overcast sky
the census taker asks
if I live alone
Published by
Joanne Morcom
Joanne Morcom is a writer, social worker and certified laughter yoga leader in Calgary, Alberta. She is the author of two poetry collections, A Nameless Place,available from Sam's Dot Publishing, and About the Blue Moon, available from magpie productions / Inkling Press. Visit her at www.joannemorcom.com
View all posts by Joanne Morcom
.
overcast sky
the census taker asks
if I live alone
—JOANNE MORCOM
Just like background music can make a neutral set (room, street etc…) go from funny, romantic, to tease and scary, so does the opening line. In my childhood hometown of Bristol we had a guy called John Cannan always presentable and with a smart suit who was responsible for many crimes and received three life sentences. I remember searching for him too. So it makes me wonder if it was just an innocent question important for the census, or was he gathering his own information too?
Deeply unnerving haikai verse, and of course I wonder if it's penned to test the reader and their attitude. A finely craft poem and incredibly thought provoking.
Thank you for your responses.
Alan, your story about nasty John is unsettling!
Yes, I was trying to write a haiku with a Hitchcock-like undertone, and hopefully I achieved it.
Caught out by the simplicity, it took until the third knock (reading) for Joanne’s wonderful haiku to hit home. Alan’s insightful gatherings added to,by Joanne revealing the poems intent made for a trilogy of attacks on the senses.
Nicely done Joanne.
.
my god in Hitchcock
is it just ?
people don’t see
Ominous evocation of the one and the many.
.
overcast sky
the census taker asks
if I live alone
—JOANNE MORCOM
Just like background music can make a neutral set (room, street etc…) go from funny, romantic, to tease and scary, so does the opening line. In my childhood hometown of Bristol we had a guy called John Cannan always presentable and with a smart suit who was responsible for many crimes and received three life sentences. I remember searching for him too. So it makes me wonder if it was just an innocent question important for the census, or was he gathering his own information too?
Deeply unnerving haikai verse, and of course I wonder if it's penned to test the reader and their attitude. A finely craft poem and incredibly thought provoking.
Alan
Wonderful!
Thank you for your responses.
Alan, your story about nasty John is unsettling!
Yes, I was trying to write a haiku with a Hitchcock-like undertone, and hopefully I achieved it.
Cheers,
Joanne
You did, very successfully! :-)
warmest regards,
Alan
Caught out by the simplicity, it took until the third knock (reading) for Joanne’s wonderful haiku to hit home. Alan’s insightful gatherings added to,by Joanne revealing the poems intent made for a trilogy of attacks on the senses.
Nicely done Joanne.
.
my god in Hitchcock
is it just ?
people don’t see
Nice
state of lonesome
makes an opportunity…
Terrific! And I agree it rewards with rereads.
small fog
in my hand
a snowflake melts