Haibun: A New Leaf In Autumn

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When my eyes wander along the images of homeless dogs before I say my prayers a young whippet-cross stares into the distance from the screen. My heart skips a beat when I see the red coat with sheepskin lining. Those of you who read ‘Spirit Companion’ will know that I donated Seamus’ old coats to the shelter after his passing.  The young whippet-cross has been picked up as a stray, just like Seamus. He has been reserved for adoption and while I look at his sad brown eyes and thin body under that familiar coat I say to him: “God bless you sweet boy. Seamus would have loved you and his coat will keep you warm in Winter. We wish you a happy and healthy life in your new home. Everything is going to be just fine.”

 

he leaves the shelter
with more than good wishes
around his shoulders

© Xenia Tran

 

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With love to you all,

Xenia xxx

 

Photograph of rescue whippet-cross in the red coat taken at shelter by SSPCA.

Photograph of Seamus wearing his red coat underneath a newer coat in sub-zero temperatures by Xenia Tran, unedited.

Camera: Lumix Panasonic FZ38, setting: iA

Carpe Diem Universal Jane #2 – The Moon Rises Each Night

dVerse Poets Pub Haibun Monday #24 The Bridge

 

Author: whippetwisdom

The stories, poems and photographs on this blog are the original creative work of Xenia Tran. Inspired by life in the Scottish Highlands and in awe of nature she gives voice to the wisdom of her adopted and fostered whippets.

57 thoughts on “Haibun: A New Leaf In Autumn”

    1. Thank you so much Meg, I had a lump in my throat when I first saw it and then I was so happy, especially as this dog had already been reserved for adoption. Thank you for stopping by and have a blessed rest of the day xxx

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  3. It’s such a beautiful post…Seamus’s coat is like an allegory of continuum. Nothing really dies, nothing that has existed stops being present in some form or other. A really lovely post, thank you 🙂

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  4. Lovely post, tears in eyes too :)Seamus would have been pleased xx Love the haibun…something to do with the number of syllables? : ) xxx

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      1. Yes I recognised the pattern..just didn’t put the name to it…lol! I’m having a “Thickie Thursday..”
        Lots of love to you all : ) xxx

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  5. What a lovely story ❤ I’m so happy to see another shelter dog find a home. And a wonderful way to celebrate Seamus. Perhaps he came back to enrich another family’s life 💕 🐾 Much love xxx

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    1. Thank you for your kind words LuAnne. It made us happy to see the coat was used to keep another dog in need warm and it would have made Seamus very happy too :o) Much love to you xxx

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  20. A coat of many colors covered by a red coat left as a bridge to help those in need. A bittersweet story but one that touches.

    bright red leaves falling
    confused eyes seek adoption
    memories wrap tight

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    1. Thank you Bryan, it is so true. We have always passed the coats from our rescue dogs who crossed the rainbow bridge to dogs in need and they are always gratefully received by the shelters and hounds.

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