Recently Rachel Sutcliff died. She was a consummate artist of haiku. She was a member of the British Haiku society and often featured on Frank Tassone’s site about Haijin and writing of haibun, tanka, haiku. She suffered from an immune deficiency disorder and died a little every day. Her voice will be missed.
Tribute: Rachel Sutcliffe
bitter winter day –
the sun comes out briefly.
pond ice melts slowly.
kanzen sakura 
Jan 31, 2019 @ 15:47:18
Sadly beautiful and clearly sloth-approved, fren.
Jan 31, 2019 @ 16:18:34
Thank you fren
Jan 31, 2019 @ 17:44:59
A poignant tribute, Toni! How would you like to include it in my #haikai challenge for this week? It’s a commemoration of Rachel’s work.
Jan 31, 2019 @ 18:02:32
Yes. Sounds good to me
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Jan 31, 2019 @ 18:46:56
Great! Don’t forget to add your link to the challenge’s Mister Linky! 😉
Jan 31, 2019 @ 17:45:24
poignant
Jan 31, 2019 @ 17:46:29
Whoops: I thought I misspelled poignant! 🙂
Jan 31, 2019 @ 18:04:53
Yeah. That word frequently makes my brain buzz
Jan 31, 2019 @ 17:47:12
Reblogged this on Frank J. Tassone and commented:
#Haiku Happenings #7: Toni Spencer’s latest haiku offers a tribute to Rachel Sutcliffe!
Feb 01, 2019 @ 00:09:39
Yikes, i am worried she died of an autoimmune disorder, as i struggle with it daily. Your haiku is exquisite.
Feb 01, 2019 @ 13:02:42
There is enough to worry about in these days Sherry and many different types of Autoimmune disorders. My husband has one. Rachel had a very disruptive and debilitating one. Keep enjoying your life and doing all the good and lovely things you do. You are a remarkable person and the way you love this earth its people, creatures, and the fauna show your inner heart.
Feb 01, 2019 @ 04:25:55
May her soul rest in peace 😥 amen. An evocative write, Toni ❤
Feb 01, 2019 @ 08:13:24
I am so pleased you took this opportunity to pay tribute to a poet whose work has spoken to you so meaningfully.
Feb 01, 2019 @ 13:49:13
Thank you Kerry. She was a dear person and one of the best writers (modern and non-Japanese) I have encountered in all of my years.
Feb 01, 2019 @ 09:16:38
Beautiful!!
Feb 01, 2019 @ 12:27:16
It has been so long since I’ve written a haiku.. Too long..The beauty of this one reminds me of the power of the form.
Feb 01, 2019 @ 13:47:53
Thank you. I have been writing haiku for 50+ years, long before they became popular on the internet. I love writing the classic style. I have decided to go back to my Japanese roots and to begin writing more succinct and brief works, choosing my words judiciously. You and Shay both have a wonderful contemporary style. So mjany people just rattle on and on. 🙂
Feb 02, 2019 @ 01:04:49
A fine tribute, Toni. The poets we get familiar with over media and print become like friends of the family. I just had my six-months cardio checkup involving several very expensive tests. Doctors have been saving my life now for eighteen years. I too like the old 17 syllable Haiku form though mine technically are Senryū because not seasonal nor rooted in nature. Keep up your good work.
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Feb 02, 2019 @ 02:50:49
Oh, the contrast between that sun and the pond ice and how the former makes the latter melt slowly make for an exquisite and ponderous image.
It’s a beautiful tribute!
Feb 02, 2019 @ 13:29:31
A poignant tribute to Rachel – the ice melts slowly in the way she faded from the world.