Down

by Alice Frampton, Vicki McCullough, and Michael Dylan Welch

First published in Haiku Canada Review 2:1, February 2008, page 38. Written 20 May 2005 (on my birthday), on the road between Cranbrook, British Columbia and Pincher Creek, Alberta, on our way to the annual Haiku Canada weekend held that year at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta. Instead of writing by alternating entire verses in the prescribed pattern, this three-person rengay alternates the authorship of individual lines, making each verse a truly collaborative creation.

first steps— Alice

the dog’s wagging tail Vicki

downs the toddler Michael

the Mickey Mouse cup Vicki

leaves a white ring Alice

stains on the high chair Michael

in the second-hand store— Alice

rain at the window Vicki

a row of swings— Alice

the Down’s Syndrome child Michael

plays with his shoe Vicki

toys in the wading pool Michael

covered with snow Alice

a mobile of ponies Vicki

turns round and round . . . Alice

the argument downstairs Michael