Today we dig the hole. We’ve already spent a day admiring the little shrub of hope my mother gifted us. “Buy a small tree in remembrance of Brian”, she wrote. This young Rose Tree of Sharon already speaks to us in white blooms as if to say everything will be ok. We choose the perfect spot near the fence. My husband loosens the hard packed dirt further with each drive of the shovel. I nurture the soil with a root booster diluted with water. This may be the difference between thriving or fading. We gently pack the soil back in around the tiny tree, making sure it is secure. My husband waters the plant for the first time. I imagine each trickle as a tear for his first born son. I take the angel statue from a sympathy arrangement and give it a new home. Taking a step back, I wonder if there’s anything else we can do to help it weather the storms ahead. Was there anything else we should have done?
summer takes our breath
hope lies dormant under leaves
angel white in spring
Lillian hosts Haibun Monday at dVerse Poets Pub. The theme is “new beginnings”.
mishunderstood 
Such a poignant story. I hope everyone has weathered the storms.
Oh this is so beautifully writ. And knowing the story of your loss makes it even more beautiful. That last question in your prose is so full of pain and questioning and loss. My heart opens for you…and I wish you serenity. May the Rose Tree of Sharon blossom and bloom and take root knowing it was lovingly placed and tended.
Tears came while reading this. Thinking of the water poured on as tears. You have a place to talk with him now. {{{{HUGS}}}}
Your write bespeaks such sorrow. May the Rose of Sharon flourish, and may 2021 bring you peace with your loss.
Oh, this is so poignant and sad. I am so sorry for your loss. ❤ ❤
I’m sorry for your loss. ❤️
Your haibun made me cry, Mish, so poignant, and what a beautiful way to remember a child.
Heartbreaking and hopeful. I’m so sorry for your loss, Mish. Your haiku is beautiful.
I’m so sorry for your loss. This is lovely Mish.
This is heartbreaking and exquisitely rendered.
This is beautiful Mish, the loss and how you can find something else to nurture… but also that survivor’s guilt in the prose… stellar.
Truly a touching haiku. The raw emotion and honesty, especially in the last question in the prose is powerful. Thanks for sharing with us! ❤
Beautifully written! What a sad new beginning! The loss must have been very devastating. I like the planting of a tree or shrub for a loved one. Rose of Sharon is a great choice. They are very prolific with their blooms!
“Was there anything else we should have done?” that ending tugged at my heart. I hope everything gets better this year.
Thank you. 🙂