Quite a while back, on (what turned out to be) my last visit to Montgomery’s before things got ugly, I tried to imagine life without.
In Absentia
Because today he became technically old, and because His Beloved had enticed him to stay home and “celebrate” his birthday with only her, he poured a second leisurely cup of celebratory coffee, settled himself in at his keyboard, and tried his best to bear the change in plans.
He hoped his downtown cronies wouldn’t miss him too much.
At the café he had always frequented, the same small table by the window where he usually sat remained vacant. All the other regulars could only imagine him there among them, his journal open, its pages awaiting their capture.
all good things vanish
—even in the best of times—
winter settles in
—————[|||]—————
dVerse ~ Poets Pub
Haibun Monday
~ BIRTHDAY ~
———[||]———
Wow, very vivid and evocative!
yes this dredges up the emotions … missed but safe!
Love your haibun. Your haiku is perfect! Seems too many good things have ended this round!
I luv the cozy feeling of a conted winter after all the bustling
Thanks for dropping by to read mine Ron
Much🎂love
Wow, Ron, your haibun really stirred up the emotions! I know what it’s like to miss your cronies. What tipped me over the edge was the small table by the window remaining vacant – I had one of those I haven’t seen in six months. I love the haiku, which says it all.
Like most, I don’t get out much these days. We had to drive through downtown a few days back & I got to wave at my (empty) spot as we passed the cafe. Maybe, someday…
Thanks for the empathy, KR.
🤓
I wonder if I will ever see my friends and extended family again sometimes. None of us getting any younger. This perfectly captures that melancholy and longing. (K)
Ah, dreaded winter! Such a powerful expose, Ron. Be thankful for memories. Like old photographs, they’re all that are left to us.
This lock down shutdown has thrown a kink in many things you once took for granted. I could relate to that empty table. Well written.
Pat
A universal feeling yet everyone’s is so unique. This situation has been life changing. The empty chair speaks volumes in this piece. I had to wonder about those other regulars…..if they too played it safe at home. Hard to self distance in a small cafe.
I enjoy reading these cafe poems.