HAIKU
Pine Tree Candles
How rude!
Pine tree candles are
middle fingers up-yoursing
my spring allergies.Lucia Siochi, 2023–05
Have you seen those little sticks on pine tree branches in the Spring? Each one is only a few inches tall, but you’ll notice because a ton of them adorn the pine trees all at the same time. These trees are dotted and streaked with them, like an impressionist painting.
They’re called Candles.
Pine Tree Candles are troublemakers! They are harbingers of impending torment.
They pronounce this weather advisory:
Alert! Pervasive pine pollen cloud monsters will soon invade your nostrils and blanket your cars!
This year, when I saw the Candles, I thought:
Those darn mischief-makers sure look like middle fingers giving me the up-yours!
I could almost hear them saying:
Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha! We’re here to send your spring allergies into overdrive! And you can’t stop us!
That was a moment worth capturing, manifesting as this haiku.
Those cheeky Candles might look innocent enough to you. But when you see them, take heed.
