Debby Hackbarth

 

The Bite was a Blessing

 

Our mutual friend worked with both of us.

He set us up on a blind date.

Should I take a risk?

 

We went out for a bite to eat.

Then we enjoyed a movie together.

Do I give this polite man a chance?

 

Springtime in the Midwest brought lilacs.

Fragrant and delicate purple blossoms.

Will this joy and warmth last?

 

We hiked for months through tiny villages.

Our affection turned to love and marriage.

Does going out for a bite often turn out this well?

 

Haikus: Nature Bites

 

The air is hot now.

The bugs are out to get us.

Watch out for their bites.

 

Some bugs suck our blood.

Just a puncture – not a bite.

But it still itches.

 

Others stick and sting.

Blood brothers get a bad rap.

It’s sad for both sides.

 

Spraying doesn’t work.

Scratching the bites doesn’t help.

Swatting at them helps.

 

It Started with a Bite

 

Home from the hospital, her toe I did bite.

From the start, we’d always fight.

Every time we tried to play,

It could only be her way.

 

We were taught the “Golden Rule.”

Don’t insult and ridicule.

You should think of others first,

Dwell on the best and not the worst.

 

Every day, I tried my best.

Every day with my self-image she messed.

She loved to control and command.

I ran away so it would not get out of hand.

 

To cope with it all, I became numb.

She’d tell me she was smart and I was dumb.

Years went by and I excelled scholastically.

She continued to lie and treat others terribly.