Though simple, this haiku has a lot of weight to it. We don’t know who has gone, but the photo accompanying it might give us a clue. The weight of the loss is shown through the willow, which often symbolizes melancholy. Over the years, the willow has grown, and this might imply that the grief of the author has grown over the years as well.

I like how the haiku seems so natural, like it could be written in a matter of seconds. However, I am sure Martha took longer than that to write the poem. But this shows how a haiku should be: simple and effortless to read. Just the right words in the right place.

In addition, there is a continuation of the “o” sound that adds to the sense of sadness and continuation.

A fine example of an emotionally-weighted haiku.

– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)