Haiku Attempts 4 names
Global Haiku • Millikin University • Spring 2019
shave and shower Whitley Sapp This haiku puts me in a state of frustration because I have definitely been in this situation. If it isn’t a date, then it’s another event I had to get ready for that was cancelled last minute, and it definitely throws a wrench in my day. On the other hand, it can be kind of nice because you have a new block of time to be productive in your own way. However, for a first date this is a pretty rough experience—I can only imagine. Chances are they aren’t getting a second date. Jake Cihak, Spring 2019 |
sleeping with one eye open Mason Bruce (7) |
a kiss goodnight |
you're crazy Julia Peterson (7) I like this haiku because it is simple, and everyone can understand it. I like how you can kind of hear the conversation between two people. I also read it as I was having a conversation with myself. I think every teenager has been “in love” once in their life. Sometimes you do things you normally wouldn’t do for someone else and you wonder to yourself am I crazy? Rene Sanchez, Spring 2019 |
the timing |
match made Ariya Hawkins (5) |
right swipe Jakob Cihak (4) |
the walls Jakob Cihak (10) |
smoky Jakob Cihak (7) |
first date |
cheesy smile Rene Sanchez (9) |
my bed |
breakfast date Whitley Sapp This poem takes me to an exact place and memory within the first line, this was quick and to the point, but it also left a little mystery. For example, a breakfast date could mean a business meeting, a significant other, or even by yourself, as I’ve done all of the above. The second line takes away from the mystery by adding another person to the equation, however, we aren’t told how many or exactly who “we” is. And the last line finalizes the poem but still leaves mystery. Maybe the breakfast date is one that you also go on with your dad, like I have, and you both order the same thing or maybe it’s a date with a significant other. What we do know is that the author is comfortable and filled with familiarity, so it leaves a pleasant feeling within the reader. Breana Bagley, Spring 2019 |
analyzing the last fight . . . Mikaela Vuglar This was one of my favorites. The post-fight shower is always a good time to reflect. My longest showers are usually the result of a fight, or something that puts me into deep thought. Why did this start? What could I have said differently? This person is analyzing the fight, so maybe they're getting upset again, and the trembling is what causes the soap to slip, or perhaps they just can't concentrate on even holding it. Benjamin Woodcock, Spring 2019 |
morning kiss Whitley Sapp (11) When I first read this, I imagined a couple who have just woke up in the morning on the weekend and the guy kisses the wife. When they kiss she smells his breath and it does not smell the best. I imagine they are comfortable around each other to not get offended by their spouse telling them their breath smells. When you read it out loud it is pretty funny. The pause before “go” with the ellipsis makes me imagine that before she told him to go brush his teeth she took a few seconds to say it in a nice way. Rene Sanchez, Spring 2019 |
our first date Amanda Bivens (11) After reading this haiku I interpreted it two ways. I imagined a couple who are excited/nervous for this first date and they are wearing their favorite and nicest clothes to dinner. The couple have a few drinks and the guy acts like he can drink but he can’t. He throws up his liquor on the woman’s favorite shoes. I also imagined that they were on the first date and instead of puking from drinking, he had some bad fish and got food poisoning on their first date. Both ways I imagined it was a bad outcome for this guy. Rene Sanchez, Spring 2019 |
on the elevator . . . Amanda Bivens (13) I like this haiku because it seems like it could become a longer story. I like that it starts on the elevator with two strangers looking at each other, but there are so many ways you could think about how it ends. They could have just smiled at each other and moved on with their lives, or it could have started something way bigger than that. They could have started a relationship that ended with them spending the rest of their lives with each other. There is a sense of innocence with this haiku that is also really special. There are two strangers just glancing at the other because of curiosity. I like that there is a starting point to the story, but there is no end. It runs parallel with a relationship. A relationship with that special one has a start, but never has an end. I like this haiku because it is cute and innocent. Emily Reeves, Spring 2019 |
the rocking chair Amanda Bivens (5) |
junior high locker— Ariya Hawkins (6) |
movie night Whitley Sapp (8) |
ice skating |
puckering lips Evan Chastain (6) |
mattress springs Ariya Hawkins (12) I thought this one was really funny. This one reminds me of sophomore year. The walls were very thin between my room and my neighbor's, so I would always know when they were doing the deed. I would usually opt to plug in some music, but it would get really annoying when I was trying to sleep. I also like the use of the ellipses here. It makes it seem like the author is thinking of potential solutions, before opting for the earplugs. Benjamin Woodcock, Spring 2019 |
starring at an old picture |
unimpressed— Mikaela Vuglar (12) When reading this I can relate to it on a solid level. Ive had relationships in the past that dont turn out good because ive been cheated on but when I find out who they cheated on me with or who they end up dating because of that I really do think this that they really can't replace me they can try but there really isn't someone that can especially when they go together the way they did. Daryann Birt, Spring 2019 I like this haiku because it is sassy. I imagine a girl seeing her ex-boyfriend post about his new girlfriend and she is only a rebound. She knows that they will not last and she thinks it is funny. I love how this gives a sense of confidence about the girl. A lot of people do not have confidence, especially after a breakup and to see that she has confidence in herself is awesome to see. She also sees value in herself which is really cool. A lot of times people think that there is something wrong with them if their significant other breaks up with them, and it is awesome to see that she doesn't see anything wrong with herself. I also like the sassiness that is felt through this haiku. She seems very sassy and petty, but it is a good amount. I like this haiku because it is relatable and also funny. Emily Reeves, Spring 2019 |
hesitant at my doorstep |
mutual attraction Mikaela Vuglar I like this haiku, because it highlights the silly love games people play. There is an understood mutual attraction between two people, but they are at a stalemate. It’s funny how the author passes responsibility to the other party. I must admit that I, too, am guilty of this. The games may be silly, but they do make early relationships exciting. Whitley Sapp, Spring 2019 |
the old gym floor |
i drag myself to bed Evan Chastain (8) |
sweaty palms |
friend’s girlfriend Whitley Sapp (8) We talked about this haiku in class, but I really liked how simple it was. It leaves the reader to interpret the message in which ever way they like. Typically, you would say that this is a scandalous message, but I like to think about it as a friendly gesture. What I noticed the most was the word touches. Touches is put out alone on an island. I believe that this word could be exchanged with many, but the word, touches, makes the reader feel uneasy. It adds an element that creates a conflict between two parties. Mason Bruce, Spring 2019 I enjoyed this haiku because it was scandalous. This haiku creates a story with the use of five words. This haiku brings with it a feeling of betrayal both for the two in the relationship and between the two friends. The way I pictured this haiku was in a party scene. The two are across the room from the friend being betrayed. Suggestive words are exchanged and then the two go their separate ways. They cannot be too obvious in public. Mikaela Vuglar, Spring 2019
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road trip Whitley Sapp (4) I picture going on a long road trip and you know its going to be a long one and you want to get comfortable. But there something about laying your head on someones shoulder that gives you comfort to relax, and theres a feeling of being intimate and close but nothing like extreme. Daryann Birt, Spring 2019 |
amber cab lights Whitley Sapp (5) I really enjoyed how the author used “amber” instead of simply using red or orange. I think amber really sets the mood better, making the haiku feel more intimate overall. Amber is also a very warm color, and this haiku gave me a warm feeling already, so I think that really contributes to the feel the author is trying to evoke. While it may seem simple in nature, I always appreciate the haiku that focus strongly on one mood. Benjamin Woodcock, Spring 2019 |
first date drop-off Breana Bagley (3) |
this year is my year Breana Bagley (10) |
second date — Halloween |
waiting |
blushing Mason Bruce (3) |
blinded by love Mason Bruce (6) |
he allowed me a marg IF |
don’t break up Breana Bagley (7) |
momma’s boy? Breana Bagley (8) |
anxious for |
my bedroom Emily Reeves (9) I find this very relevant in my life. Even though my favorite place to nap is on the couch I like how the haiku takes a turn at the end. Reading this through the first two lines one would think that there would be a stronger finish to the haiku. The way it just ends with “nap” makes me smile. Its like oh man what’s going to happen in the bedroom, oh we are just napping. Mason Bruce, Spring 2019 |
whispers Daryann Birt With this haiku, I imagine lying in bed late at night with my husband. We always lie in bed talking until we fall asleep, and I am always on the verge of sleep when he whispers yet again. I sleepily wake up enough to talk about our dreams of moving somewhere where the cold doesn't hurt our face, or even moving to a bigger house across town, and whether or not he really wants the responsibility of his promotion at work. I can hear the sounds of our fan lulling us to sleep, the three dogs snoring who insist on sleeping in bed with us. I see the glare of the outside lights peaking through our white curtains and creating a soft glow across the bed. This is a very peaceful haiku. Amanda Bivens, Spring 2019 This haiku is very open to interpretation. I imagine the early stages of an intimate relationship, where two people are starting to open up to each other. I picture them lying on their back, with their heads close together. Sometimes, total darkness can create a feeling of comfort; especially when it’s shared with someone else. Whitley Sapp, Spring 2019 |
laughing along the river Amanda Bivens (5) This poem is different than both above because every line is needed in order to create the same story and feeling that the author was trying to get across to the reader. I also really enjoyed that although the first line presents a setting, it contains movement within that setting and in every line of the poem. For example, “along with river” adds a constant feeling of moving. In the second line “behind” makes the reader picture a sweeping motion. Lastly, “presents” in the last line shows that he is giving something meaning that movement has not stopped since the poem began. This was very light hearted altogether and reminded me of times in my childhood where I would go into the forest with all of my guy friends and get lost for a whole day. There was always a sense of security with them and they showed this by cutting down weeds or moving a rock for me. In those poem I imagine two very young children and a boy is presenting his version of an act to show that he cares for his interest, by gifting flowers. Breana Bagley, Spring 2019 |
moonlit country road Amanda Bivens (5) |
his laughter . . . Amanda Bivens (11) |
momma always said Breana Bagley (10) |
clutching the bar stool Ariya Hawkins I can picture a lonely women who hangs out at a bar every night and it's the same bar and she's just waiting for someone new to come in. Julia Peterson, Spring 2019 |
unsure Connor Mendenhall (6) This was my favorite haiku of the entire Kukai because while it indicates a very real problem (that I struggle with every time I get flowers as a gift), but it symbolizes a person's uncertainty with how to care for someone/something within a more close, intimate relationship. Perhaps this person is new to even receiving flowers from another person, so they aren't even remotely prepared on how to respond to them. Someone who isn't used to feeling loved in that way isn't equipped with a vase, know to cut the stems, throw sugar in the water, etc. Then there's also the fear of improperly handling the flowers and ruining them. I know that haiku doesn't typically focus on metaphor, but I think it could be quite interesting to see this haiku as a larger conversation about love and being new to the idea of being in love with someone. Ariya Hawkins, Spring 2019 |
tip toeing in Breana Bagley This haiku is the typical college life scenario. Your roommate comes home drunk or bored and you are just minding your own business sleeping to get waken up by loud noises and funky smells. Tip toeing adds a special element to the haiku because the intent is to wake up your roommate anyhow to update them on you night that couldn’t wait till the morning. So, tip toeing in this case is used lightly because that is the idea behind being quiet at 3am really doesn’t matter in this case. Mason Bruce, Spring 2019
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sitting down |
sharing a wish Randy Brooks (7) This haiku makes me think of me and my husband. Anytime that we go anywhere with a fountain that you can throw coins into and make a wish, I empty out my coin purse for my children. This is an event that happens every time we visit our local mall. My husband and I watch the kids wish upon dozens of pennies, and after a while, we share a wish on a larger coin. I can imagine being in the middle of the crowded and noisy mall, the sound of the fountain in the background. As my husband and I make a wish, the sounds disappear, and all I can hear is my breath and heartbeat as we wish for another baby, wish to move to Florida, and wish for his mom's cancer to allow her to remain with us for a little longer. Amanda Bivens, Spring 2019 |
crack of the bat Benjamin Woodcock (10) when reading this I hear the sounds, I hear the crack of the bat when you hit the ball and it goes flying. I hear the pop of a ball in your glove when it gets thrown to you. I grew up playing softball and it was my happy place for the longest time and this really brings me back to that time and the feeling of being out on the field. Daryann Birt, Spring 2019 This haiku makes me so ready for spring and baseball season. Go Cubs! I love going to baseball games, and this haiku puts me right there. In my mind, it's a warm spring day with the sun beating down on my shoulders. I can smell the hotdogs, I hear the vendors shouting about their overpriced beer and peanuts. I hear the crack of the bat, the fans cheering, and the pop of the mitt. There are always drunk people in front of us who entertain us the entire game, whether the cubs are winning or losing. It never fails. This haiku did a really good job of taking me to one of my favorite places on this very cold day. Amanda Bivens, Spring 2019 This haiku does a wonderful job of integrating sound into the idea of love. I've never really played baseball or softball before, but I can hear the sounds such as the "crack of the bat" and the "pop of the mitt" so clearly, that I feel as though I'm the one in love with the sport. I can feel my own hand taking on the shape of the baseball mitt, and hear a baseball coming into contact with it so sharply and effortlessly that it makes a satisfying pop in the palm of my hand. I can feel the weight of a wooden bat, and the collision with the dense baseball making for a clear smack. I also like that this love haiku isn't necessarily about a particular person, instead it's about something that a person loves that has nothing to do with anyone else but themselves. Ariya Hawkins, Spring 2019 This haiku is well written, and offered a nice relief from the established theme. The sounds are crisp, and the atmosphere is vivid. I can see the dust flying from the mitt, and the sun shining through. I am taken back to little-league baseball—where I would draw pictures in the dirt, and joke around with my friends. Whitley Sapp, Spring 2019 |
she tells me Benjamin Woodcock (9) |
times of darkness Benjamin Woodcock (12) I loved this haiku. There is a feeling of loneliness behind this haiku. They are with someone who brings them happiness or company but in the background there is loneliness. I like how the haiku displays that loneliness above all other feelings. Mikaela Vuglar, Spring 2019 |
sauna surrounding |
one candle |
taking up a fraction Breana Bagley (5) |
diner breakfast for two Mikaela Vuglar (8) |
getting to know you over |
a boiling pot Mikaela Vuglar (9) I love the paralleled images of the bubbles in the pot starting to grow and rumble, as a person is struggling with their own emotions about a person creeping. I imagine that as the pot grows hotter, this person is struggling more and more to maintain composure about this other special someone in their life. I can't quite discern whether or not the thoughts about this person are good or bad, but it's clear that the emotions that they bring up are either unexpected and/or unwanted. Ariya Hawkins, Spring 2019 |
I want the love Daryann Birt (8) I liked this one because it's just so sweet. I liked the use of the ellipses in this haiku as well. This allows the haiku to be read in different ways. The placement of the ellipses creates suspense. At first I thought the haiku was going to go something like “I want the love my parents… lost”. Instead, there is a feeling of easiness to the love shared by the parents. Mikaela Vuglar, Spring 2019 |
kiss me Daryann Birt This one is so cute and romantic and I imagine a couple who celebrates their love everyday. Julia Peterson, Spring 2019 |
curled up on the couch |
soothing Jakob Cihak (10) |
middle school dance he chooses the new girl |
I close both eyes Emily Reeves (9) |
lights dimmed Emily Reeves (5) |
sipping coffee Daryann Birt (6) |
midnight drive Mason Bruce (10) I like this haiku because it is very calming to me. I love to listen to music when I am stressed and need to relax. I also love to take drives at night whether I am by myself or with a friend. I love the feeling of just getting in the car and going somewhere with no destination in mind. Just getting in the car and driving around gives a sense that you are leaving all the stress and negativity behind and are moving on to better things. There is a sense of comfort and relief that is felt from this haiku. Music tends to calm me down when I am angry, frustrated, or upset. The thought of being in the car listening to music is relaxing. When I am with my friends it becomes a fun time. I agree that driving at night with music blaring is therapy. Emily Reeves, Spring 2019 The above haiku was one of my favorites from the discussion on Tuesday. As we’ve spoken about before, I find the poems that I relate to the most are the poems that I enjoy the most. Specifically, I am someone who goes on drives when they just need some time to destress. As a college student in Decatur, this is seemingly the cheapest and most convenient option. Often the stress occurs late at night, so I enjoyed the setting of the tone for the poem in the first line. The second line, music blaring, also helped to create the setting but add sound to something so quiet like driving. And to tie it all together in a bow, the last line. I enjoyed the chronological and progressive order of this poem. It is refreshing and different than a lot of haiku we usually read. Breana Bagley, Spring 2019 |
folding clean sheets Mikaela Vuglar (4) |
in the room Mason Bruce I totally understand this haiku, because my happy place is also my room and I actually like being alone sometimes. iTS REFRESHING. Julia Peterson, Spring 2019 |
a letter written Amanda Bivens (7) |
in a wind tunnel Amanda Bivens (8) |
cold, wet rain Amanda Bivens I imagined a student at the cross walk waiting for the light to turn for them to cross. I could feel the rain and how cold it was as it pattered on their jacket and backpack. I could also hear the cars rolling by with the “shhhhhh” sound of the water being thrown by the tires as well. It created a seen that involved a feeling of being annoyed and also cold from the rain. I just saw a student head slightly up, enough to see the light, and waiting for the light to change. It was relatable feeling because I hate standing in the raining while waiting for the light to change. So, I felt the feelings they were at that stoplight. Evan Chastain, Spring 2019 |
through the doorway |
golden layers Whitley Sapp (5) |
a number five Rene Sanchez (8) |
romantic comedies Connor Mendenhall (6) |
cricket chirp Whitley Sapp (5) |
mattress on the floor |
afternoon nap Benjamin Woodcock (7) |
people watching Benjamin Woodcock (3) |
skipping stones Benjamin Woodcock (10) I know we are not to interpret every haiku as metaphor, but this one is spewing in metaphor I thought a boy, alone, skipping rocks across a lake while the sun sets on it. I felt the loneliness he was feeling and the willingness to keep skipping rocks in hope of getting one to finally skip for a long distance. I think when he finally got one, he felt accomplished and excited to see what he had just accomplished. It made me happy to see his excitement and the loneliness leave him for the brief moment. It was a cool scene and it was very well written. I just imagined the boy that was bored and lonely, finally getting to skip the rock across the lake and into the sun. Evan Chastain, Spring 2019 |
solid oak |
1940s noir |
silence Connor Mendenhall (8) |
heated blanket Julia Peterson (9) |
stressreliever Julia Peterson (9) I like the contrast the most in this haiku the most because it really curveballs in the end. “stressreliever” and then “tea” makes me imagine an individual is sitting down after a long day to read a good book with a cup of tea, and then they burn themselves with it—ruining the purpose of the act. I can only imagine there is a brand of tea called “stressreliever tea” which is why the words are pressed together. If not, I imagine the author jammed the words together out of angst and sheer stress from their draining day. Jake Cihak, Spring 2019 |
glitter here and there Breana Bagley (7) I imagine an older sibling just watch their little sisters running around in glitter covered costumes getting it all over everything. I just imagine the face of the oldest sibling is just a dropped jaw watching the mess be created. They also are thinking of what their parents are going to say when they get home and what they will say. It has the whole sense of dread wrapped in chaos for this sibling, just thinking of what the parents were going to say when they got home. Evan Chastain, Spring 2019 |
hum of old radiator Ariya Hawkins (6) |
haunted— Ariya Hawkins (8) I seem to be connecting with this one more than I would like to admit. Maybe I am just feeling extra vulnerable and open to feelings as I write these responses, but this one reminds me of all the times in our lives as humans that we dream of things and let them go. Why we let them go? Because we try to think too logically in an effort to shut down the dreams we find hard to accomplish. Over time, I imagine this would create a haunted, empty mind. A mind that dreams to have the time back to accomplish those past dreams. Connor Mendenhall, Spring 2019 Dang. This haiku is deeply sad, and I could interpret it in many different ways. None of them are pleasant though. Perhaps this individual has experienced a great tragedy, and the trauma of the event has impeded on the ability to fulfill his dreams and goals. The event that keeps coming to mind is a serious car accident that leaves the individual paralyzed. Maybe they had plans to be a professional athlete or any other physical occupation. This could really put someone in a place of hopelessness and depression. Sad. Jake Cihak, Spring 2019 |
metal lawn chair Ariya Hawkins (3) |
© 2019, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.