Loser!

If I fail, I can lie to myself. I can say I did my best and continue on with this mundane existence, like a vagrant walking nowhere. Like an ouroboros bound to its fate, I’d eat my own tail because it’s easier than reaching for the stars. I’d wear my failure snug like a blanket—no, like a crown of thorns.

If I succeed, I can taunt you for never believing in me. You never thought I would make it this far, did you? You never thought I’d become somebody. You thought I’d give up; crawl into a corner and cry. I’d scream profanities at you with an outstretched finger, my breath raspy and drool dripping from the corners of my mouth like acid. I’d never let you forget it, you fucking loser!

Turn from the mirror
I wear a smile like a mask
and I step outside.

Photo by Savannah Bolton on Unsplash

A haibun is a style of writing that mixes a short story or prose text with a haiku. The prose usually describes a real moment, a memory, or a trip. The haiku adds a quiet or surprising final thought.