FEB 2010 Haibun

HAIBUN

Mnemonics for Boorteans Visiting Haura: Lesson 32769

The Boortean Mnemonic system bears some resemblance to the Hauran

equivalent. For example, if you wish to remember a Hauran's name, it

would help to tap your head three times while vocalizing. Dancing, or

other forms of movement, are also excellent techniques.Still another

effective method would be to compose a song about the Hauran, then to

sing it while dancing.

just before dawn

sky eyes

floating

Repetition is a key component with both the Hauran and the Boortean

mnemonic systems. Unfortunately, however, Boorteans need to repeat

important data more than three times. This may prove to be annoying to

the Haurans, so be considerate of their delicate nervous systems.

gaudgaudgaud

Another disparity between the Boortean and the Hauran systems is

sensitivity to motion. For example, Haurans, for the most part, are

not familiar with the effects of zero-g. As a result, it is not

considered to be polite to turn them upside down and shake them. Nor

is it considered polite to whirl them around in circles until they

relinquish their stomach contents.

finding center

on their tracking devices

meditation retreat

In closing, if you will be absent for any of the Mnemonic Training

Sessions, it is imperative that you reschedule for a one-on-one

consultation. Failure to complete the program may limit your ability

to travel to Haura and/or remain for any significant amount of time.

openings available

for remedial courses

universe online

--The Boortean Ambassador to Haura

***

Crash of Dawn

by David A. Hill

I woke up to what I thought was an 18-wheeler colliding with a freight train. By the time I had some pants on; there were a bunch of snapping, splintering, and whipping sounds out back, like someone busting a giant guitar. That’s when the power went out.

At the back window, I peeked through the blinds. Somehow, I wasn’t surprised to see some giant lizard rising from the wreckage of a half-dozen power poles at the edge of the tree line. The enormous crab-looking thing scuttling up behind was a bit of a shock though. I didn’t know what to do. I had a gun, but what was the point? The monsters weren’t on my property.

When the crab hit the lizard in the back and they both skidded toward the house, I reconsidered the gun but made a run for it instead. The keys were on the table by the door and I grabbed them on my way out. That’s when the giant lizard landed on the deck and rolled into the living room. I slammed the front door behind me and ran for the truck. If you’ve never seen a flying ’82 Dodge Ram pickup crash into the head of a 90-foot tall lizard, consider yourself lucky. The big crab stood in the empty driveway looking at me, probably hoping I’d be big enough to make a good missile. I doubted it. The crab seemed to agree as it hurried over me and smashed through the kitchen to get at the lizard again.

By this time, the scaly green monster with the truck-sized lump on its head had discovered the exposed gas pipe from the stove lying in the swimming pool. That big fella gnashed his teeth together and fat blue sparks jumped out like we were at a Fourth of July picnic. The gas ignited and the lizard blew the flames toward the crab right as it came over the kitchen pass-thru. That old crustacean didn’t like getting a face full of flaming gas, so it did a quick sidestep into the dining room. I thought I heard the china cabinet take the brunt of it.

Last I saw of those two, the lizard had lurched through my barn with all four claws latched onto that crab-thing. They kept tumbling across Highway 11 and into the river. I was just glad to be alive. I do thank you boys from the insurance office for coming all the way out here to take my statement. When should I expect my check?

in the settled dust

wake of titanic conflict

insurance check comes

****

The Liquid of Her Skin, the Suns of Her Eyes

" Beauty is an eternal truth whose mother is Death and whose daughter is Art. " I said as we lay in my vaulted room canopied by the moon and stars. She had wanted me to bite off her nipples. I couldn't do it. " That would be like breaking the arms of the Venus di Milo or slashing the Mona Lisa. " I had explained as I drank the liquid of her skin and burned in the suns of her eyes. Willing my restraint to last the rest of her life.

blood moons

desecration denied

shadow in the mirror

dan smith

***

Scifaikuest is also available as a print zine (which differs from the on-line zine.) To order a copy, or better yet, to order a subscription, go to www.genremall.com/zinesr.htm#scifaikuest

{editorial} {scifaiku and senryu} {tanka} {haibun} {joined poems} {haiga} {senryu} {bios} {Purchase Center}