haiku-usa: passing

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

passing bell

nothing moves

in the winter sky

International Kukai, January 2013. Keyword: bell

Magyar said...: Stationary snow flakes, thus a fine painting. _m; 6:33 PM
Monika said...: I had to look up "passing bell" in the dictionary before I could entirely appreciate this one, Bill. Now, it's sadness speaks to me.; 5:49 AM
Bill said...: Thank you, Monika,for the comment and for your effort. I knew the term would be unfamiliar to many, but it has stayed with me ever since I read Wilfred Owen's "Anthem for Doomed Youth" when I was in high school: "What passing bell for these who die as cattle?" "These" are the multitudes of young men who died in the senseless conflict that used to be called the Great War. Owen himself would be killed in action one week before the armistice was signed.

For those unfamiliar with the reference, for whom the term might simply mean a bell that is heard passing, I hope the contrast of movement and stasis might work. And, Doug, if I'm reading you right, it did for you. Thanks.; 9:48 AM
Danièle Duteil said...: Cloche des Morts
rien ne bouge
dans le ciel d'hiver; 8:34 AM
John McDonald said...: love these Bill
john; 3:23 PM
Bill said...: A beautiful translation, Daniele. Thank you.

Much appreciated, John.; 11:18 AM

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