eagerly waiting for her cousin
time spent with granddaughters
one newly welcomed to this world
one scampers with joy
comfort for these weary bones
closer to the end than a beginning
with dad
I have chosen to write a Gogyohka (5 brief lines in keeping with the tradition of Japanese short verse) to response to MTB: Jisei (Japanese Death Poems), the prompt from Frank Tassone at dVerse ~ Poets Pub, which is to write a haiku, senryu, tanka, kyoka, or Gogyohka that reflects on
imminent death – and the significance of life in light of it.
We welcome a new granddaughter who entered the world last night. Mother and child are doing well and will be home tomorrow. Once I actually get to meet her this weekend, I will spend two days driving home early next week, including a visit with my two-year old granddaughter in Cleveland.
Mom with her dad (back when)
rivrvlogr 
I have to tell you Ken that you make me smile and cry at the same time. Congratulations and much love and many huggggsssss to you and Bonnie and your children and grandchildren. Thank you for giving me such a rush of pleasure and tears of joy in these dark days of new quarantine. I love you man. God bless. Kiss Bonnie for me please. Or just look up from the computer and smile at her whenever you can.
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Thank you, brother. I’ll plant one when I get back home.
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Congratulations on the new granddaughter, Ken. She’s beautiful!
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Thank you, Betty. 😀
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Congratulations on the new granddaughter Ken. I like how grandchildren bring joy to an aging grandpa. I feel the same way. They are a real joy!
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That they are. Thank you, Dwight.
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What beautiful comforts! Congratulations.
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Thank you. 🙂
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Your little granddaughter is cuter than a bug’s ear. The new baby looks like a love pod. I can’t imagine you could be any more pleased than you are right now that you’re getting to see both of them and will be home in time for the holiday with your sweetheart. Congratulations for your many blessings.
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Thank you, Lisa. 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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Beautiful photos and congratulations on the new addition to your family! Celebrating life is the best way to be philosophical about death.
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Thank you.
Yes. It adds perspective.
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Congratulations Ken, a cutie indeed; death is off in a huff somewhere, sulky in the face of all this radiance.
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Thanks, Peter. As it should be. 🙂
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Congrats, it must be reassuring to know the line goes on as we fade out … nicely written and thanks for sharing the joy!
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Thank you, Kate.
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Congratulations Ken! You are just starting over, remember, in your granddaughters 🙂
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Thank you, Jane.
Yes, all the more reason to look forward to the next few years.
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Don’t miss a minute of them.
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Congratulations on your new granddaughter, Ken! I agree with Ingrid, celebrating (new) life is the best way to be philosophical about death.
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Thanks, Kim. 🙂 The world can use every new ray of sunshine.
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Congratulations, Ken! Such joy and sweetness in this time is welcomed. I’m glad you got to spend time with your family and see the newest member. Both granddaughters are beautiful! 💙
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Thank you, Merril. It’s been a wonderful visit.
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That’s so wonderful!
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I will echo all the congratulations. The future emerges from the past. (K)
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It does. Every moment of brightness is welcome.
And thank you, Kerfe.
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Grandchildren bring you closer to the beginning again! And congratulations they’re beautiful! That numpty baby!
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Thank you! 😀
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Oh what joy! Congratulations, Ken! They’re both precious 🙂 💝And yes, what a “comfort for weary bones” new life is!
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That is so true. Thank you. 🙂
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Tender loving poem can. Well done.
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Thank you, Rob.
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How wonderful for you!
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🙂 Thank you.
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Congratulations, Ken! Welcoming a newborn into life is joyous!
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It is! Thank you, Eugenia.
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Most welcome!
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Congratulations, Ken! Such joy in these photos! Your poem rings deep and true!
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Thank you, Lynne. They bring joy.
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I’m so happy you got to meet your grandchildren now… those meetings must be most fulfilling.
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They most certainly were. Thank you, Björn.
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Little grandchildren do bring so much love. Your photos of your little ones really capture that. Your poem expresses thoughts that rest with me often too.
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Thank you, Suzanne. This is definitely one of life’s pleasures.
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