Dragonfly Catcher

I shot this photo of a dragonfly ten years ago, when it was easier than it is now for me to crawl on my hands and knees chasing little critters through the weeds. The image reminds me of a wonderful haiku by Chiyo, a Japanese poet who died in 1775.

The poem’s meaning becomes clear and poignant when we are told that it was written upon the death of Chiyo’s young son. The poet then became a nun.

Hokku (haiku)

Dragonfly catcher,

Where today

Have you gone?