PACE Global Haiku • PACE July 2013
Dr. Randy Brooks

Joy

by
Dana Sayles

Preface

After 25 years I decided to go back to school—no small feat for someone already working 2 jobs. When my advisor suggested a haiku class—I welcomed this first class openly as I have always enjoyed writing. Little did I know I was going to find pure joy in taking this class. Thus I have titled by book of haiku "Joy".

This course has opened my eyes and made me look at the world from a new perspective again—giving me a joy in the everyday things we tend to overlook in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. I hope these haiku bring you as much joy reading them as I had writing them.

office politics
heavy heart
I play the game

3rd shift
to protect and serve
home safe

leaning over the edge
he licks the soap
off my arm

nervous laugh
a sideways glace
young love

gentle stream
I see my reflection
in the tadpole's eyes

two giggling girls
share a stand
Fresh Lemonade!

family cookout
the men
Mind the grill

first summer day
the rain falls gently
without the sun

the old locket
hangs from the mirror
grandma’s love

though slowly now
I still walk
beside you

old family Bible                 
favorite passage marked
by a dried carnation

a winter's night
my Nana's quilt
warms my lap

I hold his fragile hand
across the bed rails
like he used to hold mine

wiggle, wiggle, wiggle
dog on his back
in fresh cut grass

rocking the baby
in the chair
where I used to be rocked