PACE Global Haiku • PACE November 2012
Dr. Randy Brooks

Me Over Time

by
Charlie Gillaspie

Preface

I was first introduced to Haiku in Junior High School, back then the "art" of Haiku was only taught the  Japanese style of 5, 7, 5 syllables lines. So it comes as no surprise that when Global Haiku was offered during my time at Millikin University as an English credit I was not thrilled but took the leap because several fellow classmates had been so excited about the class they had taken with Dr. Randy Brooks. I am so glad I did so. I learned more in Dr. Brook’s class about Haiku then I had ever learned throughout my educational years. Knowing and understanding Haiku and reading and loving Haiku are part of the fun. Hearing other writers take on Haiku you have written opens your eyes to new perspectives and expands your own understanding of the world.

I am extremely thankful that I listened to my classmates for I developed a love for Haiku that I had never thought would be possible. I love writing my Haiku and try to do at least one Haiku daily. I write whenever the mood strikes me. I write about things that are going on in and around my life. I draw inspiration from work, home, school, family, and friends. Anything that affects my life is free game to write about. When I was in class for Global Haiku I worried that fellow classmates would not like what I had written. As I moved on from that class I am more concerned with how writing Haiku makes me feel rather than what others think. In Haiku they say the Haiku is not born until someone reads it and loves it, I like that and I like sharing with those who appreciate Haiku, however I never let what someone else thinks bring me down. 

When writing I sometimes jump from subject to season and back. When I first started in my Global Haiku class we were at times given topics to write about and I found that hard to do, if what I am writing about fits in with life I find it easier to write then when I am given a topic. I love nature and the seasons and all the beauty it holds year round. As a new writer to Haiku I have not yet set a pattern for how or what will be my most prominent subject but I am sure it will emerge as my writings continue.

Charlie Gillaspie

fresh dirt
under the old oak shade
matchbox cars

little boys
playing in the mud
mom's new worms

grandpa’s workbench
sturdy and dark
. . . her new bookshelf

bouncing bobber
on her fishing pole
Grandpa’s Pride

firefly’s flickering
in her mason jar . . .
death by morning

a dark green
park bench
homeless

his name engraved
in black granite
suicide