Mary Jo Balistreri

Turf Wars

Dad attaches a Slinky to the bird feeder pole. This one is a winner, he thinks. The squirrel proves otherwise, figures out how to spring from a coil onto the seed tray. Disgusted, Dad opens the basement door. Slinky drops with a thud on the stairs, walks the rest of the way down.

rummaging again
the pop of a jack-in-the-box
in an unmarked carton

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About the Author

Mary Jo Balistreri has three published books of poetry and a chapbook. Even when “Jo” isn’t writing haiku she is thinking about it as it helps her to maintain a sense of gratitude and appreciation. She and her husband live in Duluth, Minnesota. Visit her at maryjobalistreripoet.com.