dietrich July 17, 2020 at 8:54 PM wow, powerful one, paul!!! Paul Callus July 19, 2020 at 2:17 PM Thank you, Andrea. I will be looking out for your Haibun...probably I'll be saying wowx2 :) Best regards // paul

Eve Roper July 17, 2020 at 8:38 PM Blessings to those that were there and so sorry for the decease. Good luck in the contest. Eve Roper July 19, 2020 at 11:08 AM Heartbreaking Paul Callus July 19, 2020 at 6:18 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. July 17, 2020 at 11:14 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 July 19, 2020 at 5:36 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 July 17, 2020 at 7:17 AM How true are the moments you you captured, Paul--a memorial to how things are today. Paul Callus July 18, 2020 at 5:09 PM Thank you, Vijay. Where I live the virus has been controlled quite well, but some countries have big problems! Regards// paul

Joanna Daniel July 17, 2020 at 12:27 AM Such a sad situation well expressed, Paul:) Paul Callus July 18, 2020 at 4:40 PM Thank you, Jo. All the best // paul

Jan Allison July 16, 2020 at 5:02 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 July 18, 2020 at 4:00 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