Her mother was a sun worshiper and loved three seasons for the warmth of the sun; the budding flowers in spring, summer sun turning her skin golden and the lush colours of autumn. Winter was not her favourite season. She loved Christmas for her children and grandchildren; New Year’s Eve was a ritual to watch people celebrate at Time’s Square. No, winter was a season she could easily skip.
Every time family and friends phoned her in winter, she warned them to stay home and not drive on the slippery roads. Winter was a time to sleep and hibernate like a bear.
Winter starts to show off in late autumn here. By mid-November there have been a few snowfalls. That early Monday morning in December, her daughter phoned to check up on her mother’s failing health…it was time, the nurse said.
frost tipped branches
spreading fallen leaves,
bracing for a chill
© Tournesol ’15/12/02
Tournesol dans un Jardin 
Nice post.
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Thanks so much!
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welcome
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The intertwining of the seasons and mother in the haibun made it very poignant reading. Well done.
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Thank you, Hamish, I just noticed the last paragraph should have been on another haibun for my other blog on grief. Glad you enjoyed my weaving seasons with my mother.
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Hmm…..I really do thing the last paragraph should be left in the haibun and adds a ‘sting’ to the ‘tale/tail.’ To me it really gives an extra and fits very well.
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Yes, you’re right, Hamish. I just edited it and placed it above the haiku. I think I wrote too many haibun about her passing…it is the one year anniversary today.
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Jut looked again. Yes, beautiful like that. Stunning autumn leaves. Too many…not sure. Sincerity is important in this writing, and rare. Your thoughts keep her memory alive.
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Thank you, Hamish.
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I think the prose blends so much with the haiku or rather the other way round. Poignant writing, Cheryl-Lynn.
She is at peace and it is well. Bless you my friend. 🙂
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Yep, she is, thanks for your kind words, Celestine.
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I agree with Hamish, I like the juxtaposition of the seasons and the mother
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Isn’t that word “juxtaposition” a mouthful (smiles). I used to skim over that word when reading social science articles at university. I read out loud in my mind and that one was always a challenge for me:) Thanks for your lovely comment, Melinda.
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You’re welcome and yes juxtaposition is a mouthful 🙂
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*nods* 🙂
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🙂
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Love very much the haiku…just keep reading again and again…very poignant….~ hugs
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Thank you, for your lovely comment.
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I feel like I know her a little through your eyes! Very tender!
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Thanks, Carol, she was loved by everyone of all ages.
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bracing for a chill
That’s the way it is Cheryl, bracing for the coming cold months. Wonderful haibun. Refreshing prose as opposed to verses of others!
Hank
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Thank you, Hank, I’m touched that you enjoyed this haibun.
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evergreen imagery.
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Thank you.
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First Christmas without our Mom who loved all things Christmas, in red and green, thank you. Having some problems getting into the spirit. And now my oldest sis is in quite a state over the death of her son. Just a week ago yesterday.
Your haibun really struck a note for me. The final line of the haiku says it all.
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I’m so sorry for your loss, Janice and your sister. I can’t imagine losing a child. My thoughts are with you and your family. This is my second Christmas since she passed Dec 2 but still feels like the first. It’s a tough week.
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Beautifully written, Cheryl-Lynn! You honor your mother with your heart and poetry.
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Thank you, Lynn, for your lovely comment:)
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A wonderful tribute to your mother Cheryl Lynn … very nicely written and full of love
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Thank you, Kristjaan, I’m pleased you enjoyed this piece in her honour.
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