PERFECTION (Haibun Form)

Today, the “ritual” is performed outside.  Light breezes maraud autumn leaves through flapping sheets on a spinning clothesline.  The sun is heated just right for southern comfort and “puck’on” pie.  Gleeful pixies, we run ahead to prepare the place of oblation beneath the big oak in the yard.  “Fetch the bucket, get the low barrel and pump the water.  Where’s the towel!?  Got the shampoo!?”  Screen door slams squeaking with excitement.  Our wild and boisterous dance into the yard brandishing combs and brushes like weapons is accompanied by languid, throaty laughter deep within the kitchen’s “chicory” flavored interior.

Louisiana

Sing bayou incantations

Alligator yawns

The vision; our personal goddess, Alice R, mulatto white, barefoot and humming softly enters the sequestered shade…let’s begin!  Three pairs of hands yank and pull tenderly to unbraid the thick plait of hair. Its henna deep, rippling in waves past her small waist; our brush strokes make the color change!  What beauty; the curve of her back as she bows forward to fill her hair with rainwater.  We twist it snake-like to release each thirst-filled droplet!  First-born child sculpts a wide, brown, fandango fan of hair across her back as she sits reading aloud.  Her patois is thick as she emphasizes the alligator’s character...we are wide-eyed and breathless as the story nears it dramatic ending.  Oh yes! Drying time and dusk, fireflies and crickets and another  day with my mother and perfection.

Bayou swamp has eyes

Hidden glow in low cypress

Deadly sharp secrets