PACE Global Haiku • July 2006 Dr. Randy Brooks

Beth Forcum

Haiku by Beth Forcum I find writing haiku therapeutic. It is a great way for me to release anger and frustration, as well as to celebrate love, family, fond memories and beauty of nature. Haiku captures these moments and keeps them fresh and alive. I aspire to write haiku that will be true and real enough to be appreciated and enjoyed by many. But, even if no one else ever reads my haiku, I enjoy writing them. It is an exercise in discipline and precision. In as few words as possible, to choose and arrange them in such a way to provoke the mind to create an image or feeling that goes beyond mere words. Taking this Global Haiku course at Millikin University was my introduction to real haiku. Being exposed to great haiku by some of the very best haiku authors in the world, inspired me to try to writing my own. I may not have achieved greatness, but I have enjoyed the journey. I plan to continue reading and writing haiku for my own enjoyment and personal development.

window ledge night breeze cools my silent tears bright flowers bow under hot sun dirt under my fingernails rocking baby back to sleep soft smell of powder icy rain stings my face climate of my heart reading all day on the back porch swing lost… clean scent of pine captive in our living room a real Christmas tree tacky ornaments out of musty shoeboxes little girls’ treasure brand new pencils anxious to begin back-to-school again Easter morning it’s too cold for this frilly dress   hint of smoke on a cool breeze promise of autumn golden trees wave and sway autumn breeze warm faces aglow in the dance of the campfire family’s gentle laughter RENGAY: Forgiveness love you despite all my angry words I always will lightening flash and thunder crashes rain pounds the earth turn away searching the darkness for answers through tears feeling helpless hostage to my pride afraid to reach out fickle summer storm runs itself out so quickly drips from the gutter anger subsides fingertips graze her bare shoulder The Struggle bitter silence everything I want to say but can't (BF)       screaming thoughts     within my head (JK)   angry tears down my cheeks where do I turn? (BF)   mountain top the view is breathtaking you hear the wind (JK)       silence from within     peace at last (BF) new dawn you awake cold shoulders break (JK)

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© 2006, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.