EN340 / IN350 Global Haiku Tradition
Dr. Randy Brooks
Spring 2004
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Haiku
by

Abe Millikin

This collection is dedicated to Brynn Clemons, as she was the inspiration for many of these haiku.

Knowing Abe has been one of the most memorable experiences of my Global Haiku Traditions class. From the day I met him, I knew he was a unique person ready to bring new experiences and ideas to the class. He has an appreciation for wordplay that is almost unsurpassed by writers of his experience. His haiku are unique in his ability to capture the ironic and delve into a world of "catchy" juxtaposition. I've enjoyed reading through his compositions and witnessing his extraordinary vantage points.

50 years
his last name
still hers

The preceding senryu is my favorite of Abe's collection. He easily captures the simplicity and beauty of a committed relationship, while maintaining a strong feel for the romantic element. His creativity in writing style is exemplified by this work, which is very simplistic but eloquent. It has been very enlightening to watch him grow as a writer and a person throughout this seemingly short semester. I am happy to have been part of his haiku experience.

—Alida Duff, Global Haiku Traditions, Spring 2004


spring shower
kisses like raindrops
soft and many


50 years
his last name
still hers


an old fishing knife
grandpa used
to cut cake


anchor dropped
we make
our own fireworks


old boat motor
whirring in its tiredness
          . . . stuck on the dock


7th inning stretch . . .
knee on peanut shells,
he proposes


flaming napkin
not part
of the date


bad directions
wadded up
finding my own route

          the miles
          carelessly rolling away


pencil tapping
50 days
to graduation


grey squirrel
peering through the window
unobserved student


autumn night
her lips in focus
my eyes gloss over


combing away
the day
picture perfect to me

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