Breathless

by Rich Krivcher and Michael Dylan Welch

First published in Wales Haiku Journal, Spring 2018. I no longer have a record of when this was first written, but it was definitely before February of 2006, and most likely before the autumn of 2002.

newborn niece

the warmth of her breath

against my neck Rich

in unison

the choir inhales Michael

a checkered coat

blocks my favorite painting—

his long sigh Rich

for just a moment

the archer’s breath

ruffles the feathers Michael

her playful puff

scattering dandelion seeds Rich

father’s funeral:

my hand still

on his chest Michael