Haiku Kukai 4 Favorites
Global Haiku • Millikin University • Fall 2018
glossy black pavement Isabella Spiritoso (8) |
pine trees Isabella Loutfi I'm not exactly sure what the author's meaning behind this poem is, but that's the fun of it. The way I interpreted this poem I found to be very peaceful. I imagine myself walking through a forest with a lot of pine trees--I can see and smell them. Maybe I come to this place to go on a hike or to just escape for a little while. I find myself stopping to look up and just take it all in. In the second and third line, I take that as myself talking to nature, asking it to just help me escape or release whatever burdens I am carrying--just "for a moment." Jordan Niebuhr, Fall 2018 |
Stadium Arcadium |
mom's mirror Isabella Spiritoso (14) I really like this one because it reminded me of back in my highschool days getting ready with my mom and my little sister in my mom's bathroom. It was filled with mirrors and we all had plenty of space to get ready. While my sister and I had our own bathroom that we easily could have gotten ready in, but it was just more special to get ready altogether. My little sister really didn't have much to get ready aside from getting dressed and deciding how she wanted me to do her hair for the day but she still sat with my mom and I as we did our makeup and our hair. Naomi Klingbeil, Fall 2018 |
finally had the courage Naomi Klingbeil (5) This haiku struck a chord with me. I often times struggle to make phone calls and will get bad anxiety when I do have to make them. This haiku sort of reads like the different phases of the process to me: first gather the courage, then call him, then be sent to voicemail. By the way it is formatted, I feel the same anticipation that I do when I have to make phone calls like this. I just felt that this haiku was overall very good capturing the essence of what this experience feels like. Isabella Spiritoso, Fall 2018 |
fingertips caress Isabella Spiritoso (10) I really appreciate the word choice of this poem. The use of “caress” indicates a care and gentleness in the author’s actions. I also like how “fingertips” and “smooth” evoke a tactical sensory experience. I appreciate the vague use of “ivory keys” (which implies piano), so it lets the reader create their own meaning and insert their own experiences. Rachel Pevehouse, Fall 2018 |
choosing a darker Isabella Loutfi This poem was very relatable for probably most girls. There is nothing like the level of power or togetherness you feel when wearing a certain shade of lipstick or wearing your hair in a certain way makes you feel empowered. I imagined a girl maybe going off to an important business meeting and being in a company that is primarily males. The darker lipstick goes against the feminine stereotypes of pink and light colors. The dark lipstick trend is disliked by a lot of the male population because they do not find it attractive when they have failed to recognize that women do not do their make up for the visual pleasure of men. Women do their makeup because it makes them feel good and empowered and it is what they feel comfortable in. This haiku delicately sums it up describing that the girl purposely wears the darker lipstick because she does mean business. Mary Callaghan, Fall 2018 As an individual who enjoys wearing dark lipsticks, I can heavily connect to this haiku. Just the act of putting on a dark berry lip color feels like suiting up in armor. I love how powerful and confident I feel when that happens. It brings attention to the mouth—the origin of the spoken thought—and, a lot of times, women's opinions are discounted because of their sex. This way, others cannot ignore the fact that some kind of information is being shared. The darker lip colors also veer away from the stereotypical pinks and lip glosses associated with femininity. This is a feminist haiku, in my opinion, and I can't get enough of it. Daria Koon, Fall 2018 |
first date Emily Sullins (8) |
forehead kiss Alissa Kanturek (8) |
test day Isabella Spiritoso (6) I am so guilty of this. I actually had a test this week which I did this for, so it was very relevant for me. I always come up with little ways to remember pieces of information temporarily, so I can pass tests, but they usually do not stick around long after the test. It has been a strategy of mine for years, as it probably is for many people. It made me think of myself sitting in a desk, eyes closed, just saying the silly memory devices over and over. Usually I'm just hoping I do well enough to not be disappointed in myself. Zachary McReynolds, Fall 2018 |
the door creaks |
i walk as Zachary McReynolds (10) I love the structure of this haiku. It still fits the typical three-line structure, but it looks like much more. It evokes a feeling of an endless cycle that author cannot escape from. The simple language implies the author is tired or does not have the capacity to use more complex words, due to the circles he walks in. The structure also draws the eye in multiple directions, which is unique and interesting. Rachel Pevehouse, Fall 2018 I really enjoy the physical aspect of this haiku. The words create a circle as the haiku talks about walking in circle. I thought that it was interesting that the words themselves did not follow a circular pattern. The order in which the words are meant to be read is still linear. Nonetheless, I appreciate the visual aspect. I think this is something really fun that I want to try to explore and learn more about. Melanie Wilson, Fall 2018 |
the forest sways |
many words Sydney Rudny (13) I enjoy the sensation of discomfort that this haiku creates. I can practically hear the silence at the table between the couple. I imagine that they're fighting or breaking up, and they are each bubbling up with things they wish they were able to say, but didn't. I enjoy how this haiku uses very simple language and structure to tell the story. It really allows the reader to fill in the gaps and create the image and the story for themselves. Melanie Wilson, Fall 2018 |
finding your name Isabella Loutfi When I read this poem I picture a notebook with doodles all over it--hearts, arrows, etc. You can also see this person's crush's or ex's name doodled on every blank spot. In middle school, I was definitely a distracted kid so I drew and doodled a lot during class. I remember distinctly sitting in 7th grade math class drawing my crush's name ALL over the inside cover of the notebook. I would have been mortified if someone found it. In this context, I find this poem sad but also really touching. Clearly this person had really strong feelings, and things are not the same between them. Jordan Niebuhr, Fall 2018 |
bananagrams Isabella Spiritoso (7) |
six legs |
winter break Emily Sullins (3) This haiku made me laugh. My sister and I have a very odd obsession with Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. They are so utterly cheesy and have terrible acting yet we are so drawn in to the lame romance of it. Every year over the winter break we watch at least 3 Hallmark movies in one sitting without every moving from the couch. Overall this haiku brought back a lot of fun memories that my sister and I share. Sydney Rudny, Fall 2018 |
heavy breathing Zachary McReynolds (5) |
crisp cool night |
summer stillness Mary Callaghan (7) |
she leans in Sydney Rudny (8) |
alone |
3 drunk texts Zachary McReynolds (4) |
tree climbing Mary Callaghan (5) In this haiku, I imagined a rich young girl that lived in the nice part of a very large city. One day, she stumbled across a boy her age in an alley, and she decided to bring him home and play with him in her yard. They climbed trees together, and had the time of their lives despite their very different family backgrounds. I really loved the humility presented within this haiku. It was very warming to read and imagine, and I couldn’t help but think what may happen to our world if this were how we treated everyone that is different from us in social class, race, or really in any other way. I always think it is interesting how kids usually never let surface level differences that are so obvious to adults, and think the world could benefit a great deal if we just overlooked judgement of others. Logan Bader, Fall 2018 This haiku makes me think of..like...a forbidden love. The girl could have known this boy before, but was forbidden by her mother to spend time with him because the mother thinks that he is a bad influence. This could be the reason they're climbing trees, to get privacy. Maybe this girl has been pretty sheltered. She wasn't allowed to play outdoors much as a child, and thus has hardly ever had any major scars. This forbidden alley boy teaches her how to climb trees, and she scrapes her leg up really badly, resulting in a scar. But the scar is so worth it because she got it spending time with someone she cares about. Jenesi Moore, Fall 2018 |
stay out of the garage Naomi Klingbeil I really liked this haiku because it came with a bitter taste. The first two lines give the impression that maybe dad’s just having some “me-time” and needs a break from fatherhood, but then the last line brings an unexpected sourness. Now we get the image of dad drinking, ignoring his child, maybe even telling them to go away. Maybe this is a common occurrence and the child feels neglected . . . it opens a whole new door of sad possibilities. I imagined a sad one, where a child simply wants to play, or wants a snack, but whenever they go outside to ask their daddy to be with them, they are rejected, as if daddy doesn’t want to be embarrassed in front of his friends. The child sulks back inside, wishing badly they didn’t have to play by themselves, and making their own snack that never tastes as good as the ones daddy makes. Sophie Kibiger, Fall 2018 |
caramel topped ice cream Melanie Wilson I imagine coming home after a long, stressful day of classes. I curl up on the couch with my bowl of ice cream, and I start watching Netflix. The last hour before bed is my “me” time. I put away homework, find something sweet in the kitchen, and destress. Ice cream has always been my favorite dessert, and when I was a little girl, my mom would always buy caramel syrup for me to make my own creation. I relax whenever I eat ice cream, and the dessert reminds me of my stress-free years growing up. No matter what has happened during the day, I can forget my troubles for a split second and just enjoy the treat in front of me. Emily Sullins, Fall 2018 |
dirty dishes pile up Melanie Wilson (7) I like that this haiku is simple, which opens it up to so much interpretation. The “we” is vague, so the author’s relationship to the other person could be anything (romantic relationship, familial, platonic, etc.). I also like that the two images of letting dishes pile up and falling asleep on the couch imply that the dishes are less important. Its simplicity highlights the sweetness of little moments like this. Rachel Pevehouse, Fall 2018 This haiku represents the bliss you can feel when you feel love for someone. Whether it be a best friend, a significant other, or a relative. As someone who is pretty narcotic about doing the dishes this poem made me smile. They just do not care about anything else in the world other than being with that person. This haiku represents the simple shared moment people cherish when they are with that certain person and that they just want to focus one them. Whether it be talking, sleeping, or watching TV they just want to be with them and that's all that matters. Mary Callaghan, Fall 2018 This haiku brought back happy memories. It reminds me of cooking a nice fancy (maybe romantic) dinner with a loved one. Usually big meals take up a lot of dishes so there's usually a big mess to clean up and you always tell yourself you'll clean up right after you're done eating. After eating though your stomach is filled and you're so content that you just want to ball up on the couch and nap forever. Sydney Rudny, Fall 2018 This haiku made me feel warm and nostalgic. It reminds me of the times that my mom and I were the only ones home and we would spend the evening binge watching a TV series in the living room. Usually when we did this, we would quickly make dinner, eat it while watching, then just place the dishes by the sink. I have fond memories of these nights because they were times that we spent together doing something that we both enjoy. I think the visuals in this haiku are what make it so strong and universal. Isabella Spiritoso, Fall 2018 |
rain spatters the windows Melanie Wilson (4) |
you take me under your wing Melanie Wilson (6) |
February fifteenth— Haley Vemmer (9) |
eyes meet Emily Sullins I imagined an adult encounter with a first significant other. It didn't end well, but maybe they were only 12, 13 so it really was not earth-shattering. But it still left scars on their personal lives, they took it as a personal failure and it affected them greatly as a clueless middle schoolers. Wounds heal and time goes on, but seeing that person again recalls some uncomfortable feelings. I think this haiku captures the essence of reliving old pain very well. Hannah Ottenfeld, Fall 2018 I like that this haiku touched on the concept of an emotional or mental scar. Most of the other scar haiku were about physical scars from an injury, but emotional scars can be just as real, and make an interesting topic for a haiku. Perhaps the childhood scar is a bad memory or experience that is coming back to the author when they see the person that caused the trauma. I like the almost aggressive image that "eyes meet" creates. It zooms us in to that very intense moment and we are able to then travel back to the childhood scar with the author. Melanie Wilson, Fall 2018 |
sleeping in his old t-shirt Naomi Klingbeil (6) |
cool evening Emily Sullins I really enjoyed this haiku, New Orleans is one of the most magical places I've ever been and this took me back to my time there. Imagining the day after the big mardi gras parades and the stillness as everyone is still sleeping and recovering from the night, just the sound of the plastic colorful beads rustling against the trees. The breeze cuts the Louisiana heat as the sun slowly creeps into the sky, reflecting small circles of purple and green onto the ground from the tree branches. Hannah Ottenfeld, Fall 2018 |
at this point— Haley Vemmer (7) |
order his favorite |
first crush |
jambalaya night Emily Sullins (7) This haiku gives me a strong connection to my family. We didn’t really ever do a “jambalaya night” but we’d have “spaghetti night” or “falafel night,” which was our equivalent. We always had a plethora of different tastes in my household. My brother always wanted plenty of meat, my sister was a vegetarian, and I really just liked mac and cheese. Our spaghetti nights were pretty sacred family nights as spaghetti was my dad’s favorite food as well. This haiku creates such a vivid atmosphere of contentment that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Isabella Loutfi, Fall 2018 I love this haiku because it really appeals to both my memories and my senses. At home, jambalaya is one of the few staple meals that my family likes to make. I love the warmth it brings to the body, almost like chili, but I always eat it with a bunch of sour cream. The way that the haiku is created brings me back to my home, and allows me to almost taste the flavor of this meal in my mouth. I can also hear the music play, soft and smooth, as well as the coolness of the summer-to-fall air. The moon is bright, and you can even see some stars despite all of the light pollution. The image is so clear and gentle that is brings tears to my eyes. Alissa Kanturek, Fall 2018 |
listening to old Naomi Klingbeil (6) |
looking into his eyes |
third wheel Emily Sullins (7) |
allergic reaction |
homecoming Emily Sullins (4) |
graduation day Hannah Ottenfeld (7) |
un deux trois— |
in the mirror |
4am Hannah Haedike (8) This haiku also brought me back home because my younger sister often slept in my bed with me each night. Not because she had to, she had her own queen bed with several pillows and blankets that was plenty comfy, but because she loved sleeping with her sissy. She is a very heavy sleeper and she loves to dig her feet under my legs when they get cold. She also tosses and turns all the time. This haiku made me think of her waking me up at 4 am because she is tossing again, or snuggling up to me, and rather than getting annoyed that it's 4 am, I just give her a kiss on the forehead and appreciate these small moments that I know won't last forever. Naomi Klingbeil, Fall 2018 |
patience Hannah Ottenfeld (4) |
polaroid of Hannah Ottenfeld (6) |
in his lap |
home for Hannah Ottenfeld (5) I related to this so bad. Every time I go home, I always try to hit up my old friends. Most of the time they are free, but sometimes they end up not being able to do anything and it makes the trip much less enjoyable because I miss all of them greatly. I suppose its mostly my fault for making surprise trips all the time, but it is still unfortunate. The whole situation makes me sad because everyone's lives have just grown in different directions. Zachary McReynolds, Fall 2018 |
his jacket smell |
black overalls |
church benches Jordan Niebuhr (4) I love the imagery in this haiku. I go to church every Sunday, so this haiku resonates with me. When I see the stained-glass panel, I admire and stare at it for a few minutes. It amazes me the artistry and details that go into making the stained glass. When the light comes through the window and pierces the auditorium, I feel like I transcend earth for just a second. A peace washes over me, and I am comforted. I hear a choir singing in the background as I look at the stained glass. In my imagination, I am in a cathedral that has seen centuries of worship services, and the history that surrounds me humbles me. Emily Sullins, Fall 2018 |
a twisted pigtail Jenesi Moore (4) |
busy butterfly Jenesi Moore (4) I love this haiku for a couple different interpretations. The first, more literal translation describes a beautiful image of a butterfly. More some reason, I imagine it being a smaller blue butterfly, constantly flapping her wings along the flow of the breeze, and then gently finding rest on a flower or a vibrant green plant. The image brings peace to my mind. The second interpretation is on where I myself am the busy butterfly. Instead of closing my wings, I finally turn my brain off and let my eyelids close, and finally sleep. I find this interpretation even more peaceful, because this is probably the best time of the night. Alissa Kanturek, Fall 2018 |
cocoa butter Hannah Haedike (4) |
night terror Jordan Niebuhr (5) |
mid-sentence Romeo Jenesi Moore (4) |
he steps on my dress |
class schedules Jordan Niebuhr (7) |
long curvy highway Jordan Niebuhr (10) |
sun shining brighter— Jordan Niebuhr (9) This haiku just makes me very happy because I can personally relate to this. No matter what kind of a bad day I might be having, if the sun is shining, so is my spirit. Not to mention, when I’m happy I tend to sing a lot. Rachel makes fun of me a lot of the time because even if I don’t know a song I still sing along and make up the words as I go or mimic the artist who’s singing. And if there’s no specific song in my head, I make up my own. When I’m happy, you will catch me humming a tune or singing something. I love this because it’s almost a metaphor for getting back up on your feet again when you’ve had a bad day or the clouds have covered the sun for a while. When I read this haiku, I also picture a happy smiling girl walking through campus on her way to class not letting the fact that it’s early or that she’s going to class get in the way of her good mood. Hannah Haedike, Fall 2018 This haiku spoke to me because, for a time during my senior, I was consistently tired and anxious. As a normally bright and bubbly person, my parents noticed one usually common occurrence—I was not singing in the shower anymore. As soon as senior year ended, it was like the cloud over me had dissipated, and, soon after, my parents noticed that I started singing again. I love how, in the haiku, the sun acts as more than just an image. When I'm happier, its as if nothing can ruin my day and I think, in some cases, the sun does actually shine brighter when I am more upbeat. This is such a relatable haiku, and I love that about it. Daria Koon, Fall 2018 |
summer breeze Logan Bader (6) |
black paisley matched Jordan Niebuhr (3) |
her hands rub across my back Logan Bader (3) |
back home for the weekend Logan Bader (5) |
washed sweatshirt Mary Callaghan (4) |
snuggled up |
in class notes Logan Bader (11) |
thoughts swirl endlessly Alissa Kanturek (6) |
warmth steams Daria Koon This haiku also gave me a warm feeling. I couldn’t help but smell the freshly made coffee (hopefully dark roast) and feel my hands wrapped around the warm mug. The thing that spoke to me the most, however, was that most of the warmth I detected as a reader seemed to come from the service the friend had done by making the coffee for another individual. I thought this person’s thoughtfulness and compassion for their friend really complimented the warmth of the coffee and the idea of the warmth streaming into the other individual. It was a visual and sensual masterpiece, in my opinion. Logan Bader, Fall 2018 |
a night in Daria Koon (6) |
POP |
fairytale ending Alissa Kanturek (5) |
across the room Sydney Rudny (11) This is a very sweet haiku. Just the idea that this boy was thinking about this girl so much that he felt the need to turn around and make it be known is adorable. A wink is so simple, yet it conveys so much and can make a person feel really good. Little things like that keep crushes and love alive. So cute. Jenesi Moore, Fall 2018 |
snapchat from you Alissa Kanturek (6) |
autumn bonfire Daria Koon (10) |
sneaking into her closet Daria Koon I really love family centered haikus. This one obviously makes me think of my mom. She always wears this really nice perfume. I don’t even remember what it’s called but it instantly reminds me of her. I think smell is such an important sense to write about as well because it can take you to a moment or person instantly. My dad was from the Middle East and many people in his culture wear a lot of perfume or cologne. It isn’t uncommon for a group of Middle Eastern men to walk past, and leave a trail of spicy cologne in their wake. My parents wore such distinctive scents when I was growing up, there are certain things I just associate with my childhood. I have even adopted their habits to wear a “signature scent” every day. It’s just a part of my family to do so. Isabella Loutfi, Fall 2018 |
falling up the stairs Isabella Loutfi I really like this haiku and I’m a bit sad I didn’t discuss it during class. I relate to this on a personal level because it subconsciously is letting the reader know that the author is a bit of a klutz, as am I. I’ve actually fallen up the stairs quite a bit and actually sprained my knee in 7th grade from doing it which I didn’t even realize was possible. I had to wear a brace for 3 months. If someone would’ve been there to catch me, I wouldn’t have injured myself and I most definitely would’ve felt safe. On top of the literal meaning of actually falling up the stairs, this made me think about falling in love with someone. Sometimes you fight falling for another person, I know I definitely do because I don’t like the idea of needing someone else, but when you fall, it’s an accident, something you can’t control. This person catching you is almost like accepting the fact that you have feelings for them and there’s a sense of security and safety when someone accepts you for who you are and what you are and acknowledges the feeling you have for them. This poem made me feel safe and content as a reader and I really enjoy that. Hannah Haedike, Fall 2018 |
sparkling snow . . . Isabella Loutfi While reading this haiku, I imagined a child playing in the first snow of winter. They’re all bundled up from head to toe, wearing layers upon layers of wool. They’re so bundled that they waddle out from the front porch, plopping straight into the snow as soon as they push off the last step. But they don’t let a face full of snow get them down! They run and play, making snow angels and snowmen, patting snow together in their little mittens to throw at their sibling, laughing joyously as more begins to fall from the sky. Sophie Kibiger, Fall 2018 |
© 2018, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.