milkweed
a glimpse of her
without her disability

13 Responses

  1. Alan Summers Says:

    .

    milkweed
    a glimpse of her
    without her disability

    —Dawn Apanius

    Milkweed, though termed a weed, is a wonderful plant. And it's always great to get beyond what we perceive as a disability in someone. I often am inspired, encouraged, and helped, by someone who is technically disabled, but a braver, more thoughtful, and common sense person than can be.

    I really thoroughly appreciated this haiku, thank you.

    Alan

  2. Dawn Apanius Says:

    Thank you, Alan! I'm thrilled that you like this haiku!
    Xo

  3. seaviewwarrenpoint Says:

    Poignant, Dawn. I saw someone looking at an old photograph of a loved one (who is now unable to walk) running through a meadow of wildflowers.

    marion

  4. Dianne Says:

    ah, this does resonate on such a personal level. And is is a lovely haiku. thank you!

  5. Dawn Apanius Says:

    Thank you, Dianne!!

  6. Jenny Says:

    This is just beautiful, Dawn. And very moving–especially to the parent of a son with disabilities. Thank you.

  7. Dawn Apanius Says:

    Thank you very much, Jenny!

  8. Kathy Lippard Cobb Says:

    This is stunning. I am disabled with severe OCD. Therefore, I know what it is like when those you love forget you are a person. It's nice that you saw past the disability and appreciated the beauty that is there.

  9. Dawn Apanius Says:

    Thank you, Kathy! Wishing you some comfort & compassion. My haiku was inspired by someone I'm very close to every day.

  10. haikuapprentice Says:

    Another brilliant poem Dawn. This works on so many levels, as so many of the previous comments indicate. My personal reaction to it is guided by the fact that the botanical name for Milkweed is "Asclepias" – named after the Greek god of healing – which of course is relevant to my profession. We have successfully used milkweed sap to treat skin cancers – so I am especially aware how something seeming "weedlike" or even disabled, can have hidden powers and virtue. Indeed, even what some might call a "weedy" form of poetry like haiku, when crafted by a skilled alchemist like yourself, can be turned into a healing balm.

    Well done (again) and thank you for sharing with us all.

    Strider

  11. Dawn Apanius Says:

    Thank you, Strider! I didn't know the botanical name for milkweed. Beautiful reference to healing. I was thinking of a butterfly on the milkweed. Metamorphosis… Even though I struggle with whether this person is perfect as "she" is.
    Thanks for your awesome comments!. I'm floating on clouds of happiness now:)

  12. Dawn Apanius Says:

    Thank you, Marion! Sounds like a beautiful photo. Sorry to hear this person is disabled now. Hopefully she has a good bunch of friends to support her.

  13. seaviewwarrenpoint Says:

    Ah, but it isn't real, Dawn. This what I 'saw' in my head after reading your lovely haiku. :)

    marion

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