John Budan
Affective
Cheerful colored lights on holiday trees have faded to a monochrome of black and white. Once again the yearly monster creeps across the bleak landscape, siphoning my energy and joy. I gather the unfinished poems, cover myself with a blanket and patiently wait. Despite my suffering, I trust that the muse and laughter will return, along with the fragrant blossoms of a new season.
in the loneliness
of a crowded cafe
I sit alone waiting
hoping someone
will ask my name
About the Author
John Budan has published widely. He lived in France, where he found his alter ego Guignol in Paris at the Jardin du Luxembourg. His books include Just Enough Moon: Collected Haibun (2023) and Before the Rules: Tanka and Tanka Prose (2024).
Ah, yes! The darkness comes.