The Peace Lily – Līgo Haībun Challenge

AnElephantCant deny he was worried
But last week was better than he thought
Some nice words were said
When his first piece was read
So he gives Līgo Haībun Challenge a second shot

This week’s Līgo Haībun Challenge  is to write a piece on the image below.

Ligo Haibun Challenge – Photo Prompt

Pot Plant

So is your mum not coming up this afternoon, then?
Has she ever let you down, dad?

Her mother has been dead over twenty years.
She pats his hand and looks around the small ward.

Ach, I’m an old fool! That’ll be twenty four years next month since I lost her, you know.
Yes, dad.

Since he lost her.
No mention that she lost her mother.
In that, at least, he is always consistent.

You’ll take care of my plants, that peace lily was your mother’s favourite, you know.
I remember her wiping the leaves, snipping and pruning, she had green fingers all right.
Yes, dad.

She gave her father the plants about ten years ago, after his last cat disappeared, as cats do.
Her mother never tended a plant in her life.

Cal was here yesterday afternoon, never misses a visiting, you know. Aye, I don’t know what I’d do without him! He’s been a real tower of strength since I lost your mum.

Her brother’s freak drowning accident eighteen months ago was the final straw.
Although Cal had been home only once in the twelve years since he emigrated to Australia, her father refused to accept it.
His decline was swift and terminal.

Yes, dad.

memories are entangled
by the kindness of passing years
then death brings clarity