Author: Frank J. Tassone

Tree Stump, Poetry Prose 0

Backyard Delight

Haibun Poem   The apple tree’s trunk split into two like outstretched open arms. A step onto a stump and an arm around one of the splits ensured an easy climb. Dean and I...

Snow Pines, Prose Poetry 0

Snow Day?

Haibun (Prose Poetry)   The slumbering birch and maple trees sway back and forth. The lowest wisps of cloud enshroud the tallest in gray mist. Snow falls everywhere. Frankie and I sit at the...

Prose Poetry 0

Tempest

Haibun Poem   Syracuse wind chime in back sings. Outside light flashes on. The wind blows on and on. Soon, I’ll step out into it. Shudder at the thought hot bite of oatmeal— last...

Haibun Poems, Feast 1

Unexpected Feast

Haibun Poems   All thirty of us sit at folding tables covered in plastic in Oscar’s hot, unfinished basement. Pipes emerge from the boiler in the back corner. One of them runs the length...

Sledding Haibun Poetry 0

Sledding

Haibun Poetry   Frankie lays the turquoise toboggan on the edge of the snowy hill. He sits down and jerks himself forward—again and again. Until he races down the slope to the field below....

Haibun in English, Meet Room 0

The Death Knell of Columbus

Haibun Poem   The women wear suits. We file into the auditorium for our December Professional Development. Our Principal, Lisa, stands at the front. “Our agenda has changed. Please let me introduce our superintendent…”...

English Haibun, Cooking Pan 0

Holiday Epilogue

English Haibun Poem   Oil cracks on the frying pan in the kitchen. Dice in a boggle bubble rattle. I just can’t stop plays on the black-and-blue mini radio Frankie got for Christmas. Aroma...

English Haibun, Dinner 0

New Year’s Dinner

English Haibun Poem   Gathered at the end of the table: Platters of feijoada (pig’s feet with chick peas), trays of rice, glasses topped with red wine so deep and strong it could pass...

contemporary haibun examples 0

First Gift-Opening Without Dad

Contemporary Haibun Poem   Frankie’s hands tear away the wrapping. Brown eyes widen; the corners of his mouth rise: joyful shouting begins. “A pillow pet! Thank you! It’s what I’ve always wanted!” I snap...

Contemporary Haibun Today, Time 0

Passing

Contemporary Haibun Poem   The mid-afternoon sun rests along the top of the Ramapo Mountains. The patio shines in a brilliance unobstructed by leafless maple trees. Mira and I sit at the table, taking...

Contemporary Haibun Online, Holding Hands 0

Reconciliation

Contemporary Haibun The Camry pulls up. I shut the TV and make it to the vestibule. Open the cracked front door before she can. She looks at me. Her hesitation, anticipation and hurt—there for...

Contemporary Haibun Poem, Don't Just Stand There 0

Observation

Contemporary Haibun Poem   The silence unnerves me. My questions are met with their sealed lips and indifferent eyes. Outside our classroom, dappled Maple leaves collapse onto concrete. Time passes. My failing lesson tightens...