Haiku Kukai 03 Favorites
Global Haiku • Millikin University • May 2026
1 during the test |
2 kid holds the snacks Carder Reich |
3 campfire stories Carder Reich This haiku reminds me of when we spend time with my husband's family. I imagine a family all getting to see each other for a holiday. After a good game of volleyball the family goes to get the fire started. After the family all help each other out with getting the supplies for the fire, they all sit down. Some family members scoot closer to the fire to get warmer, while others push their chair more away after getting a little too warm. They all end up to have amazing conversations by the fire. Asia Sheumaker, May 2026 |
4 hospital window Taylor Stewart |
5 mountain light |
6 after the argument Taylor Stewart This haiku stands out to me because it never directly tells the reader what happened, yet the silence feels heavy. The image of the cooling coffee suggests that time is passing while neither person is willing or able to bridge the distance between them. What I like most is how ordinary the scene is. There is no dramatic confrontation, only two cups of coffee and the absence of connection. The poem reminds me that some of the most painful moments in relationships happen after the words are spoken, when people are left alone with what they said and what they wish they had said. Oshea Darrington, May 2026 |
7 rain fall |
8 creaky floors Payton Hale |
9 fairy garden |
10 rehab center Asia Sheumaker |
11 deep breath Asia Sheumaker This haiku stood out to me because it captures grief in a very simple and emotional way. The phrase “the mom I used to know” suggests that the speaker’s mother has changed, possibly because of illness, aging, or memory loss. The deep breath at the beginning creates a pause that shows the speaker preparing for a difficult moment. I like how the poem says very little but allows the reader to feel the sadness and love behind the experience. Emma Babb, May 2026 |
12 muddy shoes |
13 fragile bones Tariqkah Abdullah I love this one because it makes me think of the present and the past. The fragile bones make me picture an old man that is losing strength. The use of saying never too old makes me picture a young girl sitting on her grandpa's lap. I was very close with my grandpa, so this haiku brought me good feelings of my childhood, and it also made me appreciate the time I had with my grandfather. Payton Hale, May 2026 |
14 cold elbows |
15 she holds my hand Tariqkah Abdullah I like how simple and relatable this moment feels. The poem captures the excitement and nervousness that come with realizing your feelings are shared by someone else. The image of holding hands combined with the phrase “my heart flutters” creates a feeling of happiness and anticipation that many readers can connect with. Kennetra Shelby, May 2026 I love this one because I think that anyone that has dated can relate to it. It reminds me of being on a first date and having all of the nerves that are possible. You aren't exactly sure about how the other person feels about the date or you. And then something happens, like them grabbing your hand, that eases the nerves because you know they like you too. Payton Hale, May 2026 |
16 leash in hand |
17 keys clutched Caty Schmidt |
18 rain taps the pane |
19 target mirror Oniza Royeen I really like this one because as women we are so critical of ourselves and for now that it is summer we are trying to fit into new bikinis and try to fit into them but it's the bikini that's supposed to fit us not us fitting into them. We look at others and think they have the “perfect body” so we have to look like that as well and not give ourselves grace for our own body. Caty Schmidt, May 2026 I think that this haiku is also relatable to me and probably all young girls. I have definitely had times wear I was trying on clothes and swimsuits, and I hated all of them. Then you start to wonder if it is a clothes problem or a you problem. I love the detail of them standing sideways and that it can be perceived as them looking away from themself or checking out their body more. Payton Hale, May 2026 |
20 the party ends Oniza Royeen I liked this one and it felt very relatable. It feels like the speaker is tired and separated from their own emotions. “My body walks home first” makes it seem like the speaker is moving without really thinking about where they are going like they are on autopilot; probably too drunk. I imagine the noise of the party fading behind them as they walk home alone. The poem could be about exhaustion, sadness, or simply feeling disconnected from everyone else. Taylor Stewart, May 2026 This poem feels both strange and familiar. The separation between the speaker and their body creates a sense of emotional exhaustion, as if they are moving through life on autopilot. I connect with this image because there are times when a person feels disconnected from their surroundings even while participating in them. It almost feels like coming back after a long night, and carrying the night with you. The party should be a place of excitement and connection, but instead the speaker leaves feeling detached. The haiku captures a modern kind of loneliness that can exist even when surrounded by other people. Oshea Darrington, May 2026 |
21 new campus map Oniza Royeen I really liked this one because it reminds me of when I had first arrived at Millikin! The nervousness and being brand new to the school as well as the town. I had no clue where I was going so the map definitely kept with me the whole way! Caty Schmidt, May 2026 |
22 scented pencils Elaine McLaughlin |
23 power outage |
24 opened fridge door |
25 first day of school Kyson Pflum |
26 hour drive Kyson Pflum |
27 Illinois summer Kyson Pflum |
28 old volleyball Emma Babb This haiku reminds me of my own garage. We have so many balls that are just sitting out there not being used. I love the description of the "dust on the seams", it really tells the reader just how long it's been since this ball has been used. Kyson Pflum, May 2026 |
29 quiet lake Emma Babb I enjoyed this haiku because of its vivid image and symbolism. The peaceful reflection on the lake seems perfect until a fish suddenly disrupts it. The poem reminds me that life is often unpredictable and that moments of calm can change instantly. The contrast between stillness and movement makes the haiku memorable and creates a strong visual picture in only a few words. Emma Babb, May 2026 This haiku makes me picture a lake, obviously, but one that is completely still until a fish moves through the water. The reflection seems peaceful, but it breaks apart as soon as the surface changes. I think the reflection could represent a memory or a person’s sense of calmness. The fish only causes a small movement, yet the whole image changes. That makes the poem feel like it is about how quickly peace can disappear, even if the moment is like any ordinary moment. Taylor Stewart, May 2026 |
30 gas station lights Emma Babb I love the imagery of this haiku. It paints a clear picture in my mind of a dark and eery gas station. It reminds me of something out of a scary and suspicious movie. I love the use of the word "wet", it really adds a lot to the feeling of the haiku. It makes me think of a humid and damp feeling late at night. Kyson Pflum, May 2026 |
31 sunset colors Kennetra Shelby |
32 grocery parking lot |
33 empty bus stop |
34 pumpkin patch Taylor Stewart This haiku reminds me of when my friends and I go to pumpkin patches in the fall. I imagine a nice day where the weather isn’t too warm, neither too cold. I see the perfect amount of sun out, glistening on the families that walk. A girl and her friend go to find the most perfect pumpkin. They laugh and take pictures that they will post later on social media. Before they leave, they have to get their traditional snack at a pumpkin patch and get the mini cider apple donuts to go. Asia Sheumaker, May 2026 |
35 empty birdbath |
36 grain bins Taylor Stewart This haiku makes me think of a peaceful farm at night. The grain bins are sitting under the stars, and their soft humming is the only sound. It feels calm and quiet. I live in a small town where grain bin sounds are common to hear. It reminds me of my home and I like the representation of this haiku. Carder Reich, May 2026 I love this haiku because it reminds me of my family's farm. The imagery of the tall grain bins under a starry sky is beautiful. Farming goes back many generations in my family, so I love the Ag related haikus, it just makes me appreciate farming. Kyson Pflum, May 2026 |
37 black shadow Asia Sheumaker I liked this haiku because of the different meanings that could be interpreted from it. On one hand there could be a sleep paralysis sort of situation. On the other hand, it could be a more ominous meaning pertaining to mental health and having “demons” with you. Oniza Royeen, May 2026 |
38 moving day Asia Sheumaker Because of how Millikin's housing polices work, I've gotten a lot of experience with moving in the past three years, which is something I never had to do before coming to college. Each time I've had to move my build a bear collection, adding to said collection between each move. I was careful in those earlier moves, but as get more and more, I've ended up moving them more quickly and conveniently. This poem makes me think of this because I've now learned what it's like to go searching through boxes to make sure that all of my beloved stuffed friends made it home safely. I don't know what I would do without them. Elaine McLaughlin, May 2026 |
39 family bond Asia Sheumaker |
40 empty bleachers Emma Babb |
41 first snowfall |
42 hospital hallway Emma Babb The contrast between the polished floor and the uncertain future creates a powerful emotional impact. Hospitals are often places where people wait for answers they may not want to hear, and this poem captures that feeling without explaining the situation. The bright floor becomes almost ironic because the future ahead seems dark and unclear. I admire how the poet transforms a simple visual observation into a reflection and themes on fear, hope, and uncertainty. Oshea Darrington, May 2026 |
43 empty mailbox Kennetra Shelby |
44 old house key Kennetra Shelby I relate to this haiku a lot. I still have my old house keys even though I am two and a half hours away from that place now. We are also selling the house so I won’t really be using the keys anymore, but I like having them there for the comfort. Although sometimes I forget why it’s there and I get that bittersweet feeling of missing home. Oniza Royeen, May 2026 This one turns an old key into a reminder of a past home. I can visualize and almost feel the cold metal touching the other keys and making a quiet sound whenever the speaker reaches into a pocket. I also get a feeling of a new beginning because it makes me think of a new family arriving to move into the house. Also, perhaps the memories connected to the house are harder to leave behind than the building itself. Taylor Stewart, May 2026 |
45 grocery line Kennetra Shelby This haiku reminds me of when going into a store and getting a random compliment by a stranger that ends up making my whole day. I imagine a woman that just had one of the worst days of her life, going into a store to get flowers. It’s her dad's anniversary of him passing away and the woman is going to get flowers for his grave. A stranger comes up to her and says how he noticed she was feeling down and simply said “ It gets better, just keep pushing and know that I'm proud of you stranger.” That small act of kindness showed and brightened the woman's day. Overall, this haiku shows me that little things can brighten a person's day so much. Asia Sheumaker, May 2026 This haiku makes me think about how a small act of kindness can have a big impact. A stranger does something thoughtful in a grocery line and that feeling lasts for the rest of the day. It represents how that even brief moments of kindness can stay with us and brighten our mood long after they happen. Carder Reich, May 2026 |
46 cracked screen |
47 power outage Colette Marks |
48 vultures in committee Colette Marks |
49 spooning up Randy Brooks |
50 rearview mirror Oniza Royeen |
51 lunch table Oniza Royeen I can picture this clearly! Sitting alone at lunch at school, but the lunchroom is so noisy. It almost makes you feel more alone as everyone else talks and laughs together. Elaine McLaughlin, May 2026 |
52 after class |
53 ignored calls Payton Hale This haiku stood out because of its emotional depth. The phrase “shrivels into her mattress” paints a vivid picture of loneliness and disappointment. In only a few words, the poet shows how being ignored can make someone feel isolated and withdrawn. The imagery is powerful and creates a strong emotional response. Kennetra Shelby, May 2026 |
54 graduation day Emma Babb I really liked this one because I had “senioritis” pretty bad! I had just wanted to go to college and get a chance for a new start in which I counted down the days until graduation. It almost unlocked a new me. A fresh start in a place where no one knew me and a new school that I got to succeed in to get my degree. Caty Schmidt, May 2026 This haiku captures a major life transition. The image of the tassel swinging in the breeze represents both celebration and uncertainty about the future. I especially like the phrase “doors opening” because it suggests new opportunities, growth, and independence. As a college student, I can relate to the excitement and nervousness that come with reaching an important milestone and beginning a new chapter of life. Emma Babb, May 2026 |
55 packing up every week Payton Hale This shows the challenges of living between two homes after a divorce. Packing up every week shows that life can be changing and challenging. To me it represents something I had to go through as a child. This shows the resilience it takes to keep up with different lifestyle. Carder Reich, May 2026 |
56 looking at your eyes Blake Whitener Though I don’t have any kids I loved this haiku. My siblings and I look so alike and we have quite an age gap so I am always hearing that my siblings are the little version of me from my parents. My dad loves to say my youngest brother has my exact face and mannerisms. I can also feel the love that this parent has in this haiku. Oniza Royeen, May 2026 |
57 behind the wheel |
58 I'm sick Elaine Shelby I found this haiku especially meaningful because it speaks to emotional exhaustion and the struggle of hiding pain behind appearances. The contrast between “pretty smiles” and “hidden tears” highlights how people often conceal their true feelings. The image of a “faded doormat” suggests someone who feels worn down from constantly putting others before themselves. This poem is honest, impactful, and leaves a lasting impression. Kennetra Shelby, May 2026 |
59 church doors open with |
60 chatter in the kitchen Carder Reich I grew up loving making cookies, so this haiku stuck with me. I can smell the cookie dough clearly and hear the cheerful banter as they're being made. Reading this made me want to reach for my sugar cookie scented build a bear and snack on my cookie dough bites as well, so I'm picturing more of a sugar cookie or chocolate chip cookie dough despite the fact that I originally pictured gingerbread. Elaine McLaughlin, May 2026 |
© 2026, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.