Claudette Russell is a retired high school English teacher who lives with her husband in Goodwin State Forest in Hampton, Connecticut. Her work has appeared in various print and online journals. She also collaborates with her husband to create haiga.
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Claudette, you write so movingly, and so thoughtfully.
Another poignant transition in the journey of life, and what I hope is a comforting reflection.
Knowing the depth of your previous writings, though, I am set wondering about possible ambiguity in that final line. Are those "things" about your father a genuine revelation, or a facade? After all, we all attempt to present a better image of ourselves in public – perhaps in the hope that others will have a fine opinion of us. But day to day it is impossible to maintain such a facade with those closest to us – our children and families know our foibles, our bad habits.
This poem encourages me to re-examine my own behaviour: to reflect on whether I am living authentically and with integrity in public as well as with my nearest and dearest; striving to ensure there is never hypocrisy or cause for disappointment. And then to reflect on what happiness and consolation I might leave for my family by storing up secret good deeds and works helping others.
Once again Claudette, thank you for sharing your poems with us.
So simple and insightfully truthful. Lovely.
just perfection!
Really speaks to me. I experienced this…
very nice….
Poignant…
Claudette, you write so movingly, and so thoughtfully.
Another poignant transition in the journey of life, and what I hope is a comforting reflection.
Knowing the depth of your previous writings, though, I am set wondering about possible ambiguity in that final line. Are those "things" about your father a genuine revelation, or a facade? After all, we all attempt to present a better image of ourselves in public – perhaps in the hope that others will have a fine opinion of us. But day to day it is impossible to maintain such a facade with those closest to us – our children and families know our foibles, our bad habits.
This poem encourages me to re-examine my own behaviour: to reflect on whether I am living authentically and with integrity in public as well as with my nearest and dearest; striving to ensure there is never hypocrisy or cause for disappointment. And then to reflect on what happiness and consolation I might leave for my family by storing up secret good deeds and works helping others.
Once again Claudette, thank you for sharing your poems with us.
Strider
Strider, thank you so much for your thoughtful response. Your comments always add layers of meaning and insight to the haiku you write about.
Claudette
I like the fact that this is so open – the 'things' could be impressive impressive or disappointing.
marion
Thanks to everyone who commented.
mother's headstone
my finger rubs across
the twilight