Debbie Guzzi Poet Haibun

Notes About The Poem

Prickly Heat

The gifted house and the ghost of his Grandmother trapped him. Her presence clung with the leftover nicotine to the walls of every room. A childless marriage and a rancid divorce left its bile in the scum atop the kitchen counters—rust-rings on the bathroom’s porcelain. The horse chestnut tree outside the door stood as an overt warning, pelting anyone trying to enter. As his lover, I disregarded it.

wisteria 
uproots the moss-laced lawn:
a pet’s gravestone

With steel wool and a strong arm, I whitewashed the house. Grandmother’s spirit smiled in the spring when new bulbs rose. But, the antique cannon in the front hall still aimed at the door. The man was too used to his darkness. Love was not enough.

trespassers
are shot on sight:
empties on the stoop



Published by KYSO Flash 2015

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M. L. Kiser July 17, 2017 at 2:51 PM I haven't yet had the courage to try a Haibun; this was a great one.

Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen December 27, 2016 at 2:44 AM Each time I read you, these days, I want to read more. I don't have your last book, yet. Do you have time to autograph a copy for me to add to my collections of Debbie Guzzi poetry? I have a little money to spare. Smiles, light, & love.

Luke Irwin October 19, 2016 at 9:01 AM Well done, I enjoyed this one.

Scott Thirtyseven September 28, 2016 at 12:40 AM Debbie a Haibun, oh my favourite. Wonderful piece, I really enjoyed the descriptions of the house, of his losses, but his attachment to them. And then that cannon, at first I was thinking a camera, but you taught me better. Love it. Debbie Guzzi September 28, 2016 at 8:27 AM and from my perspective, it was all true [narrative non-fiction] haibun can be used in many different categories

Viv Wigley September 21, 2016 at 12:39 AM Hugely descriptive, beautifully woven around the form, and worth many reads. A fave and a #7 for me, Debbie, thanks. Viv

Richard Lamoureux September 12, 2016 at 8:38 AM The publication has excellent taste. Congrats Debbie.

Matthew Anish September 10, 2016 at 8:46 PM What a strange and marvelous post! I have never used the haibun form - you used it to good effect in a piece which suggests much more than it says. Peace & Love Matthew Anish Debbie Guzzi September 10, 2016 at 10:03 PM Thank you so much Matt!