by Michael Dylan Welch and Neal Whitman
First published in Haiku Canada Review 19:2, October 2025, page 94. Originally written in January 2025, by email.
first roll . . .
sleet ticking
at the bay window Michael
hit my blot, eh?
you will live to regret it Neal
the blanket tightened
on this shortest night—
another 6 and 5 Michael
in the fireplace
a pine log splits in two
double accepted Neal
the click of a piece
bearing off Michael
hot toddy in hand
while risking a back game
backgammoned Neal