A daughter’s letter, a mother’s poem
It’s not uncommon to wish we’d handled a difficult situation better, especially when it comes to our relationships with our parents. Aiko, a campaign participant, shares a letter to her mother that may remind you of similar experiences in your life. Her mother’s poem almost seems to answer her request for forgiveness.
Dear Mom,
It’s bothered me since your death in 1997 that I was not more attentive and kind to you during the two years you lived with Ed and me. Please forgive me, Mom.
After Pop’s death you had been happy in the retirement home living amongst your peers and finally free from cleaning and cooking. After you fell and broke your hip and came to live with us, it must have been such a difficult adjustment to have no Japanese friends close by and be away from your poetry-writing group and especially your church. Coming to live here after 25 years of Southern California urban life must have been a shock.
Yes, I saw to your daily physical needs but I should have been more mindful of your social and emotional needs and spent more time every day listening and talking with you. I always thought you were a sensitive and wise woman but realized this even more so after I read and pondered your poems.
To forgive myself, I have gathered all your poems and plan to put together a computer-printed book and give copies to family members.
Your loving daughter,
Aiko
My mom wrote senryu poetry which has the same 5-7-5 format as haiku. While haiku deals traditionally with human existence in the natural world in a spiritual or ideal way, senryu looks at life realistically.
“He buttons my blouse
As a way of mending wounds
Our quarrel forgotten.”
–By Sanae
Submitted by: Roselle Kovitz