spring fed river
on the banks
we sit and wait

Angie Hawk

I enjoy the gentle imagery of this haiku. I can hear a very calm river flowing over the stones on the bed. I can feel the warmth of the sun; why else would we sit at the bank and wait? It doesn't matter for what we're waiting. David M

warm sunlight
sitting in the bleachers
staring into the empty field

Brooke DeWall (3)

droves of drunks
piling into pubs
one bites my shoulder

Katie Burke (4)

I laughed quite a bit at the thought that this haiku creates. Mardi Gras in New Orleans would be pure pandemonium. I really liked the alliteration that is used in the first two lines. The word “bites” literally bites through the previous rhythm in the first two lines of the haiku. It is definitely a bizarre inspiration for haiku but Mardi Gras is a bizarre holiday to begin with. You can’t help but chuckle at this funny haiku. Zack

behind Shilling Hall
a girl sobs
next to the Bronze Man

dust
you shall return
she cries

mass insurgency
battle cry
more beer

stirring baby
now fast asleep
bottle and mood cools

Dan Simpson

gold, green, and purple beads
around the necks
of drunk soccer moms

           Zack Glenn (9)

I can just imagine this scene; Mardi Gras is such a crazy place. It is so weird because I have heard that no matter who you are, where you’re from or what you are doing there that there are always tons of different people at Mardi Gras. It is such a wild place and I think that it brings out the craziness in all people. It is funny because you think of a soccer mom and she is all about her kids and family and then she comes down here and she is doing things people at home would never believe. The mention of the colors just takes me straight down there too. This is a very fun Haiku. Jill

Now I had to write about this one because every guy in the world loves to see hot moms show off their boobs. The best part is the chance of seeing one of your friends' moms like that. Soccer moms are like every guys fantasy and that is why this haiku jumps out at me. Matt

the toned black cat
on its back
life is a fake mouse

deep inside the easy chair          spiderman

           Joanne Weise (4)

I like this one because most college kids knows what it is like staying up or out all night and then finally getting back to bed and just wanting to go to sleep. But as soon as you do, you have to wake up or are not able to go to sleep at all because you have to start the next day. And that next day is so much fun, dragging yourself around all day because you have no energy, just hoping that you could get some kind of a nap in before your next class. So this haiku brings back some nice and not so nice memories of staying up all night. Matt

Sunday morning service
watching the nails
in Jesus’ aching wrists

Michael Knowles

I really liked this Haiku because it has special meaning to me. I have always been a very religious person and my relationship with God means a lot to me. So I can just imagine myself looking up at the cross or just thinking about what Jesus did for me. God gave his only son so that I could be forgiven for my sins and there is no greater act of love that any man has ever done for anyone. In this Haiku it almost sounds like it is taking place right then and I think that is cool because God does take those beatings or give that sacrifice every time I make a mistake. Jill

he walked into school
for the first time in years
with ashes on his forehead

Zack Glenn

This was a very interesting haiku. When I first read it, I thought it meant the boy had not been to school in years, and when he finally did he had ashes on his forehead. But when I re-read it, I realized that it was a boy who was not very religious or seen as a religious man and one day he came into school not afraid to show his faith. This haiku reminded me of what people call a born-again Christian. Throughout many people’s lives, things happen that challenge one’s faith. I feel like this boy was very religious but something happened that made him lose faith. Perhaps a parent or sibling died and he rejected his faith. I then think that something good happened in his life where he decided to accept Jesus back into his life and wear the ashes on his forehead for all to see. Sarah

finally
sitting on the couch
the buzzer goes off

Brooke DeWall (6)

It is late in the evening and I just got home. I am starving because I ate an early lunch and haven’t eaten dinner yet. I go into the kitchen to find something to eat. As I go through the cabinets and freezer I realize I am nearly out of food. I finally find a meatloaf that was frozen a week or two ago. I hate meatloaf but I am so hungry I decide to make it anyway. I preheat the oven and impatiently wait for it to get hot enough to put the food in. After I get the meatloaf in the oven I set the timer, lay on the couch and watch TV. Finally the timer goes off. Rachel

girls bathroom
she washes the ashes
from her forehead

Laura Podeschi (10)

I remember being in Elementary and even Middle school and how hard it was to be the one who was “different.” Anything that brought attention to you or made you stand out to people was avoided at all costs. This haiku makes me think of a little girl whose mother made her go to school with the Ashes on her forehead. Not from any lack of faith, the ashes on her forehead that make her stand out embarrass her. As soon as she gets to school she runs to the girls’ bathroom and scrubs the ashes from her forehead before anyone can see them. Perhaps at a later date she will look back on this moment and laugh, but at the present moment, the ashes on her forehead are the most terrible thing that could have happened to her. Nicole

I liked this one because as a junior high student everyone was concerned with their looks. The ashes were washed off as soon as mass was over. Apparently, everyone was more worried about looking cool and doing what the cool kids did. Katie

This one reminds me of growing up Catholic. I remember that my mom used to take me out of school every year so I could go to Ash Wednesday service with her. I was always torn about the ashes on my forehead when I would return to school. I wanted to wash them off because I was embarrassed, but I thought God would be angry with me if I did. It was quite a conumdrum for an 8 year old. Ashlee

winter darkness
forehead aches
with love

masks all around
searching the crowd
now where is she

child screams at dirt
on man's forehead
ash wednesday

somber hymn . . .
Sunday dress
on Wednesday

Joanne Weise

I like the capitalization of the letters really punching there importance to the occasion. I think that this haiku has a very pretty feeling, the feeling of the dress and the properness of the whole thing makes it very calm and pretty. and I like the somber hym, I can hear it in my head and I feel that im in a nice quite church one of acceptance and oneness. James

forty
days and nights
of purity

Mardi Gras
what happens there
stays there

Matt Tierney (4)

Wednesday evening
ash and hymns
lost to the frescos

Michael Knowles

I liked this one because I can picture the kids in Mass staring at the walls out of boredom. I liked the word frescos because very rarely are there churches that still have those. It makes the haiku seem historical. Perhaps there were kids that did that when those frescos were freshly painted. Katie

ashes on her forehead
avoiding the stares
of curious classmates

a look of concern
Ol' Roy rests his head
on my lap

tv ads
girls flaunting sadly
last page of Salinger

Dan Simpson (5)

This haiku did not spark anything at first. I had to focus on the single idea of JD Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. This idea that Holden Caulfield expresses about the fakes and phonies his world when compared to the illusions created by the TV ads and these girls flaunting is an excellent merging of images. This haiku was not an instantaneous spark but a long slow burning flame of illusions of its own. Dan T.

memory
of dark ashes
tickling my nose

Ash Wednesday
funeral service
I wonder what to wear

           Laura Podeschi (4)

The two first lines of this haiku both carry so much weight. “Ash Wednesday” holds very solemn religious connotations, while “funeral service” has a certain amount of seriousness to it as well. The two lines juxtapositioned hold even more meaning. I think the choice is very interesting. Both imply something very serious and important. Both seem to have a sense of remembering someone else’s life. Yet, aside from all of that what really seems to matter at the moment is the ending line: “I wonder what to wear.” Perhaps the decision is too hard considering the weight of both the events and the person is simply overcome with the possibility of picking out clothes. Or, maybe amidst all of this weight and solemnity, maybe it is still the small things that matter such as what to wear. Nicole

weeks after the game
the chalk
gives the game play

no call in weeks
we need some space
walking alone

the young mother
waltzes time
across old floorboards

cold breeze
colorful mask floating
down the empty street

           John Heger

I really liked the image this haiku gave me. A few years ago I spent New Year’s Eve on Burbon Street. It seemed similar to the celebration held during Mardi Gras. People dressed up and wore brightly colored boas and masks–they even gave out colorful beads. The street was all lit up and people were selling necklaces and other gadgets that had bright colored lights. The street was so crowded it was hard to walk anywhere. So when I read this haiku, I imagined a dark street littered with beer cans and empty cups. To me, it was early in the morning and the last few stragglers were walking home to go to sleep. By the end of the night, no one really wanted any masks or boas so they just left them on the street–and I see a bright colorful mask taking a life of it’s own dancing in the street. Sarah

I really liked this one, along with the rest of my group. I remember growing up down south and going to New Orleans every year for Mardi Gras. It was such an incredible sight, and we always had a wonderful time. This reminds me that everything must end, and that when the fun is over, everything is as it was. Ashlee

stretching to be taller
catch the beads
thrown by masked faces

           Ashlee Peth

This haiku just stuck out to me for some reason. I think it captures the unreal quality of Mardi Gras pretty well. You can see this huge street party, tons of people milling around in all directions, and above it all are these masked faces throwing beads. Nobody knows who anyone else is, but it's not really important. There's a real magical quality in the air. Molly

fading sun
burnt nose
neck full of beads

cotton candy high
mom holding back
as I run ahead

sarcastic smile
at the refrain
from food

little schoolgirl
touches her face
ashy fingertips

police car
handcuffed woman inside
green light

           Rachel Walker (6)

This haiku reminded me of a Girl’s Gone Wild video gone wrong. Some girl gets crazy at Mardi Gras and gets talked into doing something that is illegal. Upon getting caught, she is hauled off … trapped in the back of the musty police car. It just seems like the ultimate end to a Mardi Gras party. Ashley

smile
can i walk home
with you

Julie Bilbrey

I chose this because I see it as a couple of young people on their first valentines date. I also see two people meet and they have a good conversation and one doesn’t want it to end, so the offer to walk the other home. I can tell that the one asking is probably nervous in asking the question, afraid of the answer, so they have to smile to calm their nerves. Tony

on the road
we talk about
where we've been

           Laura Podeschi (4)

This is a very content-feeling haiku. Rather than trying to foresee and predict what the future might hold, these individuals are reminiscing about the “good old days.” Although they are moving forward, they value their past and cherish the memories they have shared with one another. Angie

This haiku reminds me of the trip I took to Europe with my friend Sarah. We met quite a few interesting people along the way and told them of our travels. The most vivid memory was from being in a small village north of Dublin. We met quite a few interesting people there, one being an American from Alaska, a German family, and a very friendly Irish man who worked at the hostel in which we were staying. All the people we met there were very friendly and open and genuinely interested in who we were. Mike

rearview mirror
mardi gras beads
dance year long

           Dan Temkin (3)

I like this haiku because this is a subject that even though only occurs once a year can be seen all year long like it says. I can say I have been guilty of the beads on the mirror fad, but I think it is fun. This haiku works well, but I did notice that the words describe themselves, there aren’t any describing words in it, and it doesn’t need any. I think it is a good Haiku for that reason! Brooke

heart pounds
I gave it up
for Lent

blowing out the candles
wish
for one more year

smothered in beads
girls dance
in the moving convertible

open door
on Bourbon Street
I succumb to it . . .

hunched in the corner
white robe clings
to skin and bones

young girl catches
a punch in the mouth
parade rages on

           Rachel Walker (4)

Mardi Gras
alone,
I expose my breasts

           Nicole Silverman

I thought this one was funny, because as a reader I was really able to picture someone who when around friends and such would not have done this. Since she is all off by herself and maybe she sees some cute guys or something or she just was feeling brave and she does it just once. A real moment of exposure on which other occasions she may not have done the same. David K

beads for boobs
all around me
Is this Heaven? 

           David Koester (5)

I liked this haiku because I went to Mini-Mardi Gras, and I shared the same experience. I just thought it was funny that the writer expressed it in this way, thinking boobs were heaven. Its nice to see how people want to view their heaven. Tony

the Illini win
by six
Fat Tuesday

         Laura Podeschi

This was my favorite one out of them all. The reason for this is because me and all of my friends got together for this game and watched it and it was so much fun. I can totally just recall the way the whole night went and it was a lot of fun. Haiku’s like this that you can relate to so well also do a good job of just putting a smile on your face. David K

Lenten farewell,
licking chocolate off
fingertips

           Nicole Silverman (5)

standing up above
I throw myself
at the beautiful women

razzle-dazzle
rosary of baubles
clutches in bunches

           Jennifer Godwin (5)

with thumbprints
we all share
god's love

calm reflection
midweek
ashes to ashes

two weeks after Easter
the smell leads us
to the missing egg

           Molly Burns

in the enjoyment of Easter morning, the children count the eggs and realize that one is missing. the parents try to think of where they hid it, but because they hid so many, they have no idea where it was until it starts to smell and they find it later. We never had to worry about this in my house, because my dog would usually find it and play with it before it got too old. Chris

some girl
takes off her top
for plastic beads

           Laura Podeschi

Mardi Gras does not really impress me that much to begin with. I don’t understand why so many women would degrade themselves just for some cheap plastic beads. This haiku illustrates the impersonal nature of Mardi Gras and how the “cheap” experience can take away someone’s identity. Instead of “(name)” the haiku uses “some girl” as if to say that exposing yourself takes the attention away from you and puts the spotlight solely on your boobs. It’s plain old objectification of women. It’s so cheap. No wonder the only reward is the attention from a bunch of drunks and some cheap plastic beads! Zack

whispering pew
two children fight
over who’s more dirty

           Nick McLenighan (5)

The large echoey church where whispers can be heard from any corner, these two children bicker away. Their parents maybe sitting nearby shushing them with no result. Each child thinks the more ash on their brow the more faithful they are. These children are the type who no matter what it is are always competing against each other for priority. Dan T.

moonlit sky
I drift to sleep
still angry

           Ashley Knezevich (3)

I hang up my cell phone and toss it onto my bed. It’s late and I didn’t expect to be on the phone that long. I set my alarm, I have an early class tomorrow and I need to get to bed. I lay down and try to fall asleep but the conversation I just had with replays in my head. I become more and more angry with her as I fall asleep. When I finally fall asleep I dream about calling her back. In the dream I confront her about the choices she is making. I yell at her loudly, telling her she is stupid. She yells back and throws a book at me, it just misses my head. I dream the same dream over and over again all night. I finally wake up to the loud beeping of my alarm, I feel angry and agitated. Rachel

I don't like this haiku! I mean I like the writing and it definitely serves a purpose, I just don't like the image of going to bed mad. I do it sometimes and its terrible for the soul. So what I do like about it is that it does capture this image and captures it well. And we as the reader can perhaps take something from it an learn from it. James

I really liked this haiku because I can relate to it. Its very broad and general and it seems to be a re-occuring theme in my current life. This haiku is very simple, but can generate a thousand meanings behind its few words. Ashley

old friends reunite
pretending
nothing has changed

           Molly Burns (8)

this haiku just opens up a situation in witch you can see two people who had been best friends for such a long time, but for some reason the friendship was broken off for a period of time. When they try to spend time together again, all they can think aboutis how aqward it is, and they cant wait till they can get it over with. Chris

I appreciate this haiku because I can easily relate to it. When I get together with friends from high school, I find it very difficult to understand what they have gone through since I've seen them last, nor can they relate to my recent experiences. The only things left for us to discuss comfortably, then, are those topics that we talked about and dealt with together in high school. Each of us pretends that circumstances haven't changed, like WE haven't changed, as we reminisce about who we once were. Laura

I glance beyond the flowers,
seeing them kiss
in the churchyard

          Nicole Silverman

This reminds me of some Technicolor dream, something out of the movie Big Fish or something. It feels very bright and happy, very sheltered. Beyond the dreamlike qualities of the flowers and churchyard, there is this voice that is seeing these two people kiss. I begin to wonder who this person is and whether or not they are happy that these two people are kissing. Perhaps it’s a slighted ex-boyfriend or a proud father. I like the open-ended effect of this haiku and the drama of the bright and dark aspects. Mike

moonlight shining
stillness
I watch her dance

           James Harnett (2)

breasts, rightie and leftie
exhibited freely
we turn our heads

sign of the cross
i walk the aisles
of empty worshipers

           James Harnett (6)

excuse me
drink Spilled
“MAN”

Sunday’s best
ashes to ahses
dawn to dusk

the most beads
can’t just give ‘em up
let's see ‘em ladies

cheap beads
against bare skin
sparkle sparkle

           David Meyer (2)

My group and I really enjoyed this haiku. One can imagine attending a Mardi Gras party where a great number of the girls decide to take off their tops in order to receive beads. I feel that this poem questions the point behind this tradition. I believe that the last line, "sparkle sparkle" sums up this haiku perfectly. At the present time, these women may feel glamorous; their beads may seem to sparkle, but in the morning light, they prove to be merely cheap imitations. Laura

fishing with my family
at night
all of the stars

           Tony Lipka

This is one of my fondest childhood memories. My family and I loved to go to the spillway at night to fish during the spring and summer months. We would bring all of our gear along with picnic-style food and a kerosene lantern. These are wonderful times I am able to share with my mother, father, and three brothers. Angie

I can see a star-filled sky above a dark, calm lake. I feel the gentle rocking of the boat and the faint tugs of the line as the water pulls the line this way and that. David M

late night
conversation slipping
through cracks

men and women
old and young
ashes unite them

           Cory Hodges (7)

looking up at mom
wondering
does he really forgive

warm by the fireplace
a chill fills the air
presence of a lost one

         Matt Tierney

I imagine someone sitting alone on the floor in front of the fireplace. They are warmed by the flames, but still wrapped in a wool blanket. Deep in thought, they remember a loved one lost. It had been many years since the person has passed away, but they think of them each and every day. Feeling the familiar, yet strange presence, produces a cold shiver up and down their spine. This particular haiku reminds me of my sister that passed away some years ago. I think of her often and sometimes feel that she is with me, watching over me. She died while in her 20’s from complications associated with diabetes and I feel that her life was cut short. This haiku makes me feel sad in some ways, but remembering her life, warms my heart. Jennifer

what to do
what to say
wish it were a dream

got to get away
       just some fresh air
hot summer

looking into his eyes
black dust
forgiven

at recess
all the kids comparing
ashed foreheads

crown cake
purple, gold, green
my turn to serve

construction-paper heart
covered in glitter
the young boy blushes

           Angie Hawk (9)

This one just made me smile. I can see this little boy, probably no older than five or six, hiding his homemade Valentine behind his back. He's probably been working painstakingly on it for hours and is so excited to give it to someone. The fact that he's blushing makes me think he's giving it to a little girl (or maybe I have it backwards and he's just had this Valentine given to HIM), but I could also see a little boy making something like this for his mother or grandmother. It's just a very sweet, innocent image. Molly

This haiku reminds me of young boy’s first love. The boy had one particular girl in mind while making this heart and takes special care to make it look really good. The color red is very prominent in this haiku, with the reference to heart, blushes and the reader assumes Valentine’s Day. I also see gobs of white glue poking out behind the red glitter. I get the feeling of lots of texture in this one, the rough construction paper and the gritty glitter, that most of the time falls off. It also reminded me of my son who is 10. When you start talking about girls in his class that he likes, he gets embarrassed and tries to change the subject. First love is so innocent and sweet… Jennifer

I like this one because it is cute. It reminds me of when I was in grade school and we made valentines to give to each of the students in our class. I remember how it was always the gossip of the class who got a valentine from one of “the” dream boys in the class. I think that it is also written well, and I think anyone can picture this happening. Brooke