Haiku Attempts 7 Favorites
Global Haiku • Millikin University • Fall 2018
alone for a bit Sydney Rudny I like how this one starts with the sudden realization of being alone. The "a bit" suggests that this is not expected to be a long time alone, but it is enough time to just relax. The sweater is comforting, a companion. Randy Brooks, Fall 2018 |
guest listed Zachary McReynolds Everyone in class said this is so Zach! |
fall break |
homeless man Zachary McReynolds I’m honestly not sure if line in this haiku refers to drugs or not, but it’s such a heartbreaking image. Maybe it’s talking about a clothesline. I’m not really sure. there is a certain consistently in this haiku that adds another level of sadness. This homeless life is a lasting one, that the person has seemingly gotten used to, which is perhaps the saddest part. Alissa Kanture, Fall 2018 |
the temperature drops |
cleaning our apartment Zachary McReynolds (3) |
late night Naomi Klingbeil (10) It's amazing how someone can make you disregard how tired you are just by good conversation. This made me think of the late nights you spend with your friends and you can spend hours talking. The lack of understanding of the time that has passed does not matter because you just want to talk to this person. You do not want to sleep because you do not want to miss a single bit of the conversation you could be having. Mary Callaghan, Fall 2018 |
“you look just like her” Naomi Klingbeil I feel that this haiku is relatable to many people in some sort of way. I am told all the time that I look like or act like family members that I have never met, or only met when I was younger. When you’re told this, it makes you feel like maybe you’re missing a piece to your puzzle that would make everything make sense; maybe if I knew her or saw her, I would understand myself a little bit better. Isabella Spiritoso, Fall 2018 This haiku made me think of a daughter who’s mother died when she was still a baby or toddler. Now that she’s older, everyone tells her how much she looks like her late mother. It’s a bittersweet thing, since she’s glad her mother can live on through her, but it also makes her sad because her mother isn’t here. It’s really hard for her because even though she never really got to know her mother, she still misses her terribly. Sophie Kibiger, Fall 2018 This was a very sad haiku, yet it also celebrates the bond between a (maybe) mother and daughter or (maybe) grandmother and granddaughter. I chose this haiku as a favorite because it kind of hit close to home. When my great-great grandmother found out my mom was pregnant, she was ecstatic and was super excited that she was having a girl. She had heart disease at the time and had been holding on to life by a string for months. She told my mom “I'm not dying until that baby is born.” My mom, with tears in her eyes, whimpered okay. I was born on February 19, 1997. My great great grandmother died on February 18, 1997, the day before I was born. She didn't make it to see me born. Some people in my family say that I am her reincarnated, because of my love for “oldies” and my mature nature. They said that my mom looked just like her, and that I look just like my mom. Of course, in this day and age, we have pictures of her, so I look at them all the time, admiring how beautiful and how strong of a fighter she was. She was one day shy of meeting me. I guess it was meant to be, maybe some of her spirit in instilled within me. I'm not exactly sure why this made me think of that but...yeah. Jenesi Moore, Fall 2018 |
gravesite Daria Koon (5) This haiku brought a sense of hopelessness. When something traumatic like a death happens, I feel like it leaves a sense of being lost. It's a confusing thing to have happen, even though we know that it is a fact of life. There is a clear voice in the haiku and makes me sad, but for whatever reason I feel like there is hope. The narrator is looking for what to do now that this person in their life is gone, and I feel as if they will find it, whatever that means to them. Hannah Ottenfeld, Fall 2018 This one made me think of when the spouse of an old person passes away. I couldn’t imagine the feeling of spending an entire life with someone and then having to learn to live the rest of your years without that specific person. This made me think of my great grandpa, who outlived his wife, and both of his children as well, and it made me sad to think of what he must have felt when he had to not only see his lifelong wife die, but also his two children from two tragedies. This haiku made me pretty sad, but thankful that I got to have my great grandfather in my life for around 10 years. He lived until age 90, died on his birthday, and ate ice cream as his last meal. Not a bad way to go out if you ask me. Logan Bader, Fall 2018 |
faded sheet music Daria Koon (7) I like how the faded sheet music implies details about the mother and daughter’s relationship. The haiku allows for the reader to think about passions and things their parents have passed down to them. It creates a sweet and sentimental feeling. I also like how adding “faded” adds a history to the song, like the music has been passed down for generations. Rachel Pevehouse, Fall 2018 |
a heart Daria Koon (8) This haiku is so sweet. Sometimes, when you’re having a stressful day, it’s extra appreciated when someone does even the smallest thing to make your day better, such as writing a little note on your sticky notes. I also like this haiku because it’s written in the shape of a heart, and I think the shaped haiku are fun. Haley Vemmer, Fall 2018 I loved how this one was in the shape of a heart. I also enjoyed the subject matter because I love when people do small things for me. It is an easy way to show someone you care about them but it can go a long way. Zachary McReynolds, Fall 2018 |
hood up Naomi Klingbeil (3) |
sixth grade Rachel Pevehouse (3) |
august sunset Sophie Kibiger I get an image of the bright orangey and purple sunsets that happen on a really warm, sunny day. Maybe the narrator and this girl are out on a date, I picture a walk in a park and the narrator is overthinking every moment. This is their first date, and the narrator really likes this girl and doesn't know how to navigate their relationship, but wants to take it to the next level. It's really cute and gives a clear image, just an all around well written haiku. Hannah Ottenfeld, Fall 2018 |
mountains |
somber Tuesday Sophie Kibiger (10) This haiku made me happy. It reminded me of whenever you're just kinda having an average day and suddenly you reach into your pocket and feel something. Candy is always good but the best is when you reach in and pull out a nice $20 that you totally forgot about. It's like a little treat from past you to future you. Overall this haiku made me smile. Sydney Rudny, Fall 2018 |
empty road Rachel Pevehouse I love the rustic and woodsy feel of this haiku. I am one who gets lost a lot, and being alone and confused in the middle of the night does not sound like fun to me. But I always wished I could be the sort of person who let go of all worries and just enjoyed the important things like the stars. I also like the play on words with the stars here because they used to be the method in which sailors/adventurers used to know where to go, and it seems like the stars do that here as well. Alissa Kanture, Fall 2018 |
kettle on the stove Sophie Kibiger (5) |
drunken dancing |
cold rain |
weekend in Chicago |
wishing i could |
midnight alone |
CANNON BALL! Haley Vemmer I love how this highlights the transition from summer to fall and how the activities change. I also liked how the first line related to both the pile of leaves and the pool even though they are very different things. The first line being capitalized also gave me the impression that someone was yelling it and it brought me to a scene of kids around a pool at first, but upon reading further, I realized it does not just apply to summer. Zachary McReynolds, Fall 2018 |
mexican restaurant Sophie Kibiger (8) |
keys in one hand Rachel Pevehouse (11) |
trusting my instinct Sophie Kibiger (6) |
you tore out the roots Rachel Pevehouse (10) |
perfect snowflake Haley Vemmer This haiku summed up the Midwest's fall. There's days in the fall where it could be 80 degrees outside and then the next day it's 30 degrees and freezing. The imagery in this haiku |
tea kettle whistles Haley Vemmer (4) |
folding laundry Naomi Klingbeil (6) On a lighter note, this made me think of my relationship with my girlfriend. She seems to have this awesome way of making anything fun, most likely due to her vibrant personality. I am typically a reserved person, and she is just the opposite, so when I am around her, I feel so alive and refreshed. I remember one rainy day she convinced me to skip my workout (which I don’t like to do) so we could have time to watch all eight of the Harry Potter movies instead of just seven. It barely took any convincing, I skipped my workout and was lazy with her all day instead. Logan Bader, Fall 2018 |
the Haley Vemmer (8) |
he watches me |
autumn fog Emily Sullins I related a lot to this haiku. I don’t have a good relationship with most of my family, especially my mom’s side. Her family is very large and they get together often, and usually I don’t have to go because I’m in school. But during the holidays, I don’t have an excuse not to go, so I usually have to. Family dinners are always awkward and uncomfortable because that side of the family doesn’t accept me, but they have to pretend to like me because we’re blood related. They’re always awful, but unfortunately I have to go. Sophie Kibiger, Fall 2018 |
break up Emily Sullins (13) |
thanksgiving day Emily Sullins This poem made me smile. Thanksgiving is one day wear you can let loose a little feel comfortable while eating comfort food with the people you love and cherish. On Thanksgiving, people allow themselves to indulge a little bit by eating more than usual and eating a variety of things they love. This haiku gives me that feeling of “treating yourself” by wearing your stretchy pants, not caring what anyone thinks, and enjoying all the good food and company in comfort. Isabella Spiritoso, Fall 2018 |
visiting grandma Haley Vemmer (8) |
empty apartment— |
sitting with someone new Haley Vemmer (8) |
driving with Haley Vemmer My first car was an absolute piece of junk. It had no/very little heat, a rusted out gas tank, a bad transmission, among a million other problems. It got junked when a tire fell off of it while I was driving. When it was winter, I would have the heat on as high as it could go, but my car would still be basically the same temperature as it was outside. This haiku took me back to all of the trips I took in that car that almost gave me hypothermia. Zachary McReynolds, Fall 2018 |
cold marble |
past bedtime |
another touchdown |
accidentally kicking Haley Vemmer (10) I found this haiku humorous in that I am definitely on the opposite side of this description. I have had multiple times where this has happened to me, most of which I was accidentally taking their leg room due to my freakishly long legs. This never fails to happen to me, especially when I am traveling on a plane. Now I always make sure to reserve the outside seat so I can stick my legs clear into the aisle and have more room. This haiku honestly just made me think of my entire family, because we are all very tall individuals, and it made me smile. Logan Bader, Fall 2018 |
right turn Haley Vemmer I am a really oblivious driver sometimes and I do this a lot. Especially when I am driving home from work at night and I am just caught up in my thoughts of what I have to do when I get home. Driving is such a mindless activity that you can't help but sometimes make silly mistakes such as stopping at the green light just out of instinct. I often get lost in my thoughts while driving so this haiku resonated with me just in the fact that I do this so often. Mary Callaghan, Fall 2018 |
all-night diner |
lying |
holiday menu |
breakup |
stray cat Emily Sullins (8) |
walking home alone Emily Sullins (12) |
nuzzling puppy Hannah Haedike (5) |
a frozen nose |
borrowed drum set |
big brother Isabella Loutfi (11) |
grocery shopping |
avoiding the grocery store |
cigarettes burn Zachary McReynolds (5) |
apple pie Isabella Loutfi I love this poem. After reading this, I felt warm inside as I remembered the times that I have come home from college and my mom has greeted me with something that she knows I love, whether it be food or something else. I can imagine the significance of the apple pie and pumpkin bread is that they are some of the author’s favorite foods, which shows that their mom is very thoughtful and reiterates that she has missed them. The thought of a mom remembering their kid’s favorite foods and preparing it for the homecoming makes me happy. Isabella Spiritoso, Fall 2018 |
the back of my hand Hannah Haedike (7) |
corn maze Isabella Spiritoso (9) |
stubble Isabella Spiritoso This haiku made me quite warm inside because it reminded me of my boyfriend. I picture a couple sitting pretty close to each other, maybe watching a movie and while the girlfriend is actually intently watching the film, her boyfriend is a bit distracted watching her. I can see him just slightly leaning in and nuzzling his head in between her shoulder and head and as the stubble on his chin tickles her shoulder she begins to laugh which causes him to kiss her. I know I’m picturing a pretty life action image when I read this haiku, but that’s the beauty of it because the words bring life to a mini film in my mind that makes me all warm and just want to curl up next to my boyfriend. It’s also a very innocent haiku because it’s simple actions which bring such warmth. Hannah Haedike, Fall 2018 |
a bowl of butternut squash soup |
a glass window |
another hole Isabella Spiritoso (7) |
back to school babies |
forbidden fruit Hannah Ottenfeld I feel like I’m always sending texts that I regret, especially lately. I never send anything bad, I’m just always afraid that I’m texting too much or I’m being annoying, specifically when I’m texting a new friend or someone I’m interested in. It’s really hard for me because I never know what’s right or wrong to say, and I always feel like I’m somehow wrong, even if the text is as simple as a “hi”. Sophie Kibiger, Fall 2018 |
leaving the test Haley Vemmer (6) Organic Chemistry is the class from hell. It is the class to end all classes ... well ...astrophysics and Calculus 3 etc etc are harder but ORGANIC IS STILL HELL. Coming into Millikin being a biology major, I figured that my chemistry classes would be minimal, just covering the basis of chemistry. But all of the mechanisms and details in that class were unexpected. I remember being frustrated, thinking I'm going into veterinary medicine so when in the hell am I going to be using the mechanism of atoms transferring between metals and raw organic molecules, only later did I see the benefit. But I to this day hate that class and I almost dropped it and changed my major. Lol, help. Jenesi Moore, Fall 2018 |
porcelain face Hannah Haedike (4) |
scrabble Isabella Spiritoso (9) |
first snow |
trying Isabella Loutfi (7) |
missing home Isabella Loutfi (6) I am very close to my mom, and she is my best friend. Millikin is 7 hours away from my home, so I miss her a lot. While she is a great cook and does not burn eggs, I do relate to finding little reminders of my family in everyday things. Walking into certain stores makes me think of my mom and sister. We used to go shopping together all of the time, and I only enjoyed trying on clothes if they were with me. If I see a sign for the zoo, I think of my dad. The Memphis Zoo is one of our favorite places for a father-daughter date back home. When I see a movie trailer, my brother comes to mind. He and I are suckers for action movies, and we will call each other long-distance just to talk about the latest film. Emily Sullins, Fall 2018 I loved the way Bella wanted to make it clear to the class that her mother would NEVER burn the eggs. It was just that trying to cook eggs like her mom led to this feeling of missing her. Randy Brooks, Fall 2018. An alternative version approved by the author: missing home |
tip toes |
a package Isabella Spiritoso (6) |
mirror squeaks Isabella Loutfi (6) |
Christmas list: Isabella Loutfi (12) I like the structure of this haiku because it adds a fun twist with every line. The second line is unexpected, which makes the third line even more unexpected since it is something that would be on a typical wish list. I like that the Barbie is added since it implies it could be from the perspective of a young girl. It contributes to the growing idea that young women are capable and intelligent and do not have to sacrifice their femininity to be taken seriously. Rachel Pevehouse, Fall 2018 |
his lips |
SUPERGIRL! |
a soft lick |
the cat |
pitch black |
first time apart Isabella Loutfi (8) |
decorating the tree Isabella Loutfi (11) Hilarious story came in class after reading this one. Mary shared that when her favorite ornament was broken, she put it in a baggie and hung the pieces back onto the tree. She still hangs it year after year. Randy Brooks, Fall 2018 |
late evening nap— |
double-dutch divas |
“if she doesn’t say no, |
Hurricane Michael |
warm snuggles Jordan Niebuhr (6) |
waitress counts tips Jenesi Moore (8) |
dad brews coffee Mary Callaghan This is another haiku which just completely warmed my soul. It’s crazy how small of an act filling a coffee cup with coffee is, but how sweet and thoughtful it is at the same time. It’s an action which is kind of out of the way especially when someone fills a coffee cup for you when you normally don’t live in the house. I pictured someone going home for the first time in a long time and not expecting any coffee made or breakfast out on the counter, but when they come down the stairs there are her parents. Mom is making breakfast and dad has three coffee mugs out ready to pour coffee in them. It’s a sincere haiku appreciating the simple things in life which are so commonly looked over and here we get to sit back and appreciate it for a moment which I enjoy. Hannah Haedike, Fall 2018 My parents would always let me have a little bit of coffee, that was mostly milk, when they would have coffee on Sunday mornings and I remember feeling very adult when they would allow this for me. This haiku brought me make to that and made me smile. I like the last line a lot, it gives it that child-like feeling of having something "grown up" all to yourself. Hannah Ottenfeld, Fall 2018 |
4 years old Jordan Niebuhr (4) |
polished nails Jenesi Moore (8) |
chocolate skin Jenesi Moore (9) |
car all packed |
she spins and spins Jenesi Moore I loved the image of this haiku. The mood and picture are both so innocent, and this not only captures a moment in life, but in time as well. We’ve all had a moment as kids where we felt so free while playing, and it is almost impossible to get these moments back as an adult. It’s nostalgic and beautiful and absolutely joyful. Alissa Kanture, Fall 2018 |
nursing home |
childhood friend |
soap and smoke |
pumpkin patch |
grown man Logan Bader (7) |
mom's memory |
Halloween Mary Callaghan (6) |
little girls |
evening corn field |
wet leaves |
record player— Naomi Klingbeil (7) |
late night whispers Naomi Klingbeil (8) The hope that the moon stays forever seems like the author wants the night to never end, so they can keep talking to this person. It could also be interpreted that the author is talking to the moon and does not want it to go away. The haiku creates a simple and warm feeling of talking to someone and never wanting it to end, which everyone can relate to. Rachel Pevehouse, Fall 2018 |
cleaning day Logan Bader (5) |
ugly duckling |
shuffling feet |
sunlight glistens |
back in bed |
the oversized flannel Logan Bader (11) |
fading sunset Melanie Wilson (9) |
tiny shops Sydney Rudny I love this haiku. It reminds me of the trip to Spain I took this summer, specifically when I was in Granada. When reading this haiku, I picture the little shops that line all the side streets and all the people bustling about. Some people spoke English if they were spoken to in English, but for the most part, everyone was speaking Spanish. Haley Vemmer, Fall 2018 |
yawning Melanie Wilson (5) |
the first snow |
house creaks |
the old wood floor |
walking alone |
4am |
back at home |
a night with friends Naomi Klingbeil (11) |
markings on a grave |
dew on the bus window |
learning Braille Alissa Kanturek (13) I loved this haiku and it honestly should have gotten my double vote. This haiku is so clever. Braille is a form of communication for the blind. So I took this as maybe a girl is blind to her boyfriend's feelings. He hasn't been communicating well with her and I picture her trying to hard to understand what he is going through. That's why the word “learning” is so significant, because you have to learn a new way to communicate. The goose bumps can appear in times of fear, euphoria, and sexual arousal. Maybe this girl, after being intimate with her boyfriend is feeling tension, and the boyfriend is fearful of their future, yet so in love with her. The mixture of fear and possible sexual arousal layered with the insecurities and post sex euphoria has the boyfriend's mind racing . . . and the girl is trying to read how he's feeling through the goosebumps on his back. Love this haiku. Jenesi Moore, Fall 2018
|
cold bitter wind |
you’re beautiful Hannah Haedike (5) This poem was bittersweet. Your dad is always going to think you and your siblings and mom are the most beautiful people and he will always tell you but of course, you know he is biased and that you have a different opinion. My dad always calls my sister and me beautiful but we know that is his opinion because he is our dad so of course he is going to think that. It is bitter because we, obviously, don't think that we are beautiful but we will always know that there is someone who does think that we are: dad. Mary Callaghan, Fall 2018 |
spring duck family |
a lake of clouds |
the ER Hannah Haedike (5) This is somber but peaceful haiku with concern for a loved one. The excitement and rush of the ER has now quieted down. 22 stitches is a lot of stitches, so this must have been a frightening. I see the calming down of someone, perhaps a child, who has been hurt and is now being taken care of with tenderness. She is at ease now after the hurt and scare . . . the being at home, relaxing, is the start of the healing process. Randy Brooks, Fall 2018 |
bustling airport I pick you out of the crowd with ease |
grocery shopping |
fresh coffee |
home alone Daria Koon (7) |
fall break |
first morning frost |
tea steams Daria Koon (6) |
wrapped in a blanket Melanie Wilson (7) |
road trip back Daria Koon (8) |
empty room Daria Koon (4) |
midnight still Alissa Kanturek (6) |
green glitter trails |
I'm bored I sit down Daria Koon (4) |
separación de la frontera Jenesi Moore (11) |
snake skin |
roadhouse rolls Jenesi Moore (5) |
prison guard frown Jenesi Moore (8) Oh, this one really struck me. The sadness and rawness behind this haiku makes it beautifully written. I imagine a cold, gray room where there are tables set up. Prisoners are on one side of each table, and family members are on the other. Guards are lined up at the doors, watching for signs of threat and danger. This sweet two-year old with pigtails and a pink dress walks around the table and stands up on tip-toe to hug her daddy. He has to maneuver his handcuffs to be able to hug her back. The mother has tears in her eyes as she watches her daughter hug her husband. One guard sees and approaches when the prisoner lets go of her. He steps back to his post with a sigh of relief. The prisoner tears up while watching his family leave, knowing that he will not be there for his little princess as she grows up. Emily Sullins, Fall 2018 |
soft indie music |
like the geese Hannah Ottenfeld (5) |
leftover turkey Hannah Ottenfeld (6) |
under 21 Sophie Kibiger (10) |
one lonesome weed prevails gardening day |
alone on fall break |
© 2018, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.