PACE Global Haiku • Spring 2008 Dr. Randy Brooks

Jason Chmiel RanDomNess Kasen Renga Jason's Haiga (Photoshop Haiku)

Starless Night by Jason Chmiel Haiku is a language of the mind and heart. It requires both the unique skill of painting a descriptive image in as few words as possible and connects those words to emotions so deep it evokes a response from the reader. As a form of poetry originally written in Japan, haiku has undergone many transformations to become the type we read and write today. Whether a tanka, renga, kasa no renga, or senryu, haiku has many faces that can all accomplish evoking emotion and providing great detail for its reader. Traditionally haiku has two verses that are similar with one straying from the other two but connecting two ends of the puzzle to still form a complete picture. There is also a kigo (seasonal word) present in one of the lines to give the reader a sense of place where he/she can then build the picture from. starless night . . . I find them in your eyes Haiku can be passionate or fearful, it can bring joy or sorrow, it can spur curiosity or inferiority, but most importantly, it evokes emotion. Emotion is a trade that defines us as humans so it is up to us to share this feeling with the people around us as well as future generations as we live our individual lives experiencing different emotions each day. This was my goal when compiling these works so I hope they speak to you as much as they did to me when scribing them. Enjoy! • Jason Chmiel is a freshman Management Information Systems/Computer Science double major who plans on using his degrees to become a systems analyst for State Farm upon graduation. He has two siblings named Matthew and Stacey. Matthew, who also attends Millikin and is involved in all three greek organizations as well. Next year Jason’s sister will also be attending Millikin on a full ride scholarship. Jason is actively involved in several greek organizations which include Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, Alpha Lambda Delta Honors fraternity, and Tau Kappa Epsilon Social fraternity where he plans to prepare for the obstacles he will face in life after college.

reflections the pond bears natures thumbprint

the politician tells his son Santa exists

secret carnation tag on the stem forever yours

cold winter night her beauty lingers what dreams may come

© 2008, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.