the only man
who doesn't complain
when you leave him hanging

Kaitlyn Foster (5)

separate body parts
form a body
hangman

Choose your letters wisely
from A to Z
try not to hang me

Kaitlyn Foster (6)

I really liked this haiku because of the way it was worded. I related it to having an important conversation with someone. In important conversations, what you say and how you say it are two very critical aspects. When people speak without thinking, there can be consequences. Choosing letters corresponds with choosing words wisely because what you say to others can have immense unknown impacts. Ally

dead man
on a chalkboard
hand drawn gallows

Nicole Wells (7)

when you lose
just wipe him away
a new chalk gallow

soft whisper
in my neighbor’s ear
telephone

watching cartoons in bed
with a cup of cold apple juice
home sick

Rachel Humphrey (4)

phone off
the pitter patter of rain
soothes me to sleep

Allyson Isenhower (5)

I really liked this haiku, not only because I love the rain, but because of the description the author used. Whenever it rains I always sleep like a baby. To me, the rain is the most comforting kind of weather to spend in bed. The author used really good descriptive words to get the readers to feel like they were in this moment like, “phone off the pitter patter of rain”. I felt this description just perfectly set the scene for readers to imagine themselves in their room, the lighting is pretty dim (due to it raining and it being cloudy), and their phones are off. It is completely silent; all that can be heard is the pitter patter of the rain, and it's not storming really hard just lightly enough to be able to get comfortable enough to go to sleep in. Alyssa

your hat
on my nightstand
reminding me of you

Allyson Isenhower (7)

I enjoy this haiku because it brings a sad memory out in a positive way. She doesn't just say that she is missing him, but she describes the scenario. Your hat could mean anything. Someone could have left their hat on a bench or anything, then she says it's that dang hat right on the nightstand. It makes her think about him and she doesn't like to think about him or she does. She leaves you thinking about why it reminds her of him. Did he leave it there because they got in a fight and they didn't want to see each other again or is he in the military? Maybe it was a onetime thing and it happened fast but he's gone and she's already missing him. Travis

talk of love
smiles hangover
a cup of tea

soft breeze
pinetree whistle
secrets of life

light smoke forms
barriers over
the top of the smokys

music blasting
in a room packed with people
but I see only you

Allyson Isenhower (8)

I liked her haiku because it adds a very good visual. I see someone staring across a crowded room with someone talking to them and they are only giving their attention to the person they are looking at. It felt like butterflys filled my stomach because Ive felt this way several times. Ryan

an icy climb
up a hill
to see you again

a hot shower
washing away
the bad day

Allyson Isenhower (9)

I really liked this haiku because of how much I could relate to it. When I read this I think of having gone through a really long, rough day and finally getting home to be able to shower the day off. I imagine having a really bad day at work; maybe I had a couple of customers who had one too many special requests which also involved getting a lot of things done in a short period of time, and I was there since the morning. A hot steamy shower is just the right fix to end my day on a better note. All the tension I had in my shoulders from this bad day have gone away, and I finally get to lay in bed and relax. Alyssa

one more
empty swing
on the playground

soft snores
in the dark
the cat meows

a scratch
itching till it bleeds
overthinking

Rachel Humphrey (6)

This was my double vote for kukai this week. As a part of my anxiety disorder, I overthink a lot of things in my life. This haiku establishes a brilliant metaphor for how it feels to overthink. Nothing good can come from scratching something so much that it bleeds, and nothing good can come from overthinking. Overthinking is a lot like scratching an itch because it's nearly impossible to keep yourself from doing it. I just really relate to this poem a lot and love the metaphor that it creates. Nicole

humidity rolls in
the open garage door
coolers as chairs

Rory Arnold (3)

This haiku reminds me of summers as a kid. I would go to my friend’s house and play with her neighbors, and everyone’s garages were always open to hang out in. I picture a group of friends, eating popsicles and cooling off in a garage after playing in the heat and humidity. Rachel

she thinks a
kiss is coming
a handshake instead

Rory Arnold (9)

I liked this haiku because It gave me a sense of awkwardness. I made me feel like I was the one going in for the kiss and that person didn’t have any intentions of it. It was a vivid scene that weve all seen 1000 times before in movies. Ryan

I like this Haiku because the wording is placed awkward, and it doesn't flow like a normal Haiku. I like that because the situation in the Haiku is awkward, so it's ironic. Kaitlyn

lawn chairs
by the poolside
talking of years past

Rory Arnold (4)

caterpillar measures
the length of a bone
a body hidden in the woods

Nicole Wells (9)

I see myself walking into the forest, not expectant of the horrors I'm about to cross. Once I see it, I'm terrified and disgusted of the body—its parts becoming mangled as the corpse begins to rot. As I run away for help, my stomach wrenches, I'm unable to comprehend the reality of the dead man lying in the leaves of the forest. Rory

When I read this haiku I picture a body hidden deep in the woods where no one would think to go. I picture a small caterpillar slowing measuring a decomposing body so you can almost see the bone. I think the caterpillar is crawling down the femur of this person who was dumped in the woods. Lexi

my hand print
on the side of a house
i'll never visit again

Nicole Wells (8)

When I read this haiku I picture an actual handprint on the side of the house but I know there isn't actually a handprint there, it's just a symbol in my head. It's like the handprint of all the memories that were there and their own touch on the house. It is a sad moment because you can tell the author is sad that they won't visit the house again. Lexi

crimson drops
leave a clear trail
the hunter's delight

Nicole Wells (3)

ashes
ashes
we all line up

Andrew Cliatt (5)

live it up
then give it up
for lent

Lexi Doss (5)

ashes
we all fall
as we break covenant

Valentine’s Day
a heart-shaped balloon
floats overhead

port-a-potty
flipped onto its side
Mardi Gras

Rory Arnold (3)

When I read this haiku, I imagine a wild scene that is occurring and there is just a hectic amount of drinking and partying going on. And then unexpectedly, there is a yell for a group of friends who rush over and start shaking a port-a-potty and all of a sudden, the flip it and run away. Josh

ashen crosses
upon their foreheads
sharing a selfie

Chanel, Prada, Gucci
I notice her
everyday

Jesal Sheth (3)

I love this haiku because it reminds me a lot of The Great Gatsby, which is one of my favorite books. In the book, Gatsby thinks he is in love with Daisy, but it is clear to the reader – based on his descriptions of Daisy – that the think he is in love with is really the money that her family has and the status of wealth that she represents. This haiku, for me, is about the same thing, someone who thinks they are falling love with a girl, but in reality, they just she the high-end brands she consistently wears, and is falling in with the money and status that she has, rather than the person herself. Nicole

Felt Response: I like this one, because it makes me wonder if he notices her because of her money or if he is just attracted to high end brands. Kaitlyn

10 year old
gives up Cheetos
for Lent

Rachel Humphrey (4)

Mary's arms
stretched open
to welcome the weary home

fuzzy socks
dripping wet
squish

Andrew Cliatt (7)

sun begins to peak
through the cloudy stream
rainbow trout

Deion Corley (3)

twilight
by the riverside
a girl lays flowers

a warm hand
pressed against a freezing window
her handprint fades

Rachel Humphrey (4)

the children
tag one another
through rows of graves

baptisim
of someone
who cannot speak

Ryan McDonald (3)

so drunk . . .
my awkward walk
becomes straight

long work day
my almost
finished beer

Deion Corley (3)

my friend,
you'll never know
all my love

after a long day
a hot cup of tea
eases the soul

walking around campus
like a zombie
the plague has spread

Alyssa Rodriguez (6)

a tiny old lady
submerged in her
faux fur coat

Alyssa Rodriguez (7)

This haiku gives a really clear picture. I picture the tiny old lady with huge, round sunglasses, walking down the street of a small town with her fur coat and a small dog. The haiku makes me smile with its simplicity. Rachel

a dog bed
remains empty
next to me

Allyson Isenhower

This haiku made me think about my old yellow lab. She passed away on the last day of school my junior year due to Bronchital paralysis... aka her throat literally just closed up while she was out having the time of her life chasing a tennis ball. It was so unexpected and it was weird having our house seem so silent in the months that followed. We buried her with her dog bed. This haiku also made me think of her because an old picture I have of her on my Facebook recently popped back up on my timeline. Morgan

finally back
everyone's home
the smell of mother's food

Alyssa Rodriguez (6)

I love this haiku so much! In my culture, we usually have a grand dinner at our place when we all family members get together. Also, in my Indian culture, food is one of the most important aspect. And for me, no one can beat the food made by my mom's hands. In fact, I would say it's better than the restaurant food. I mean I would debate over this sort of, but I cannot eat the restaurant food every single time. Handmade cooked food by my mom is the best food I can ever have. No doubt I would ever get bored! Jesal

I take up space
to remember
I belong here

Elizabeth Pillow (4)

i used to hate
having all these brothers
now my best friends

a thousand shades
of glitter
slide off her hair

   Eleph               ant
           h         h
                  h

Joshua Mysliwjec 

night at the farmhouse
beer pong and cards
only with friends

innocent smile
giggles and diapers
there he walks off alone

Jesal Sheth (4)

sweet bananas
with a touch of salt
morning shots

a cold breeze
rustles the tree and the flowers
on his grave

cherry red nose --
down to the last
tissue box

Alyssa Rodriguez (4)

Lights out.
and the ceiling becomes
a map of the universe

Andrew Cliatt (10)

I imagine lying in my childhood bed, fearing the dark, though finding reassurance in the glowing stars stuck to my ceiling. I am alone, but I become peaceful as I think about the wonder of the sky. In the midst of my thoughts, I pull the covers to my shoulders, and go warmly to sleep. Rory

tattoos cover
scars and tell
the story of me

Nicole Wells (5)

This is a very impactful haiku. All of my tattoos are meaningful and have a connection to something that I have been through or relate to. I have a multiple amount that cover up certain scars that are internal, some external for me. Josh

empty room
three little birds
hanging on the ceiling fan

Jesal Sheth (3)

water
or natty light
it's a throw up

Joshua Mysliwjec 

I enjoy the starting with water. When it starts sounding refreshing there is already good vibes. Then the party begins. Natty light, which is like a college students go to cheap beer I feel like. It's not mine however but I know everyone drinks natty on the weekends when they are low on money. Now when they put water and natty light back to back, it made me think of water and natty light . . . then they say it's a throw up, which sounds like a toss-up, how ever instead it's a throw up. I feel like they could have just thrown up and they can see the natty and the water in the throw up and are describing what they are seeing. Travis

paintings on the wall
curtains hung
still not homey

Katherine Goethals (3)

surrounded by timber
dark and gloomy
God spreads them with light

bed made
after a long day
so comforting

snowball thrown
back into snow
my dog faceplants

Morgan Bettner (6)

in a fishbowl
everyone watching
new relationship

Morgan Bettner (3)

I really like this one because of the fishbowl image. When reading it, you start to think of a fish swimming around while the whole room is watching, then she added “new relationship” and it was a whole new turn. It is very relatable with people our age. Once you start dating someone, the whole community is watching you. It really does feel like you are in the middle of a fishbowl. Katie

long bus ride
nearing the waves
unforgettable

triple berry smoothie
after a quick workout
windows down

out of toilet paper
empty cereal box
dead car battery

Lexi Doss (4)

This haiku was one of my favorites because I relate to it so well. I live in a house with seven girls, and we are constantly running out of toilet paper as well as many other necessities. There is also one roommate in the house that has a tendency to eat other people’s food, so sometimes you get left with an empty cereal box. Also, earlier this year one of my friends had a dead car battery and none of us girls knew what to do. Ally

family pictures
on the mantle
fireplace crackling

s t o m p i n g
on egg shells
everyone else tip-toes on

Kaitlyn Foster (12)

I personally loved this one because of the way that it started. The spacing between the letters really emphasises the ideas of stomping hard on the ground. It really hits home because I feel like I walk on eggshells a lot when Im around people that I dont know, but when im at home I definitely stomp. Katie

loving you
made me
cruel

Kaitlyn Foster (6)

I really liked this haiku because it is something I think many people can relate to. Personally, my first relationship was very unhealthy and taught me a lot of things. Upon entering college, I realized that I had changed a lot as a result. It completely changed me and did honestly turn me into a cruel person with a bad outlook on things. Ally

grenade heart
itching
to pull the pin

Kaitlyn Foster (6)

another weekend
another celebration
dog's birthday

Katherine Goethals (3)

“For God and Country”
his pickup truck
secretes black smoke

Rory Arnold (7)

kneeling at the coffin
hands crossed
praying to nobody

Rory Arnold (3)

tissue parachutes
for saving Barbies
thrown off the landing

Rachel Humphrey (3)

I love this haiku because it reminds me of my childhood. I had this passion of collecting Barbie dolls. I had about 15 Barbie dolls. So being the only girl in the family, my brother would not want to play with me. So often I would play alone and make a fake scene. I would utilize materials like – tissue papers for making a parachute, use papers for making airplanes, turn on the sound system to play dancing music, make building made out of blocks, and what not? So, I felt this haiku just took me back to those tension-free playful days. Jesal

brisk wind
sliding a hand into my pocket
single smooth pearl

Rachel Humphrey (3)

church bells
a year later
still playing your song

she is like a pineapple
crown on her head
sweet and pale

Jesal Sheth (7)

display showcase
a shimmering pink box
35 colorful shades

every night
the diary beside her
with no written words

Jesal Sheth (2)

she walks into class everyday
my eyes stare
my stomach flips

running late
spilling coffee
all over my outfit

did you hear
the kids aren’t
alright

Joshua Mysliwjec

This haiku gave me chills as I read it. I imagine a parent calling the other parent after receiving news that their kids had been a bad car accident. I can't imagine being told that and I imagine these parents' hearts are racing as they worry about their kids. Morgan