crime scene
Sometimes in the city, along the sides of roads, we come across burnt offerings of incense, and we usually give these sites a slight berth. This is because it is usually the place of an accident, often fatal, and superstitious or not, it is wise not to offend the spirits of the victims. It is usually a Chinese thing.
image by dsnake1 done with Sketchpad 5.1
crime scene
by the side of the road
a lime green pair
of tiny crocs
offerings
oranges
sweets
stumps of burnt candles
a blackened patch of grass
a floral scent of incense
still lingers
in the cold morning air
the rain that fell
last night
should have washed away
the last of the
blood stains
on the black white crossing...
20/11/2010
**********
midnight
\ \\\\ \\\
only the street lamps casting shadows
-- a haiku by dsnake1
© cheong lee san ( dsnake1 ), 2019
crime scene
by the side of the road
a lime green pair
of tiny crocs
offerings
oranges
sweets
stumps of burnt candles
a blackened patch of grass
a floral scent of incense
still lingers
in the cold morning air
the rain that fell
last night
should have washed away
the last of the
blood stains
on the black white crossing...
20/11/2010
**********
midnight
\ \\\\ \\\
only the street lamps casting shadows
-- a haiku by dsnake1
© cheong lee san ( dsnake1 ), 2019
posted by dsnake1 at 11:00 PM
13 Comments:
Those tiny green crocs tell a story of heartbreak. So many accidents, so many roadside offerings.
This gives me the chills!
This is so poignant … written with such delicacy - and yet, heart-wrenchingly impactful. We have these scene-of-an-accident memorials in Vancouver, also. They are very emotive, particularly when it is clear the tragedy involved a child.
Those tiny crocs--such a sad detail. We see small white roadside crosses for the same reason, sometimes with toys or photos hung on them.
Sherry,
it is indeed a heartbreak... :(
Mary,
It can.
Wendy,
Vancouver too?
this is something new i learned.
Chrissa, interesting to know that. i thought it was a practice of our culture only.
This is so chilling!
This really is the beauty of poetry; to put in words even disasters and sadness that are part of our world. I found this both beautiful and touching.
Sanaa,
yes, it can be. :(
Robin,
Thank you. maybe only poetry can express such disasters and sadness well.
I'm curious to find out what blog system you happen to
be working with? I'm experiencing some minor security issues with my latest site and I'd like to find something
more risk-free. Do you have any solutions?
Eloquent writing!
In Australia we see wreaths of flowers erected on posts or attached to fences at the scenes of fatal accidents, often in the form of crosses.
I love your beautiful haiku too.
Hi Anon,
I am using Blogger, a free-to-use platform that is quite easy to use. i'm afraid i can't help you with your issues.
Rosemary, thank you!
it's good to learn of other cultures' practices or rituals regarding these sad matters.
that haiku, i like it too. :)
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