A Mug Hug Haiku
a teacher gift the
year before the accident
that claimed his young life
a cup of coffee
from my Jacob mug brought a
tearful smile each time
nine years now, chips and
cracks – signs of age, wear and tear
remembering him
watching his brothers
grow, seeing their resemblance
blond hair, handsome boys
his chair empty at
his high school graduation
as classmates filed past
parents whose faith stands
firm – thanking God for the time
they shared together
knowing they will join
him in Heaven when their time
on Earth is finished
precious keepsakes and
treasures held near to their hearts
until lightning struck
house a total loss –
“It was just a house,” Dad said,
and taught the next day
things can be replaced
in a way that sons cannot
fire did not steal joy
yet a mother’s heart
longs for handprints of her child
things that he once touched
and then a whisper
to wrap the mug with a bow
from Jacob to Mom
a Mother’s Day gift
from a son who died too soon
mug hug from Heaven
Common Threads 