roadside perch the hitchhiker’s distant stare
Published by
Roland Packer
Roland lives in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. For over 40 years he has worked as a professional musician in various roles; performer, teacher and composer. He has been writing haiku since the early 80s and has authored a mini-chapbook,"Wayfarers" (Phafours Press, 2017) and a full-length collection, "no heroic measures" (Red Moon Press, 2024). View all posts by Roland Packer
I like the atmosphere in this one. The perch could be either a bird on a branch above the hitchhiker's head, thereby providing some company, or it could be the hiker himself sitting on or leaning against a road sign. The 'distant stare' suggested to me that this person is contemplating their next destination, but not in a rushed way. I feel like he/she enjoys being on the road and is in in no hurry to get there. Having hitchhiked in Europe and at home a lot in my youth, I can relate to this one.
marion
And the person could be on branch as well.
a few possible scenarios with a range of emotions contained in a single line. well done