"broke and entered," "faced with the hydra’s stumps," and "can disavow your devil race"
broke and entered
into a genteel noble’s home
from the roof by
prying a skylight
and crept across
its inner sanctums
through study and
into bedroom
could locate no books
anywhere within
except the Stranger
faced with the hydra’s stumps
it takes a flashing tongue to cauterize
the many spurting necks
before their progeny reach the ground
and sprout reinforcements;
skullcup must be drained
to the last drop
gnash teeth and lick
each nubbin’s spray
can disavow your devil race
but to go so far as cleaving off
your hooves and claws seems excessive
fear it will leave you a basket case
unable to feed yourself or
get around, circumnavigate
Jerome Berglund has worked as everything from dishwasher to paralegal, night watchman to assembler of heart valves. Many haiku, haiga and haibun he’s written have been exhibited or are forthcoming online and in print, most recently in bottle rockets, Frogpond, Kingfisher, and Presence. His first full-length collections of poetry were released by Setu, Meat For Tea, Mōtus Audāx press, and a mixed media chapbook showcasing his fine art photography is available now from Yavanika. Jerome recommends the National Lawyers Guild.
