Global Haiku • January 2021
Dr. Randy Brooks

Love, Life, and State of Mind

by
Ashley Galloway

This author uses haiku to express the feelings of self-growth, awareness, and stages of life and love. The author has been through traumatic experiences as and child and has had to overcome many obstacles. In this collection, the author uses poetics to express those struggles. The earlier writings explain the childhood trauma, but do not give much detail since after 25 plus years the trauma and experiences themselves are small. It is the impacts of those experiences that continue to show up through raising a child on her own. As seen in the later part of the collection, she experiences overwhelming feelings of disappointment and loss in love and life. The childhood trauma of addiction is replaced by the author’s drive to work endlessly and not be able to maintain a work/life balance. The constant struggles with a son living with Autism that she did not give birth to are constant reminders of self-reflection from her childhood experiences. In an attempt to redeem her own state of mind, by saving a child from similar circumstances, the author learns self-awareness and continuous growth. In relationships, the arguments and communication seem to flare feelings of abandonment and loneliness. The author wraps up with what seems to be a failed or failing relationship to be left alone to stand on her own two feet once again. This collection represents a full cycle of pain, growth, sadness, and overcoming obstacles both emotionally and mentally.

Dedication

This collection is dedicated to anyone who wakes up everyday and continues to fight to overcome trauma and addiction. To everyone that understands that your past does not have to define your future—You are in control!

golden child
touches the stars
broken home

flowing river
snow covered hills
drip drip

clocking out
at 5pm
darkness is already setting in

in his breath
he draws a breath
that won’t last

lights dim
books are stacked
against me

growing older
refection in the mirror
my mother’s eyes

perfect lighting
glitter in her hair
going grey

bubblebath
relaxing in candlelight
splash

romantic getaway
no kids
good night
sleep

wedding bells
everyone waits
cold feet

future plans
sleepless night
papers signed

this empty room
coffee brewing
the couch—
my only friend