atop the hill
she blows another
da n d e li o n

Nicholas Scarpinato

her green eyes
meet my blue
blooming roses

Garrett Mayberry

she dances
in a field of pumpkins
Harvest Moon

Garrett Mayberry

forget about love?
impossible to forget
that first fist bump

Sierra Birdsell

atop the hill
she blows another
da n d e li o n

forget about love?
impossible to forget
that first fist bump

atop the hill
she blows another
da n d e li o n

top quarter champion

TOP half Chamption

just one look
can make everything better
      —She smiles back at me

bottom quarter champion

just one look
can make everything better
      —She smiles back at me

just one look
can make everything better
      —She smiles back at me

flowery blonde hair
a new scent
lingers in my nostrils

just one look
can make everything better
      —She smiles back at me

Jeffrey Davis

Why stay
between the lines?
there's so much more

Alex Zalar

flowery blonde hair
a new scent
lingers in my nostrils

Jeffrey Davis

Hooligans
printed on the beanie
the back bulging from my head

Aundrea Marsh

TOP half champion

just one look
can make everything better
      —She smiles back at me

CHAMPION
 

just one look
can make everything better
      —She smiles back at me

I reach across the bed
to boop my husky's nose
grumble

BOTTOM half champion

bright lights
and loud music
a time to be alive

Courtney Ginigeme

floating
atop the still ocean
a gull feather

Nicholas Scarpinato

I told myself no coffee
and lots of sleep.
whoops

Lauren Bartel

three bottles down
now I am ready
to free my mind

Alex Zalar

bright lights
and loud music
a time to be alive

I told myself no coffee
and lots of sleep.
whoops

I told myself no coffee
and lots of sleep.
whoops

top quarter champion

BOTTOM half champion

I reach across the bed
to boop my husky's nose
grumble

bottom quarter champion

I reach across the bed
to boop my husky's nose
grumble

I reach across the bed
to boop my husky's nose
grumble

wake up
can't breathe
cat on my face

I reach across the bed
to boop my husky's nose
grumble

Aundrea Marsh

walk to the barn
his ears perk up
as he sees me

Alex Zalar

my dog snuggles
next to me
her warmth

Lauren Bartel

wake up
can't breathe
cat on my face

Alex Zalar

atop the hill
she blows another
da n d e li o n

her green eyes
meet my blue
blooming roses

she dances
in a field of pumpkins
Harvest Moon

forget about love?
impossible to forget
that first fist bump

I really like this haiku because it gives imagery of a dandelion blowing in the wind. I thought that was very creative and fitting with the tone of this haiku. I also think this haiku followed Mido’s advice very well because it gives a feeling of freedom and release into the wind. I can picture a woman spread out in a field allowing her spirit to roam free with the wind. The dandelion would represent her spirit and it’s very calming. Courtney

Now, I am not at all biased because this was a poem that I wrote, but I really do think that it was good. I love the way that it sounds when it is read differently by different people. Some interpret it as her green eyes meeting my blue eyes and the love blooms like a rose. Some interpret it as her green eyes meet my blue blooming roses. Maybe I have blue roses growing. Interesting to think about that I wrote it in such a way that it could be interpreted in two different ways. Garrett

I chose this haiku from the Mido matching because not only is it well written but it also can be read many different ways. It’s pleasing to the eyes and I feel good just saying it out loud. It sets a familiar and warm tone, as if these two people have met before and looking into one another’s eyes brings up feelings felt at the beginning of the relationship. However, it could also be read as love at first sight. A guy and a girl see each other form across a busy room and sparks fly automatically. They even go as far as to remember what each other’s eyes look like. Evidently there was enough of a first and lasting impression to make these people feel something bloom within them. Nick

just one look
can make everything better
      —She smiles back at me

Why stay
between the lines?
there's so much more

flowery blonde hair
a new scent
lingers in my nostrils

Hooligans
printed on the beanie
the back bulging from my head

I liked this haiku the best because it gave me a mental picture so it appealed to my senses but it also appealed to my emotions. I could understand that feeling of someone you really care about just looking at you and it instantly fixing whatever is wrong. You just need someone who understands to acknowledge that they care. It's a great feeling when you make eye contact with someone and then both of your faces light up with mutual smiles. The way the haiku is laid out is also visually appealing; I like how the last line is off center and starts with the dash. It creates a nice break. Lauren

This haiku is very powerful. Abstract thinking is highlighted in this one. I believe everyone should move outside the lines and not let something delineated dictate them. Jeff

bright lights
and loud music
a time to be alive

floating
atop the still ocean
a gull feather

I told myself no coffee
and lots of sleep.
whoops

three bottles down
now I am ready
to free my mind

This haiku creates a unique image in my head. I visualize the middle of the ocean, and it is all in black and white. The water almost looks like a mirror on the wall because it is so still. Then coming into the frame of vision is a feather floating through the air. The wind is blowing but the water isn’t moving. The only thing moving is the feather swinging back and forth until it finally lands on the water. Sierra

I like this match because I like the difference in the haiku, but somehow they fit together. I like both of them separately as well. Alex

I do this every time we have a break or even a weekend. I tell myself that I will not play video games and I will get some extra sleep. Never happens. I tell myself I will write and paint. Nope. I make a promise to myself that I will go on a walk with the dog. Eh. I’m going to catch up on homework. Well, that’s simply hilarious. I’m going to get housework done. Oh, I’m not even kidding myself on that one. Sometimes, it’s alright to just enjoy life without restrictions. Aundrea

I like this one because I can replace coffee with almost any of my bad habits and it still works. The humor in it is also a very positive factor. Jeff

I reach across the bed
to boop my husky's nose
grumble

walk to the barn
his ears perk up
as he sees me

my dog snuggles
next to me
her warmth

wake up
can't breathe
cat on my face