red rose
with many thorns
can I hold thee

Matthew Marrero

binge watching
life
passes by

Jessica Joyner

As you watch television for a long period of time you realize that time gets away from you, and during this time you could have gotten many things accomplished. Kiava

This haiku was funny and relatable. When you are hooked on a television show you forget that life is still moving whether you are aware of it or not. There’s been times I’ve binged a show with 13 seasons and didn’t realize I missed out of several days of doing something more productive with my life. Matt

This haiku was funny and relatable. When you are hooked on a television show you forget that life is still moving whether you are aware of it or not. There’s been times I’ve binged a show with 13 seasons and didn’t realize I missed out of several days of doing something more productive with my life. Matt

ferris wheel night
the two of us
going through the motions

Jessica Joyner

I loved this haiku because it kind of takes on a double meaning. They are at the fair, going through the motions together literally on the ferris wheel, which paints a really vivid mental image. I also think of it as them going through the motions metaphorically in their relationship. The phrasing of it made me picture a couple who has been together for quite a while that have become comfortable with one another and know how to interact with each other well. I really liked the image of them riding the ferris wheel together and just being comfortable and happy with one another in all aspects. Lena

blessings locked away
try the golden key
the one that says forgiveness

Jessica Joyner

ghosts are creepy 
don't talk to yourself 
goodnight grandma

Kiava Plato

in a small café
on a Thursday
I found you

Karmina Gant

fired from my job
long taxi ride home
it's not fare

Kiava Plato

I lost you
but I found something better
myself

Karmina Gant

I enjoyed the imagery of this haiku, the thought of finding yourself and in that learning more about who you are and what you want as an individual. Everything that happens in our lives is an experience. Matt

This haiku was one of my favorites because of the truthfulness within the context. The author stated that they lost someone, but in the process they found themselves, and I think that is more important. This haiku made me think about the importance of finding one’s self before searching for something else. Jessica

I enjoyed the imagery of this haiku, the thought of finding yourself and in that learning more about who you are and what you want as an individual. Everything that happens in our lives is an experience. Matt

red means stop
green means go
what about brown?

Kiava Plato

I knew you were a bad idea
and the bravest thing I ever did
was run

Karmina Gant

singing freedom's song
hush child
or they will hear you

Jessica Joyner

what does it cost
to live again
the right way

Jessica Joyner
 
I really liked this haiku as well because it also took on somewhat of a double meaning to me. It made me think of someone who has been living in a way that no longer makes them happy, and they’ve decided to make a big change to seek a greater level of satisfaction. Whenever this person is thinking about the changes they need to make, and the “cost, it made me think of what it may literally cost for this person to change their circumstances—a new home, different entertainment, etc. The “cost” could also be referring to the metaphorical costs, like losing friends, losing a job, etc. It was very deep and took on a lot of greater meaning to me and I really liked that about it. Lena

time heals
until then I will keep reminding myself
breathe in and out

Karmina Gant

not asking for much
just looking for someone to have
a decent conversation

Karmina Gant

emergency room
my sister watches over
my dreams

Lena Rotramel

I took me a while to imagine this haiku when I first read it. Maybe I was over thinking my own interpretations, but after a while it became one of my favorites. It makes me think of someone in surgery who has there sister there with them for comfort. I also imagine the sister sending up prayers for their sibling to recover from whatever has them in the emergency room. Jessica

autumn leaves
fallen from grace
joining the rest of us

Jessica Joyner

vacation 
colorful outfits
prison

Kiava Plato

long journey
down the river
a dandelion

Matthew Marrero

stopping to watch the robin hop
bringing in the groceries
in pouring rain

Lena Rotramel

I'm penniless
with a quarter-tank of gas 
at least I have my dime-nd ring

Kiava Plato

mirror mirror
in the leadership center
tell me what you see

Matthew Marrero

entrepreneurship center
so friendly, people always laughing
colleagues for a life time

Daniel Rivera

a light breeze
strong enough
for to turn my tassel again

Jessica Joyner

watching her sleep
I smile at the way she curls up
my small dog

Karmina Gant

Fourth of July fireworks
I notice her eyes
are sparkling

Karmina Gant

holding the knife
I don’t know what I’m doing
trying to cut a pineapple

Karmina Gant

warm afternoon
thinking of you
pouring another glass of wine

Lena Rotramel

I thought this was such a great haiku. I enjoyed how it could be read two ways. The first way as: warm afternoon thinking of you. The second way as: thinking of you pouring another glass of wine. Both of those phrases can stand on their own and both carry their own story. All together as one it flows beautifully. I imagined a man on a warm afternoon sitting in the kitchen while he pours another glass of wine. I also imagine a man sitting in the kitchen on a warm afternoon thinking about his wife and how she would pour her glasses of wine. Beautiful. Karina

throwing up in the bar
she pulls my hair back
a dear friend

Lena Rotramel

This is such a simple poem and it is a good example of a strong friendship. It demonstrates compassion and love. I know many girls can relate to this because we have all been in a situation where our friend has had a little too much to drink and we have to take care of them and serve as their protector. Kiava

power off
billfold empty
playing hide-and-seek

Kiava Plato

I enjoyed this haiku because I interpreted it as making the best out of a bad situation. The power was off, and there was nothing they could do about it at the time, so why not play a game of hide and seek to pass the time. This haiku makes me think of the saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Jessic

This was such a special haiku. I enjoyed the words and thought it was a lot of fun. It was written well and has so much detail and room for us to make our own story. I imagine a person getting home and the power is off because their billfold is empty and they don’t have the money to pay the power bill. So now they are playing hide-and-seek with everything in their house because they can’t see. They have to try to find everything they are looking for and hope it comes out of hiding. Karina