HAIBUN

Recalling Space

by Angel Favazza

Right on cue: “I’ll find my own way,” he said with a serious look, as if we were in space again. I was useless against him. He could out argue me with ease, like a scolding parent. My quiet nature was no match for his firm control. And yet, I needed him. I was magnetized to his stories of our rides, those that didn’t require seatbelts, and the hills that beckoned our protected fingers to dig down deep into dried-up regolith. We were refreshingly free. We argued louder and lingered longer. Our destinations drew us onward, but the voyage is what kept us inspired. And as he walks away again, I quietly relive the last time we were really us.

language echoes

truths of old wars

and disintegrates into dust

***

The Journey

by Tom Conally

The starlight just peeked over the horizon. It wasn't the sun I was used to seeing because I left the it behind a year ago and traveling at near four times the speed of light, I was almost three and a half parsecs from home on a strange planet around a very small dim star.

A new day dawns,

a strange light in the strange sky

brings eternal twilight.

It is hard to work in the low light. I needed to supplement the light thus using more power than planned. I can't tell you what I am doing as it is classified and not for publication but it might save our race one day.

job security,

a long long way from home

tell no one.

My mission has been accomplished and my thoughts are now focused on the way home. The technicalities are solved easily and I am homeward bound. another year traveling alone. It is a thankless job.

the traveler returns,

homecoming but

no welcoming party.

***

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

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