We had such a pretty day
this April Fool's day.
It started off with fog,
but by 11 AM it had burned off
and the sky was a beautiful blue
with puffy white clouds floating along.
I had been wanting to spread some mulch in the
flower beds and today seemed like a good day
to get the chore done.
The G-man planted some tomatoes,
I spread 8 bags of mulch,
planted 2 bluebonnets,
2 geraniums, & 2 asparagus ferns
in the front flower beds.
Tomorrow we will attend a memorial service
for a friend who unexpectedly passed away
this week.
He was 57, way to young.
He will be missed by his wife
& two grown children.
There are no guarantees in this life as to
how long we will be here.
Every day is so special.
If there is a guarantee it is
that one day each of us will pass
into the next phase of existence.
"Empty-handed I entered
the world
Barefoot I leave it.
My coming, my going --
Two simple happenings
That got entangled.
Like dew drops
on a lotus leaf
I vanish."
~ Kozan Ichikyo, died February 12, 1360, at the age of 77.
10 comments:
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. And yes, 57 (my age) is too young. Our mortality has weighed heavy on my mind these past few months....
Hopefully your garden and the renewal of spring will temper, somewhat, your and your friend's family's loss.
Interesting poem....I have been re-reading an old book I've had for years: Japanese Death Poems, compiled by Yoel Hoffmann. And this Kozan Ichikyo poem is in the chapter I'm reading now.
Such truths....
Best to you and G-Man.
Rick
Rick, that is interesting that I happened upon the same poem you are reading. The truth & simplicity of the words is poignant.
Beautiful poem--my condolences for the loss of your friend.
sorry to hear about your friend. it's all relative isn't it? not that long ago 57 would have been considered old. he must have finished his life's work.
Empty handed to barefoot. Beautiful. It saddens me to hear of your friend. xx
What a beautiful, timely reminder, Lizzy. I love the final poem.
Like dewdrops on a lotus leaf...
my condolences on the loss of your friend ~ at 57 he was young indeed.
the poem is thought-provoking and exquisite.
So jealous of your colour and mulch.
57 is indeed far too young - kindly wishes to you and his family.
Look how green and growing Texas is!!! Wow. Your header looks like Ireland. Your garden looks like England. I am so impressed!! I always thought Texas was a dry, tumbleweed sort of place. I guess it's different in different places and in different seasons. Fifty-seven is a very young age to pass away. When something happens so unexpectedly, it throws the balance and the rhythm of life way off kilter. For any life, there is never enough time to live enough years. We always seem to need more time. My condolences to you and your friend's family. Peace and Love.
Sad, sad news. Good to see the beautiful spring photos, though.
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