Haiku: To the ladies we love and lost

A haiku is a traditional Japanese poem of 17 syllables. Traditionally, it is composed of 3 stanzas, each stanza supposed to conform to a specific form and intent. However, many contemporary Haiku writers have freed themselves of these strictures. American haiku writers usually compose 10-14 syllable poems. The brevity of the poem points to the intent of capturing the essence of a thought with minimum use of language.

In a span of a few months, our ohana has suffered the passing away of three ladies: Daria Jean Gagnon, Nancy Sherman and Sylvia Tanaka. To the families of these wonderful ladies, our hearts go out to you and we share in your grief. We, too, feel your loss.

Sing me no dirges
Cry me no tears
Shorn of body, my spirit soars.

Daria Jean Gagnon

Nancy Sherman

Sylvia Tanaka