PACE Global Haiku • PACE February 2010
Dr. Randy Brooks

Best Haiku

of
Arthur T. Hinton III

Writing haiku has definitely been a great experience for me. When I write haiku I like to take my real life experiences and attempt to word the poem in a way that my reader can see themselves and their experiences in it instead of attempting to interpret something that they can't relate to. Haiku has given me another outlet of expression other than my music and my spoken-word poetry that I am known for. Hopefully, as you read my haiku, they will take you to a place you haven't been in awhile.

snow in the window
child's wish—
no school tomorrow

in the darkness
I hear the heart beat
that beats for me

early mornings,
late nights
a father secures their future

IN THE DISTANCE

colors from the sidewalk
tell stories
of yester years

darkness of the day
overshadows great potential

The stain that never washed away
mom's anger
a warning to walk the line

autumn wind sings a song
the trees dance to its melody

a book that tells time
the past well recorded
blank page for the future

the brightness of the sun comes through a window
and with it peace.

DINNER WITH THE MRS.

cool night
reflections of the moon
in her eyes

silent phrase
the look on her face says
I wonder what the kids are doing?

short drive now long
frustrated
still don’t know our destination

familiar sentiment
the bounce in her walk
still drives me crazy

impatient
unrecognized by our waiter
tip shrinks every minute

rubbing hands
lips of concern asks
How was your day?

fatigued
game over
eyes bigger than stomach

inflation
am I on an episode of punked?
this bill must be wrong

Arthur? Arthur?
I swear I hear the bed
-calling my name

home again
an evening to remember
sleeping in the arms of my best friend