Global Haiku • Fall 2015
Dr. Randy Brooks

Paper Kisses

by
Nicholas Scarpinato

INTRODUCTION

Ever since I could remember, writing has been a part of my life. As a kid, I'd write stories and share them with everyone I knew. Now, it's not so different. I am a songwriter and most of my lyrics deal with people and the connections between them. I decided to take up writing haiku as a way to strengthen my songwriting and storytelling abilities, and, with this collection, I think I have. I have named the collection after my signature haiku, which is supposed to play on the idea of x's and o's at the end of love letters. I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I enjoyed writing them :)

xoxo,

Nick

road trip
his favorite song sounds better
when she sings it

summer night
confusing the heat of July
with the heat between us

dad reaches back
from the front seat
and holds his daughter's hand

wedding reception
the cake looked better
on you anyway

a summer night
in Michigan
the waves gossip

rain falls
into a sea of black,
hero's funeral

"He always looked good
in that suit."
open casket

a small flame
struggles to stay lit
assisted suicide

the girls take their shoes off
the boys loosen
their ties

candy hearts
and paper kisses
newfound butterflies

"Honey?
Dracula is back
and he wants more M&M's"

she stole my heart
then she stole
my sweater