K. Hartless

Paper-Thin

r/Art

Memory is baklava. Layer upon layer of phyllo dough days stuck together. Even the mention of the pastry, and I’m back in that quirky cafe in Old Towne Square, sinking my teeth through a crisp piece. It’s New Year’s Day, and I’m cutting an apple in half, the one that’s supposed to predict my future. The syrupy taste of the pastry with the apple’s flesh, his flesh, the crucifix of seeds. And I remember his laugh: honey, lemon, and cinnamon. But when I blink, I’m back in Virginia, standing at the farmer’s market counter. The lady asks me again, if I’d like a piece of homemade baklava, but I tell her it’s too sweet for me. No, I’ll stick with apples. Besides, I’d given up those sorts of desserts years ago. 

Recall baklava,

my then: tissue-paper thin,

it all falls apart.

©2023 | K. Hartless

dVerse Poet’s Pub | Haibun Monday 5-22-23: Memory

Published by K. Hartless

K. Hartless is a persistent poet, free-spirited fiction writer, and word trapeze artist. She’s been recently published in Chamber Magazine, 365tomorrows, Luna Station Quarterly, The Last Girls Club, Edge of Humanity Magazine, and Spillwords. Her blog, Yard Sale of Thoughts, blends fiction, poetry, music, and art to create new experiences for readers.

37 comments

    • Thank you, Hank. I appreciate these comments. I’m an apple a day sorta person, and it’s funny, I still sometimes look at the seeds to see if they have some secret fortune to share.

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  8. Yes, this is very good, I love how it gives me images of delicate pastries and of love/relationships. Ahh, the layers… and the goodness you can take a bite of, but oh, the layers it can add to your mental and physical well being. 🤭✨💖

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  11. A brilliant metaphor: ‘Memory is baklava’, and a wonderful description of it. I used to really enjoy baklava, but it is forbidden now, although I’d give anything for a tiny taste now I’ve read your haibun! I love the way the memory merges with one of a past love in ‘The syrupy taste of the pastry with the apple’s flesh, his flesh, the crucifix of seeds. And I remember his laugh: honey, lemon, and cinnamon’. ‘Then’ is indeed tissue-paper thin.

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    • Yes, well, that particular one, for sure. A brief happiness, baklava and this particular romance. The after effects aren’t so easily overcome. Those cavities, I mean. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Björn. I always appreciate your comments.

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