EN340 / IN350 Global Haiku Tradition
Dr. Randy Brooks
Millikin University PACE Summer 2004
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Selected Haiku
by

Megs Lewis

My approach to writing haiku is to see the essence in something. It can be a personal feeling or it can be something in the environment. The challenge is to eliminate the unnecessary by using critical observation. The most important part or essence can then be captured and recorded in as few words as possible.

Usually the inspiration comes from a moment in time, like one frame in a movie reel. I try to be aware without making judgments, and just look. This kind of observing helps me to get to the heart of what’s happening. When I place my attention in the now, it is easier to see clearly and I become aware of a haiku taking shape.

I like to write for myself from my personal experiences or from my imagination, and hope it stimulates memories or associations in the reader. Since it is not necessary for me to say everything, readers have the freedom to interpret the images from individual perspectives based on those memories or associations – and I certainly hope they do!


in the back of the truck
giggling
faces full of hay


the twins
much older now
smiles from the past


top hat tumbling
through fingers
wintry gust

 

 

a slow descent—
one silk strand
to break his fall


thick cardboard
hidden in the leaves
my mattress for tonight

 

 

velvet curtain
behind it toes and feet
lightly wrapped

thunder
in my ears and heart
roses at my feet


false bottom
where will it be next winter
this ache of mine

 

 

Beyond Enjoyment

in the silent garden
a weeping willow
summer sun

        softly filtered rays
        piercing silence

lazy wind flows
across silver chimes
notes on breezes

        sun drifting lower
        from the distance
        intruder returning

coaxing him closer
he glides across my ankle

        home again
        adventures over—
        for now

Megs Lewis & Barb Bankson


Ginko For July 4, 2004
by Megs Lewis & Laura Tucker

garden walk
only three
4th day in July

winged trumpet call
beckons
a welcome

color burst
what flower is this?

chipmunk
on the rock
leading the way . . .

pine needles
sparkle
in the hand of the tree

moss covered stones
at the bottom of the pond
a nickel

coming together
butterfly
and flower

terraced rainbow
     standing still
     movement everywhere

waving in the wind
half mast
red and white stripes

kids on the hill
smell of sulfur
everybody run

(Nelson Park rock garden)

 

©2004 Randy Brooks, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois || all rights reserved for original authors