I’m very late to add my Carpe Diem peony entry. Still out travelling, and will soon leave, but here is a haibun anyway.
Branch of White Peonies and Secateurs by Edouard Manet
He knew that she had wanted to see the peonies before she left, but the long cold spring had delayed their bloom with just those crucial weeks. He walked out into the pale moonlight and selected two flowers, that looked to him like the twin daughters of the moon. As he carefully cut them, he knew that they would be perfectly adorn the cold stone of her grave.
white peonies
decorate her grave
pale moonlight
—
June 7, 2013
Björn Rudbergs writings 
I adore this… and the brief prelude. Class apart. Sad but true.
I could easily substitute lilacs for peonies, as I place therm on my mother’s grave….
A wonderful haibun Bjorn. Brought sad, but also great feelings, to me. I thought at my brother. He did like peonies. And they stand on his grave.
Sad and somber…
The twin daughters of the moon – perfect for the grave!
“Twin daughters of the moon” ((SIGH)) heart wrenching loveliness. Alice
Love your description of the peonies. Like this painting as well.