2 poems

by Jerome Berglund

frog’s toe

      gifts become burdens 

obligations, chores, distractions 

      right quick – grown puppy 

      King James’ version

or the Gideon’s

      take your pick, choice of translation’s yours 

      holds a lit taper 

when his heart gives out, 

      takes whole construction with him 

      manacles or straight jacket, 

severance package options 

      for family business 

      make a body, 

least have decency 

      stick around for cleanup 

bolt

haiga collaboration, photo by Theresa Berglund

Jerome Berglund, nominated last year for the Touchstone awards and Pushcart Prize, has many haiku, senryu and tanka exhibited and forthcoming online and in print, most recently in the Asahi Shimbun, Bottle Rockets, Frogpond, and Modern Haiku. His first full-length collection of poetry Bathtub Poems was just released by Setu Press.