jim henson

Issa was a 19th century Japanese haiku poet who wrote over 20,000 poems. This one was written with the note "Old Grandma's 33rd death anniversary."

Our illustration is Autumn by the 20th century Czek artist, Tavik Frantisek Šimon.

For a searchable Issa archive visit the Haiku Guy.

Mourning their Loss by Carl Wilhelm Hubner, is a heart wrenching, poignant painting of an elderly couple sitting by the grave site of, perhaps, their child.  The wife leans on the husband who somehow manages to support her through his own grief.  He leans on a cane, with his Bible nearby.

In the lower right corner, Queen Anne's lace blooms next to an old stone cross, reminding us that this scene has been repeated day after day, all around the world since the beginning of time.  Juxtaposed with the timeless picture of the old grave marker is the light that comes from the upper left part of the painting, sending hope that reflects off the water--both a symbol of rebirth.

Perhaps it is God waiting for the day, sometime in the near future, when the old couple will join their child in the next life.

For today's Music Monday, all Saints Day, here is is John Rutter's Requiem Aeternam sung by the Penn Yan Community chorus and accompanied by beautifully appropriate Fall pictures.  Hat tip to KKollwitz.

The lyrics are below in Latin and in English.


Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine:
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
and may light eternal shine upon them.


Te decet hymnus Deus in Sion,
It is fitting that a hymn should be raised unto Thee in Sion
et tibi reddetur votum in Ierusalem:
and a vow paid to Thee in Jerusalem:
exaudi orationem meam,
give ear to my prayer, O Lord,
ad te omnis caro veniet.
unto Thee all flesh shall come at last.

Kyrie, eleison!
Lord, have mercy!
Christe, eleison!
Christ, have mercy!
Kyrie, eleison!
Lord, have mercy!