Haiku Attempts 16 - Final Kukai
Global Haiku • Millikin University • Spring 2008
silver splinters Andy Jones |
in the pumpkin patch Lindsay Scully |
stood up— |
he paces outside |
the rose dies Amanda Aukerman (5) Love is eternal. This is the biggest message I received when reading this haiku. There are many symbols people have tagged on to the idea of love in order to express it but there is truthfully only one way to express feeling and that is through personal interaction and expression of emotion with one’s lover. In this case, that interaction occurred over a letter. The man in this relationship shared his feeling with his significant other through the poetry of words and attached these words to his personal feelings for his lover. This paper carries more weight than any rose because it was scribed specifically for his lover. A rose can be purchased for someone but that takes a few dollars and a trip to the store. In this letter, each word is chosen carefully and time is invested to express the devotion and love this man feels towards his lover. Words are eternal as is the bond between two lovers. Jason |
laying in green grass Nicole Zabrinas (7) I like this haiku because it creates a very casual scene. I think everyone, as a child, has laid on the grass and let the sun warm them up. Definitely on the days when the temperature is just right; that is, it’s not too hot, not too cold, and the whether is clear. On days like those it’s all too easy to become drowsy after lying in the grass for a while. As a matter of fact there were a few times in grade school when I almost fell asleep in the grass. The haiku also reinforces this drowsiness when it talks about the sun acting as your “blanket”. Basically, to me it represents lying out in the sun and talking to friends. Brett |
blue kool-aid lips Alyssa Thompson (4) |
paints spill Amanda Aukerman (4) I like this haiku because of it’s imagery. I can picture an art student sitting and painting in the studio. They’re not being very careful and they have all of their paints sitting on top of their painting. As they are going to get a drink of water, they bump the painting and all of the paints spill. At first they are really upset about it, but they realize the colors together make a beautiful sunrise. Erin |
spring invasion— Andy Jones (4) I love the imagery in this haiku. The way the author personifies the flowers—something we associate as gentle and happy—as soldiers, is a contrast that many people would not think to make. I liked the image of an endless army of flowers covering an old battlefield during a time of peace. The color yellow makes me warm and calm, rather than the reds, blacks, and blues of war. I would much rather be invaded by this army than any other! Alyssa |
Mom and dad’s disappointment Alyssa Thompson |
he tosses Amanda Aukerman |
a lonely leaf Elise Wildman (3) |
bouncing baby |
sun’s warm beams— |
full moon Brett Coffman (4) I particularly like this haiku because it speaks about the truth in society today. When growing up all kids are expected, either by their parents or by themselves, to conform to the world around them in order to fit in. Often, such fitting in involves hiding parts of one’s personality or not answering truthfully to “do you like Patty Sue??!” in fear of the outcome. In this case, the moon rises above this social conflict and shines bright for all to see. Not only does it make itself clearly visible, but it also provides its light for all to see and follow. The moon became a torch to light the path of others who were too afraid to show their own true colors. Jason |
bonds broken Alyssa Thompson (3) This haiku stuck out to me. When I first read it, I thought it was a fight, and somewhere within the lines I read it was a broken bond of trust, particularly on an argument that comes up a lot between a parent and child--body piercings. I saw it as the daughter got her bellybutton pierced against her mother's wishes and her mother found out and now there was a rift between the two; however, I read over it again and realized it was much simplier, and much more natural than that. Very thought provoking (even if delayed thoughts). Aubrie |
the world against me… Elise Wildman |
cold afternoon Amanda Aukerman (5) This haiku definitely reminds me of playing outside in the snow when I was younger. I would play until my toes and fingers felt numb, which didn’t usually take long because I have bad circulation. After I had turned myself into a Popsicle I’d go inside and ask my mom for hot chocolate. She always bought the hot chocolate packs that came with tiny marshmallows in them. I’d always try to drink down all of the marshmallows first so my mother would give me some of the bigger marshmallows from a bag we had. Even though the haiku talks about tea, it definitely encompasses the feeling of holding a cup of hot chocolate; it does to me at least. Brett |
under the colored leaves Brett Coffman (3) I like this haiku because of the playful nature that it has. First the colors are colored—making for a bright multi-colored setting. Then the sense of togetherness is not depicted in a deeply romantic way, but instead it the togetherness becomes a game. “Your lips for mine,” the wording makes me think of two young lovers who are also the best of friends sitting beneath fall leaves, or perhaps bright green spring leaves. Kersten |
frozen house— |
the slipper fits Amanda Aukerman (2) I love this haiku because it’s an interesting thought about the classic fairy tale of Cinderella. I often thought how it was weird no one in the kingdom had the same shoe size as Cinderella. It’s not like her feet were abnormally large or small. Someone must have been able to fit in her shoes. This haiku makes me think about how they might have been deceived that the slipper just happened to fit. It may have not even been love from the start. Erin |
in a sleeping bag Gordon Gilmore (4) At first glance, I didn’t really understand why the first and third lines were the same. After a few moments of reflection, however, I caught on to what the author was doing (or so I think at least). I think the author made it so the first and second or second and third lines could be read independent of each other, all the while the meaning of the whole haiku would change subtly depending on which connection one chose to focus on. If you take the first two lines, for example, it creates a feeling of people trying to get warm. It seems to emphasize the sleeping bag and seems to create a colder atmosphere with people trying to get warm, and thus they would snuggly up to each other (assuming, of course, the two people had some sort of relationship—like good friend, relative, or etc). On the other hand, if you take the second and third lines it creates a warmer atmospheres, shifting the emphasizes to the bodies snuggling. This creates a more romantic atmosphere, and immediately brings up the idea of two lovers sleeping with each other under the stars. Regardless, I can’t really relate to this haiku, but its one of my favorites just because of its excellent set up. Brett |
in this chaotic world Alyssa Thompson |
the trees |
the trail Gordon Gilmore |
I ask him a question Alyssa Thompson (5) I'm still particularly fond of this one because of Pat's expansive backstory (in short, a drunk guy talking to the bronze man, getting angry and punching him). In general though, I think this is something relatable to any Millikin student, or anyone that has been on Millikin campus. Whenever you first see the bronze man, he startles the crap out of you. ...I think even the first three or four times he startled me--especially at night when I thought he was an actual person. However, I can also see this as someone who needs a person to talk to but everyone is having so many problems, he or she sits down on the bench and just begins to talk to the statue. Aubrie |
switch turned to on |
thunderboomers |
snow covered house— |
pregame “Our Father” Daniel Fishel |
cherry blossoms Brett Coffman (6) I liked this one because the reality of the situation is quite comical! I remember as a kid, I would eat everything, as long as it had cool colors or a fun texture (IE: Playdough, dog food, crayons, glue, flowers....ok, I was kind of a weird child...). I also remember the disappointment that came when you found out something was not what you expected it to be. Of course, one would think that something that produces such delicious fruit would be delicious in all of its stages of growth, but alas, that is the harsh reality of this cruel world, and apparently, this person found out the hard way! Alyssa This haiku seems like the perfect senryu to me. Everyone always tries to sugarcoat the truth to suit their own purposes. This haiku breaks that apart and shares with the reader the reality of what we face today. Despite the name, cherry blossoms don’t taste like cherries. Not everything is as it seems but it is up to us individually to seek out and discern what the real truth is and live up to our own standards. Jason |
the maestro Jason Chmiel (3) |
hair dripping Nicole Zabrinas (4) I like the carefree spirit of this haiku. I think most people desire to have a moment of feeling completely free and letting go of their inhibitions. This haiku exemplifies that freedom. I picture a group of close friends caught in a summer shower that comes out of nowhere. This also reminds me of a time during my first week at Millikin where my friends and I walked to the Avon to see a movie. On the way home, we got caught in a downpour and just started laughing at the circumstances, because we were miles from campus. It was this incident that brought us together as close friends, rather than just acquaintances. Lindsay |
baiting her hook and Elise Wildman (2) |
under the table Jason Chmiel (4) |
secret carnation |
barren trees— Gordon Gilmore (3) This haiku is one of those haiku that some how manages to make the saddest and loneliest situations still very beautiful. The leaf is twirling—almost doing a dance in its loneliness and then it finds another lonely piece of nature—a broken twig. I also like how the haiku gives the nature some human qualities and shows how to misfits or two damaged souls (pieces of trees in this case) can find each other and make things better. Kersten |
goodnight… |
open window… Kersten Haile (3) |
on hand and knees Elise Wildman |
bad times |
willow branching into Gordon Gilmore (2) |
spring morning— Elise Wildman (2) When I first read this haiku I imagined just a full nest of baby birds, with their mouths gapping open screeching in hunger. Aside them is a flustered mama bird that is hopelessly scanning the ground for signs of wormy life. However, after reading it once or twice more I got a different picture. I imagined this haiku to be representing the moment that a mother birds eggs begin to hatch. Her life is quiet and peaceful for the time that it takes the eggs to develop to the point of being ready to hatch. But, then when the day comes for the eggs to hatch, her entire life is turned upside down and her once peaceful quiet tree is now filled with yapping hungry baby bird mouths. Kersten |
bouncy ball Kersten Haile (10) I really like this haiku because it’s very true. My friends and I along with everyone I see on the quad every day love playing outside when it gets nice out. They bring out the games I haven’t played since grade school and yet we have just as much fun. Erin |
a stagnant fountain— Gordon Gilmore (3) |
my husband watching Elise Wildman (2) |
toothless grin… Alyssa Thompson (5) In this haiku I see an old woman at an old folks home. Her family never comes to see her, she is a widow, and her friends are dying every month. Despite all these sad things, this woman has realized that there is little time left that should not be filled with anything but happiness. The particular image I see, she is flirting with an equally zealous older gentlemen and what they are about to do is something to be read about in articles of a different nature. Matt |
sunrise. . . Jason Chmiel |
lecture hall… Alyssa Thompson (8) I like this haiku because it reminds me of how I feel in every single one of my classes at this point during the school year. I can imagine how I struggle to stay awake in every class because I am so completely sleep deprived. As teachers’ voices drone on and on, all I can think of is summer. Because my mind has completely left Millikin, the most boring thing like a hangnail can somehow gain my attention more easily than a teacher. Lindsay Getting distracted by the simplest things, and writing about them, never, ever grows old. Finding new things to becoming boredly interested in is always fun. Normally I am familiar with floor tiles, carpet, or holes in the ceiling. But I also like this one because I am often picking at hangnails, especially when rather bored, whether at home or in class. It's a wonder I didn't write this haiku. Aubrie This is a great poem that is so true. I know that classes get boring and you do anything to keep yourself entertained. This student sees a hangnail and debates we she’s going to do with it. She finally decides to try and bite it off. It takes her most of the lecture, but she finally gets it and class is over. Elise |
Chinese buffet Alyssa Thompson |
the new born’s bo dy Alyssa Thompson (2) My favorite thing about this haiku is its technique. The way the words are broken up much like they would be if spoken by someone with hiccups. I a couple looking through the glass at all the new born babies trying to find their own. One of them starts to hiccup and it catches their eye, and loe and behold it is their little baby experiencing his first hiccups. They both shed a tear. Matt |
summer rain Lindsay Scully (3) |
wind in her hair Lindsay Scully (3) |
can’t find the words Daniel Fishel (4) I like this poem, because the leader is like me. I was always described as a quiet leader, and one who led by example. I think the best leaders are the ones whom the team can just look at and know what they need to do. It’s also rewarding for a leader to see their team respect and follow what they say. Elise This reminds me of when I would play online games. The game in particular was SOCOM U.S Navy Seals. This game is based on a team of seals playing against a team of terrorists and when played online it holds potential to not only be a lot of fun but a guarantee hours of your life sucked away. Being a fan of leadership roles, I started my own clan. Soon, my class rose the ranks and was number one in the world. My team was good, and I was there leader. We were all fairly close for a bunch of guys who would never know each other if it wasn’t for this game. In a tournament, near the end of our rain, we had a horrible defeat. Morale was down, and there was talk of quitting. I told them how much the clan meant to me (sounds so nerdy, but this is so true), and we stuck together to the end of the season. Matt |
flowers blossoming… Brett Coffman (6) |
starless night. . . Jason Chmiel (8) I like the sweetness of this haiku. The author immediately sets up a black canvas and slowly brings it to life with the two lovers who are so enthralled with one another that they don’t need the stars. I picture the two of them out for a walk at midnight and completely content with one another. Just the company of being together is enough for the two of them. Lindsay This poem is a beautiful romantic poem. If it’s a dark cloudy night, the couple just has to look in each others eyes to see the stars. Or I see a love scene in a movie. The girl and boy look each other in the eyes and they start kissing. Elise
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little maps |
strawberry seeds |
the sun sets Amanda Aukerman |
no power… Brett Coffman (2) |
the first date Amanda Aukerman |
July afternoon Alyssa Thompson |
ice cream sundae Kersten Haile (2) |
babysitting Nicole Zabrinas |
late night drive Nicole Zabrinas (2) This reminds me of the road trip I took this summer with my best friend. We were so excited because our parents actually allowed us to drive from our homes in Indiana all the way to Canada for the week by ourselves! It was a drive that tested our endurance, and I remember trying to drive through the night into the early hours of the morning, as we would blast the radio to force us to stay awake. The only problem was when we went through certain areas, and there was nothing good on the radio, we had no choice but to make our own music. By the time the drive was over, neither of us had voices from talking all night and singing at the top of our lungs. There was never a feeling more satisfying. Alyssa |
summer night Nicole Zabrinas (3) |
after the dream Aubrie Cox (2) |
thinking Gordon Gilmore |
dappled light falls Andy Jones |
© 2008, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.