Global Haiku • Spring 2009
Dr. Randy Brooks

And Then, Nothing

by
Brandy Bockewitz

To my mom, who gave me life

Writer's Introduction:

Throughout my collection, "And Then, Nothing," readers can witness personal subjective perspectives on life. Most of the selected haiku focuses on the actualities of reality such as life, death, and everything in between. I prefer to write haiku with subjects that everyone can experience, not only a small selected audience. Instead, by writing haiku based on reality, all readers can see topics through my own visions, while still creating their own.

"And Then, Nothing" refers to the idea of that moment where one is waiting for something to happen. He or she is so excited about this something...and then it happens. Afterwards, there is nothing but the memory.

To me, my writings do not lie, but only help tell the truth.

—Brandy K. Bockewitz, author

Reader's Introduction:

While reading Brandy's haiku collection, I noticed a theme develop as the haiku progress. I noticed that Brandy tends to be analytical about situations which occur on a day-to-day basis. To notice these situations arise takes a perceptive mind, which she possesses; yet, being perceptive is a common trait and nothing to boast of. Brandy has developed a way to not only understand the significance of life's serenity, but has found a way to plunge underneath the superficial beauty and give a narrative of what others fail to understand. Many halt and bask in the other-worldly feeling when an inspirational moment manifests, yet Brandy can describe the moment into its dark, subliminally beautiful form.

a flash of yellow
and then, nothing

I enjoy this haiku, as it can be interpreted multiple ways depending upon the reader. One could read this haiku and envision a somber scene of a person watching a stormy sky. Another may develop an image of what may had become seconds before death. This haiku relies upon the subjectivity of the reader, thus evoking a more personal experience.

—Jacob M. Poshard, friend

in the deep of the woods
a snake
changes clothes

caught in moon craters
mute and unheard
a real woman's wish

talking to grandpa
I notice an ant
on his name

in the wind
a caterpillar
holds onto the ground

widow's house
in the attic we find
a love nest

gasoline feud
he finally leaves the car
with her gloves

in the bottle
I see your eyes
staring back at me

rustic cold metal
from a distance
an army of robots

looking down
I pretend to paint the ocean
with a trunk of a tree

A Somber Cloud
by Brandy Bockewitz and Jacob Poshard

drops of rain
consumed slowly
by thirsty skin

in my bag
an umbrella

a cry
from a cloud
as it turns gray

windshield wipers
create a lasting smudge

distant headlights
form watercolors
on a clear canvas

a flash of yellow
and then, nothing