Global Haiku • Spring 2012
Dr. Randy Brooks

Shadow of My Youth

by
Catherine Hixson

Childhood memories, family, love—these are the things in life that matter most to me. They encourage, inspire me, and give life to my haiku. I relate so much emotion with the memories of my past as well as with the daily occurrences of love I experience now. I use this wealth of emotion when I write my haiku by simply allowing it to flow onto the paper. Only a short time ago, I might have assumed that haiku should be written about nature alone in a specific format with a 5-7-5 pattern of syllables. Today, however, I have learned that haiku is a true art form that allows for freedom in both subject matter and format. With that knowledge, I found, as any artist should, my inspiration. The following collection is an example of what I feel are my best haiku, written freely, and based on the days of my childhood, my beautiful family, and the love I feel every day.

Bio statement:

I am an Honors student at Millikin University studying Management in the school of business. My goal is to continue on to the MBA program at Millikin, and then to begin looking for a career in the health administration field. Ideally, in the long run, I will work as CEO of a hospital. I was always a very business minded person, so Global Haiku gave me the opportunity to develop my more creative side. I have enjoyed the experience and the chance it gave me to become more well-rounded, artistic, and open-minded.

two snow angels
in the backyard
slowly melt

lingering laughter
my brother and I
always young

father and daughter
floating in a canoe
the lake listens

three generations
side by side by side
matching necklaces

far from home
we celebrate
Independence Day

grandmother's name
scrawled inside
my Bible

trapped in a corner
fallen kingdom
chess

house quiet
in the morning chill
I lace my running shoes

1 – 2 – 3
counting my steps
in a waltz

the turtle
just a rock by the pond
in spring rain

butterfly tickling
my cheek
soft kiss

on the porch swing
steady sun
warms my feet

laughing out loud
just to see
her breath

spring breeze
with one hand
she holds down her skirt

stage kiss
with my best friend
nervous laughter

performing Grease
backstage
slicking back his hair

silent anticipation
they flicker
the lights

two coins dropped
in the fountain
ripples

touched by the Spirit
summer sun warms
a full heart

bride and groom
together forever
on a wedding cake

boardwalk breeze
smells from the bakery
drift across the water

missing teeth
the old woman's
brush

beauty with
a painted smile
what does she know?

walking the road alone
he picks a flower
for love lost