Global Haiku • January 2023
Dr. Randy Brooks

Pendulum

by
Araceli Hughes

During my studies of haiku I became very interested in the concept of growing up and the stages of human life. Humans are interesting creatures who each have their similiar experiences in youth, teenhood, adulthood, and death.

feet flying off the ground
swining pendulum of youth
I hope I don't fall

drive by McDonald's
my mom does not stop the car
at a softball game

lost mom in the store
strangers faces as I search
she swings my around

i am twenty-one.
urge to be independent—
still can't clean my room

red streaks in my hair
mom hates my lipstick color
snuck out the window

will he circle yes?
she starts to tap her pink pen
against the school desk

willow wisp.
watching Disney
with my son

finally ready
my first day back at college.
my cat throws up

holding hands
remind hiim he's loved.
death rattle . . .

open window
i can feel a winter breeze
call the landlord

contemplating love
staring at the golden ring
on the bar counter

giggles of joy
she wants some ice cream
to see lions