Hobo Haibun
Double-thick curtains drawn tight. The swish & flow of linen & lace. I peek through the long slash of light. Do you think he knows we’re here, my sister Katherine whispers. I reply, Don’t fret. He’s already down by the boxcars. Mama started it by fixing him a tuna club with two pecan sandies. My sister thought he broke out of the state penitentiary. She made me double-bolt the front & back doors & the first-floor windows.
scary southern nights
railcars scramble
hoot owls & gunshots
14 thoughts on "Hobo Haibun"
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Those two pecan sandies are priceless, speak to a good heart.
For some reason the made me think of Welty. Not sure why… i think it’s neat that we both chose haibun for the day. And yeah Made me remember your mom.
Great write,
Great character studies in this cinematic scene.
Linda, your imagery is very real!
Nice haibun, Linda! Your darling mother..
This works so well as a haibun! And I agree, the pecan sandies are a great touch.
sweet story, political and charming
Love the title!
Great snapshot of kindness and fear.
Especially love how you landed the poem: “scary southern nights/railcars scramble/hoot owls & gunshots
The balance of danger and care in this poem is amazing.
Ode to the hobo! Glad you left it up to us to decide his character.
Brilliant! The title pulled me across the threshold into the scene, grabbing me with the rhythmic first sentence: “Double-thick curtains drawn tight.” Thanks, Linda
What a wonderful narrative. I particularly love the details:
“a tuna club with two pecan sandies.”
the imagery is great!
I love the way you infuse fear and distrust into one’s mind when there is little clarity and imagination takes over…..your closing verse says it all.
This is so excellent—thank you!