Laura Leiser Poet Haibun

Notes About The Poem

Note: My sister, Linda, died on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. I did not get to see her before she died. This poem was written the night before she died. I did not know she was so near to passing away when I wrote this poem. I was projecting my wishes to see her, but this did not happen as hoped. . I know she is now at peace with the Lord. 

When the Lark Stopped Singing

The afternoon sunlight is waning, casting a soft glow inside her small bedroom. I sit beside her bed, a witness to her slow suffering. Ravaged by illness, she is restless and uncomfortable. I try to offer an encouraging word as I hold her frail hand. We used to sing together. Music was her world. She lets me softly sing a favorite childhood song. I hate that the dreaded cancer is slowly taking her away…


                   small lark fades on perch
             where songs were sung so freely 
                     now hushed in silence 


I gently wipe her brow and stroke her hair. She looks so small between the sheets. She is listless and has no appetite. She knows it won’t be long. I remember our many happy times together growing up. Now, I pray over her, asking for God’s mercy. Tears trickle down my cheeks. Soon, my little sister will be with her Savior…


                   wounded lark struggles
                quiet pleas are heard above
                     never more to sing

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Kim Rodrigues September 26, 2024 at 1:33 PM Wow! This says much. Sorry for your loss, Laura. Laura Leiser September 26, 2024 at 7:03 PM Thank you, Kim. It’s still a bit surreal to me. I’m grateful she is now with the Lord.

Victor Buhagiar August 1, 2024 at 2:20 AM I can sympathize with you for not being near your sister. I know the feeling. When my wife was taken to hospital, I was not allowed to be near her. When I arrived she was dead. I never got over her loss. Laura Leiser August 5, 2024 at 9:57 PM Thank you for sharing your experience, Victor. I’m sorry you were not able to see your wife before she died. There is a true sense of loss in that. I appreciate you stopping by to read my poem. God bless you!

Chula Schlesinger-Fleming July 30, 2024 at 6:49 AM Laura, this is the first of your poems that I have read. It is so powerful and beautiful. I also lost sisters to cancer and know how devastating it can be. Your love is so evident in this beautifully written tribute to her. God bless you and your family. Laura Leiser July 31, 2024 at 1:55 PM Thank you for stopping by and for your kind condolences, Chula. God bless you!

Craig Cornish July 13, 2024 at 7:50 PM So sorry Laura, your prophetic writing is inspirational Laura Leiser July 15, 2024 at 1:45 PM Thank you, Craig. I appreciate your kind words and stopping by. :)

Joseph May July 13, 2024 at 5:33 AM My deepest condolences on your loss, Your poignant poem shows the sorrow felt when we see loved ones suffering... Laura Leiser July 15, 2024 at 1:46 PM Thank you for stopping by, Joseph. I appreciate it. :)