The Safe House

Most people are blessed with incorrigible ignorance. They don’t see the lion under the table. They don’t see the goblins in their chicken houses. They don’t even have a chicken house and so they can’t see the devil in his details.

I tell them. They laugh. I tell them again. They say they’ll lock me up. I tell them, “If you lock me up who will protect you from the fairy kingdom?” They lock me up. That’s exactly what I wanted them to do. The last line of defense had collapsed. It’s safer right here. By nightfall someone else can worry about those goblins.

There once was a dragon who knew
That damsel’s effectively through
With her knight on his horse.
They had run off, of course,
Since there’s nothing now either can do.

Linked to Saturday’s Image Write #6 hosted by Bekkie Sanchez and featuring Jacek Yerka.

Linked to imaginary garden with real toads Title-Tale hosted by Magaly featuring Goblinproofing One’s Chicken Coop: And Other Practical Advice in Our Campaign Against the Fairy Kingdom by Reginald Bakeley.

Part of the Confessional Poetry of Imaginary People series.

Author: Frank Hubeny

I enjoy walking, poetry and short prose as well as taking pictures with my phone.

20 thoughts on “The Safe House”

  1. When the sun kisses the horizon, they will be screaming for their seemingly mad knight.

    I really like the medieval tone of the piece, the fantastical seriousness of the issue… and the way in which you structured the prose and limerick into a deliciously rebellious haibun.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I was wondering what to call this. I think “rebellious haibun” might be perfect. They will need that knight when the goblins arrive. When it comes to dragons, damsels and knights, I usually root for the dragons. Thanks!

      Liked by 2 people

  6. I like the sense of futility in the tone – futile to resist the inevitable.. the gnomes.. the lost damsel.. nothing to do.

    I like the way you incorporated a limerick into the tale. This is a lot of fun to read.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. It may be a fairy tale but that first stanza is truth! I am loving your haibun what an imagination you have, Frank. I too, cheer for the dragons they are awesome. I like “Those Devilish Details.” I’m not done with mine working on it today. Thanks for writing! Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. That’s exactly what I wanted them to do.
    It’s safer right here

    Strategies can be worked out way before its implementation. It is a question of reading it right!

    Hank

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m thinking of rewriting this rebellious haibun or adding another one to it so the guy doesn’t look too cowardly waiting for those goblins to arrive. Of course, he is nutty. Or is he? Thanks!

      Like

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