Embedded Files
First published in Tidepools: Haiku On Gabriola (Gabriola, British Columbia: Pacific-Rim Publishers, 2011). See my introduction to the book.
A kasen renku by Michael Dylan Welch and Alice Frampton
the sun just out—
a pod of orcas
leading the ferry Michael
in my wake
kindergarten field trip Alice
bonnets for sale
in the small-town gift shop
discounted for fall Michael
at the bookstore
a display of leaves Alice
patches on the moon—
the map hard to read
at the street corner Michael
the waitress drops her takeout
into a puddle Alice
Earth Day
the water line
in the empty pool Alice
news of Darfur
on the Internet Michael
in his text message
he tells me
he’s married Alice
the boy’s T-shirt says
I do all my own stunts Michael
mowing around
the Indian paintbrush,
my neighbor Alice
bear scat stained red
by blackberries Michael
Alaskan sunset—
eagle talons found
in the salmon’s back Alice
a hubcap propped up
by the side of the road Michael
leave-taking—
the top of the wood stove
still warm Alice
a satellite lost
in the northern lights Michael
a gap in the fence
around the horse pasture . . .
the swaying grass Alice
for once mother doesn’t talk
about her ailments Michael
windy alley—
the teenager can’t light
his cigarette Michael
the firefighters spray
each other Alice
a late Christmas card
mixed in
with all the bills Michael
I down my vitamins
in a gulp of soda Alice
at the grocery store,
she buys his favourite candy bar
instead of hers Michael
freezer burn
on the wedding cake Alice
target practice—
the husband and wife
swapping guns Michael
the storehouse door
rusted shut Alice
rain catching
in the broken umbrella—
huddled tanager Michael
the quarterback calls
for a double reverse Alice
two scoops
of Tutti Frutti
melting on the pavement Michael
a layer of ice
on the wheelbarrow Alice
the snowplow driver
stops to ask
for directions Alice
late for mass
the trysting choirboys Michael
Monopoly game—
finally I land
on Free Parking Alice
taxes done
early this year Michael
border crossing—
cherry blossoms
line the road Alice
the prisoner of war
home at last Michael
Verses 1 through 13 written 18 July 2008, on the ferry from Tsawwassen to Duke Point, British Columbia.
Verses 14 through 16 written 18 July 2008, at Page’s Marina and Resort, Gabriola Island, British Columbia.
Verse 17 written 19 July 2008, at Page’s Marina and Resort, Gabriola Island, British Columbia.
Verses 18 and 19 written 20 July 2008, at Page’s Marina and Resort, Gabriola Island, British Columbia.
Verses 20 through 34 written 20 July 2008, on the ferry from Duke Point to Tsawwassen, British Columbia.
Verses 35 and 36 written 20 July 2008, just off the ferry in Tsawwassen, British Columbia.
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