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

Did you know that the second week of January is set aside as Universal Letter Writing Week? When was the last time you wrote an honest-to-God letter?

The Campaign for Love and Forgiveness has some tips and tools encouraging letter writing you may want to check out.

Sir, more than kisses,
letters mingle souls;
for thus friends absent speak.
–John Donne

Of course, there are ways not to do it. Here is one:

A letter from Romeo to Juliet

Dearest Ms Juliet,

I am very happy to inform you that I have fallen in Love with you since the 14th of October (Sunday). With reference to the meeting held between us on the 27th of July. at 1500 hrs, I would like to present myself as a prospective lover.

Our love affair would be on probation for a period of three months and depending on compatibility, would be made permanent. Of course, upon completion of probation, there will be continuous on the job training and performance appraisal schemes leading up to promotion from lover to spouse.

The expenses incurred for coffee and entertainment would initially be shared equally between us. Later, based on your performance, I might take up a larger share of the expenses. However I am broadminded enough to be taken care of, on your expense account.

I request you to kindly respond within 30 days of receiving this letter, failing which, this offer would be cancelled without further notice and I shall be considering someone else. I would be happy, if you could forward this letter to your sister, if you do not wish to take up this offer.

Thanking you in anticipation,

Yours sincerely,
Romeo