Haiku: For Rachel

close up portrait of a mature black whippet in a winter jacket

morning sun
stroking its warmth
through the old dog’s fur

© Rachel Sutcliffe (1977-2019)

so little time
before your winter
this early silence

© Xenia Tran

a blue whippet in a maroon winter jacket striding out along the loch shore

lost in the valley
listening for the river
to guide us home

© Rachel Sutcliffe (1977-2019)

water ripples
your courage touched
the hearts of many

© Xenia Tran

waves from the loch rippling towards the shore where the burn flows

journey home
angels carry you
into peace

© Xenia Tran

We were very sad to learn of fellow poet and blogger Rachel Sutcliffe‘s passing last Thursday after a long battle with illness. Writing has been a therapeutic outlet for her and she was an inspiration to many, including myself.

Frank J Tassone on his Haijin in Action Blog invites us to select our favourite haikai by Rachel and write a haiku that honours her spirit as a tribute. I chose ‘morning sun’ (Heron’s Nest XVI:3, September 2014) and ‘lost in the valley’ (A Hundred Gourds 4:1, December 2014).

Our thoughts are with Rachel’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Wishing you a peaceful and blessed week,

with love from Eivor, Pearl and Xenia xxx

Photographs by Xenia Tran, edited in lr.

Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ200, Settings: f/2.8 – 1/800 s – ISO 100, f/2.8 -1/1000 s – ISO 100 and f/4 – 1/250 s – ISO 160.

Frank J Tassone’s Weekly Haikai Challenge #70: Rachel Sutcliffe Tribute

Rag Tag Daily Prompt: Note

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.

35 thoughts on “Haiku: For Rachel”

  1. Thank you for this lovely, loving, touching tribute. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. May all who loved her find peace in knowing she is now carried painlessly, effortlessly, on angels’ wings. Na’ama

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  14. Pingback: #Haikai Challenge #71 (2/2/19): Still Cold (yokan) #haiku #senryu #haibun #tanka #haiga #renga – Frank J. Tassone

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