Global Haiku • Fall 2017
Dr. Randy Brooks

Lonely Nights

by
Georgia Martindale

The haiku that I have written have been inspired by a variety of sources such as personal experiences, media, and the experiences of others. I used some of the most momentous moments of my lifetime to write these haiku. My intention while writing was to capture a moment of emotion, whether it be stress, joy or romance. Going into the haiku writing process at first, I thought that I would be terrible at it. After a lot of practice I improved and now I have acquired a collection of haiku that I am truly proud of. The title of this collection is "Lonely Nights." While the theme may seem a bit depressing, it actually can be taken in a positive way. Sometimes there is nothing better than having a night to yourself. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this short collection of haiku!

after the slumber party
an open pizza box
with only grease stains left

haunted house
     the young girl tugs
her father's shirt

a laugh
from the apartment above
breaks the silence

           a goldfish floats
                      belly up
golden scales sparkling

Bible verses and
melodic hymns
won't bring her back

a tiny sprout
grows from a crack
     between bricks

wearing sweats to
the first day of classes—
college

         on lonely nights
you gently comfort me
                    no more

dead flowers
I can't bring myself
to throw out

broken promise
   she slaps him
   red handprint

video games with sister—
mountain dew and
dill pickle chips

a rattling blue van
           drives past
     gasoline fumes

snow on the car hood:
a little girl carves
a picture of Santa

   raging river rapids—
        icy water fills up
my new tennis shoes

family portrait—
hidden in the attic
behind boxes

Victory garden
mama plants
his favorite vegetables

knock knock knock
he is never going to
come home

in the dusty attic
she scribbles in her journal
quietly

The Pipes Are Calling

I visited England at the end of November and the leaves had fallen from the trees. My family and I flew over, after we heard the news that my grandma had become very sick and wasn't going to make it. When we arrived at my grandparents' house, my grandad wasn't there. The neighbors saw we were locked out and invited us in for tea. The neighbors told us that he went to the nursing home because my grandma had passed away a couple hours ago. Hearing those words, the hair on my arms stood up and I began to cry. I had wanted a chance to see her one last time. A week later, we had the funeral. I remember rolling up to the church in a short limo and seeing the rows of unique gravestones. It was hard for me to believe that my grandma, who was so full of life, was now in the same place as those unknown dead people. At the ceremony, Bible verses were read and some speeches were given. I agreed to go in front of everyone and sing Danny Boy. This was one of the biggest challenges I've ever faced in my life. Performing in front of an audience is hard enough already, but doing it while trying not to burst into tears is even harder. As I stood in front of my family and grandma's friends, I couldn't help but wonder if she was watching me. I kept going because I knew how proud of me she would have been. She always raved about my sister and I to everyone she could. We were her only grandchildren and she was an amazing grandmother to us both.After the ceremony was over, and my grandma had been cremated, people were continually coming up to me. They told me how talented I was, that my grandma would have been incredibly proud of me, and that my singing really touched them. Even though it was a terribly sad day, I learned I am always stronger than I think I am. I can handle tough situations and bring joy to others during hard times.

black limousine
a coffin covered in daffodils
goodbye grandma

Georgia Martindale

My favorite memory response was definitely “The Pipes are Calling”. The story this person wrote really brought out emotions within me, as it was super touching and sensitive. Most people know what it's like to lose someone close you to you, but to not get that chance to say one last goodbye is just absolutely heart breaking. I've had to sing at funerals for loved ones before as well so I found that part very relatable, as it's extremely hard to sing a song without letting your emotions get caught up in the song with you. You have to be strong for your family and that's really tough to be put in that situation. But also that question of whether or not your family member that has passed over is watching you is something I have always questioned. But I think in that moment especially, when you are singing for them and having service in celebration of their life here on earth, I know that they are standing right behind me with their hand on my shoulder saying “You can do this. I am so proud of you. It's all going to be okay.” And even though that makes me even more emotional, it makes me so much stronger and happier knowing that they are with me through both the hardest and happiest of times. I also really enjoy the haiku that this person wrote corresponding to the story. It is very descriptive as I am able to see the color of the limo, the coffin, and the daffodils very clearly. But it also gives you that sentimental feeling of losing someone with these bright colors and it makes me think of the happy times we had with this person, not the fact that this person is no longer with me. ~Mia