Haiku Kukai 6
Spring Break & Coronavirus
Global Haiku • Millikin University • Spring 2020
Spring Break |
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the setting sun Niki Curatti (6) |
high above Hailey Wimberly Traveling is one of my favorite hobbies in life. Seeing the largest cities in the world from thousands of miles above puts the idea of how small they can really be and how many there are. You cannot see how small something is until you see it through a different view. The world is amazing and has to be explored for you to find your place. Dalton Glasco, Spring 2020 I like the perspective that this haiku gives. Instead of being surrounded by buildings towering over you, the view from above clearly shows the paths of all the streets and the tiny people wandering around in it. I love how this haiku manages to minimize the city in a way. Kevin Escobar, Spring 2020
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airplane seats Hailey Wimberly (10) I liked this one because it reminded me of the countless amount of strangers that I've met while flying. I'm an extrovert so I always strike up a conversation with the person next to me. I actually feel more weird if we don't talk. I think it's such a cool experience. What are the odds you and these people all ended up on the same flight together, and you're all going to the same place. It's interesting to think about. I love making a new friend on a flight. Hope Klessig, Spring 2020 This was probably my favorite haiku from Kukai. I enjoy the sense of friendliness that I get when I read it. Specifically, I like the letters that signify the seat numbers, which show that two people just conveniently sat next to one another and they are now exchanging experiences. It almost brings a little bit of question to my mind, which I like because it’s almost like I could write the rest of the story of what they may have shared - it leaves you wondering, almost. Morgan Timmons, Spring 2020 I love how this haiku establishes the relationship between the two people. They are complete strangers who just happen to be sitting next to each other. At first, they’re only identified by their seat number, but the final line shows how many stories they have to tell and shows a genuine human connection. Kevin Escobar, Spring 2020 |
I drive home |
sand at the bottom of my pocket Niki Curatti (8) |
ring marks Hailey Wimberly (11) I enjoyed this one a lot because I could picture the sweating drinks that were leaving marks on the table. When I pictured this, I thought that the two people have been sitting there for a long time however, they were enjoying their conversation and did not pay attention to how long they have been sitting there. I took it as they were just enjoying each other’s company. Ashley Christensen, Spring 2020 I enjoy this haiku because it paints a picture of these two people sharing a meaningful conversation. I say meaningful because the conversation must be engaging and long for their drinks to have produced rings of condensation on whatever table they are on. I also like how the author describes the condensation of the drinks as sweat to personify the drinks so as the reflect the two conversing. This conversation is so good the two are sweating and their hearts are racing. Michael Santos, Spring 2020 |
reunited with family . . . |
spring cleaning Taylor Parola |
late night drive Hope Klessig Since being stuck off campus I had more time to spend with my best friend and enjoy some much needed catching up. This haiku basically explains how we spent a few days. We would sit talking and laughing talking about life at our distant colleges. We had fun and reminded us why we were best friends even when we could not see each other for months. Dalton Glasco, Spring 2020 |
I shift in my seat Paige Boomer This is SUCH a familiar haiku for me. Living in California, I am very familiar with going to the beach, falling asleep on the warm sand for far too long, and then driving home on a leather upholstered chair and sticking to it. Its painful at the worst, inconvenient at best, but I’ve never heard anyone put this into words, and it felt like I was having a little moment with this haiku because of that. Grace Newton, Spring 2020 |
Why Paige Boomer I enjoy this haiku because it shows how many of us felt as this pandemic started. It can be viewed by many college students who had to leave campus due to this virus. It hits the feeling in us where we feel like we lost a part of us by leaving our temporary home. Some of us felt more at home in our dorms than in our family’s house. Dalton Glasco, Spring 2020 |
natural hair |
tossing clothes Ashley Christensen (9) This haiku stood out to me because it was very relatable. After getting the email, I had to travel back to Millikin to pack up my apartment. When packing up and moving out I felt like I was being rushed and time was moving so fast. I chose this one as a favorite because it was the most relatable to me at this time of my life. Taylor Parola, Spring 2020 This haiku sums up the last couple days of my spring break trip. The Millikin Women’s softball team traveled to Florida for 10 days. This trip is usually a long one anyways as we play 14 games while we are gone and are physically exhausted. This year we received the heartbreaking news that our season was over, and classes were being moved online all while we were away from home. With that being said we all just packed our suitcases carelessly and were beyond ready to be home. Hannah Watts, Spring 2020 |
sand Ashley Christensen This haiku reminds me of the days I would go to the beach with my family and friends. I would love to go to the beach with my little cousins, and they loved to build sandcastles. We always tried to wash ourselves off the best we could, but sand would always find its way into the car and in the house. My mom would always complain about all the sand we brought back with us. These were some of the best memories of my childhood, and this haiku made me think back on old times. I love spending time with my family and friends, and the beach was always our little get away. Erika Castanon, Spring 2020 |
Netflix Dalton Glasco I enjoyed this haiku because I certainly relate to it. I relate to it more now, than I would have a week ago. As you know, Millikin extended Spring Break for an extra week, which resulted in me having a lot of free time. I can recall scrolling through Netflix over 100 times trying to find new series and movies to watch. I can honestly say that was one of the hardest tasks ever. Especially because I have a short attention span. However, I settled on watched Season 2 of All American and a show called Narcos. Jada Miller, Spring 2020
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me Morgan Timmons I am in the same situation right now. All my roommates went home. I am alone. I don’t have anybody to talk to, so my bed is my best friend right now. Pascaline Muhindagiga, Spring 2020 |
on the edge Grace Newton I liked this one because it reminded me of waiting to audition. Usually they put us in a holding chair before we get to audition in front of the casting directors. Of course, I sit on the edge of my seat because I'm eager and a bit nervous. But no matter how nervous I am, I always am able to cover it up with a smile. I also love how they wrote it so that each new line was on an edge. Hope Klessig, Spring 2020 |
surprise visitation Grace Newton This makes me think of coming home. When classes on campus were cancelled, I knew I’d be going home to San Diego and to the sun and the sand. It is a surprise visitation—I wasn’t supposed to be here, I was supposed to be at school. It’s very bittersweet. The sigh at the end feels like coming to the conclusion that this is reality, whether we like it or not. I think the journey of this haiku is what I enjoyed the most. Grace Newton, Spring 2020 This was a really great sounding haiku. I loved all the uses of the S sound. I could hear the wind blowing through the sand just by reading the poem and I thought that was really unique for a haiku. It was also pleasant and peaceful which took me out of the chaos and brought me some serene peace in a time that is anything but. So thank you to whoever wrote this. this was a welcome change of thought process. Pat-rice Rooney, Spring 2020 |
warm sunshine Jared Chapman (8) I love the image of this haiku. I imagine on one side of the bridge it is darker outside and on the other side of the bridge there is this growing sunshine that completely overtakes everything. I imagine two people are so in love that they are almost entering into another world together. Olivia Tharpe, Spring 2020 |
alligators and queens Jared Chapman (7) Alright, I know this is about Mardigras, but hear me out . . . When I first read this, it was almost like a fever dream. It was vibrant, it was fun, I was a part of the madness. I felt like Alice in Wonderland. It was more innocent than that though . . . I pictured a family, cooped up in quarantine, but having a dance party to pass the time. The parents danced to the music together, while the children were in a wonderland of their own. Safe. With the people they loved. And with an escape from the boredom they suffer all day long. Not only did I have fun imagining this scene, but this haiku brought me to this place as well! It was a really nice change of pace. Niki Curatti, Spring 2020 |
late night |
an unexplored adventure Michael Santos (9) This haiku was so exciting to me! It made me think of a book. Books are a “luxury” we haven't been able to take part in for quite some time now because of all of the business in our lives. However, there’s nothing more exciting than getting into a good book. You don’t want to put it down, because you want to keep exploring! I loved getting that warm feeling of adventure and settling in with a book. This haiku did a wonderful job at seeing the optimism in the situation at hand. We have so much exploring to do! Niki Curatti, Spring 2020 |
long trip home Michael Santos (15) I really loved this haiku. I am no fan of bugs and would be petrified to be enclosed in a car with one. However, I appreciated the sentiment of this encounter with this person and the ladybug. This haiku has a warmth and weightless feeling to it. The person has a long ride and normally people might dread. Yet, the person can find small moments and things to appreciate. Hailey Wimberly, Spring 2020 I don't really know why I love this poem. Probably because I drove through 8 states in 48 hours after packing up my life all alone. I think it gave me a sense of comradery. I would have really liked to have a friend or a helping hand the last few days to get me home to Boston and this silly little lady bug would have been a welcome passenger in my 20 hour car drive back to MA. So this one really hit home, but in a playful way, which is really refreshing. Pat-rice Rooney, Spring 2020 |
sand in my eyes |
red dirt |
red seams |
palm tree |
sun setting Kevin Escobar (10) As discussed in class, this haiku has a very visual and tactile sensation attached to it. I image a group of friends sitting in summer’s warmth and just taking in this worriless time. They can talk about their dreams because they have the time to. The concrete curb is giving off warmth as well from all day baking in the sun. This haiku brings in feeling of nostalgia for me in high school where my dreams were so big and times with my childhood friends. Hailey Wimberly, Spring 2020 I enjoyed this haiku because it reminds me of moments I have had in my life. Whether that was with friends, or love interests. I had moments where I watched the sun set, let the bugs bite, and continued on with conversations about anything and everything. Discussing things even like our dreams. Shania Dvorak, Spring 2020 This is a beautiful haiku. I see the gorgeous orange, yellow, and pink sunset. I feel the warmth of the sun on my face and the cold curb beneath me. It’s a flighty haiku. It takes me to a different place, but one that I know well. I also really love the language of this haiku. “Deciphering” is an awesome word. It entails so much and can mean so many different things. I really enjoyed reading this haiku! Niki Curatti, Spring 2020 I have spent many summer evenings sitting on a curb and talking with my friends. I love the image of a really hot and humid summer evening while you sit on the curb and talk. I also love to have deep conversations with my closest friends. Olivia Tharpe, Spring 2020 |
watching another movie Kevin Escobar I like this poem because I relate to the feeling of this author in this situation. They, like me, are on break and know they have responsibilities like homework they have to do but instead they chose to do something else like watching a movie. I also find it difficult, especially now to find any sort of motivation to do my homework in an online environment. With no one seeing you everyday to check in with you and to make sure you are on track and motivated can and is difficult. Michael Santos, Spring 2020 |
back home after the funeral |
2 week spring break |
okay now, Jada Miller (7) |
leaving the house |
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Coronavirus |
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empty roads Hope Klessig |
dinging iPhone email Jada Miller (5) |
cancelled Shania Dvorak (10) |
extend spring break Pascaline Muhindagiga (7) |
trying to name it Grace Newton (4) |
craving something Grace Newton (8) This was my other big favorite from this Kukai. It says everything that I’m feeling with our current situation. It does truly feel like everything is untouchable right now. I am an extremely affectionate person, so I like to give hugs and so it is pretty difficult for me to keep that required distance. I also like the word ‘craving’ in this one. It makes me feel like there are many people who are craving affection or want from someone or something, but it’s just really complicated right now to get that. Morgan Timmons, Spring 2020 I really enjoyed this haiku because though with the current global pandemic, everyone knows we're supposed to be 6 feet away from other people. But this could be about anything. I can picture someone sitting on a couch reaching for a TV remote or a bowl of pop corn too during a movie night and that gave me happy thoughts instead of sad ones in this strange and complicated time for us all. Pat-rice Rooney, Spring 2020 Since the shelter-in-place rule has taken place in Illinois, I have not been able to see my boyfriend. I miss him an incredible amount and it saddens me that I won’t be seeing him till sometime in mid-April. This reminds me of the craving I have for his touch, but how far away he is from me. How that craving will not be fulfilled for a while to come. Shania Dvorak, Spring 2020 |
downtown Chicago Taylor Parola (4) |
my best friend moved home |
first family game night |
and the earth Niki Curatti (14) |
call after call |
planning for Bre Johnson (12) Due to the Coronavirus tomorrow is very unpredictable. The news is saying something new each day. One day, there couldn’t be a room of over 50 people, now there can’t be a room of over 10 people. Being a person who is afraid of the unknown and the unusual, I strongly dislike where we are as a country right now. It’s extremely unfortunate because we truly don’t have a clue about what tomorrow may hold or bring to us. Jada Miller, Spring 2020 This is so relatable because of everything that has happened with the pandemic. I have lost motivation and am really struggling with getting everything done and organized. I am trying to plan things but because there are so many things, I get so overwhelmed and end up doing nothing except getting stressed. Olivia Tharpe, Spring 2020 |
we sit at home Niki Curatti (8) I love this haiku. Puzzles are such a home activity, and something my mom and I love to do together. There is such a feeling of warmth, home, and family in this haiku. It also reminds me of starting, maybe, with the corners and edges of a conversation, until you get deeper into something—or that you don’t need to have a deep conversation to have a deep connection. Grace Newton, Spring 2020 |
caps and gowns Niki Curatti (11) This one made me so sad. When I first read it I honestly felt like crying. Caps and gowns and tassels and diplomas bring such a rough of excitement, but knowing that we probably won't have a traditional graduation is heart wrenching. The last line was clever. We walk to the fridge with nobody watching and nobody cheering us on. Hope Klessig, Spring 2020 This haiku was sort of a funny way to describe how a lot of graduating seniors feel right now. Although it is unsure if our graduation is cancelled, a lot of other graduations have been canceled. I think when the author wrote this, they were implying that all of this hard work is going to still be celebrated regardless of where it will have to be due to the coronavirus situation. I like how they put a lighter meaning to a very difficult time for some. Ashley Christensen, Spring 2020 After receiving the news that my last semester was cut short, I was extremely upset, and this haiku displays that feeling. Out of context, I see this one as seniors getting ready to graduate, but then we are all basically shipped home and we’re bored from sitting inside from the pandemic and just ‘bored eat’. I could definitely see myself doing this in real life - I would think about all the memories that were taken from me and I get a little upset and depressed, then I’m like oh I’ll just go to the fridge to get some ice cream because I’m sad. Morgan Timmons, Spring 2020 This one is great because it adds a little humor to an extremely sad and bleak situation. I have been really sad about not getting to finish my senior year at school, so imagining walking to the fridge at home in my graduation clothes is kind of funny. Olivia Tharpe, Spring 2020 |
Facetime call |
our last moments Morgan Timmons (8) |
singing happy birthday Morgan Timmons (9) |
feeling my hands |
I told the storm |
social distancing |
trust in God Jada Miller I am a person of faith and I always put my full trust in God. I have been praying every night that this will all be over soon. I know it is not going to be an easy fix, but we are all in this together. I just want to wake up from this horrible dream, but unfortunately, it’s real. No one really knows how long it is going to take to go back to normal, but we just need to be positive. I’m not a positive person, but in this situation, you need to have a positive outlook on life. It sucks that we have to distance ourselves from one another, but that is the only way it is going to get better. Erika Castanon, Spring 2020 This haiku in particular I resonated with and also stuck out to me. Whether it be a Christian God or another deity. In this time of crisis, mayhem, and tragedy people put their faith and hope into something and find comfort in their god. I found myself falling out of faith but during this troubling I found myself praising more to God. This haiku has a sense of hope and depth with it. We hold out for tomorrow because today is hard for everyone. Hailey Wimberly, Spring 2020 |
a large crowd Ashley Christensen I chose this haiku as one of my favorites because to me it sounded more sarcastic with a little bit of truth behind it. With everything going on a lot of dark humor is being presented in the media. I enjoyed the authors word choice. Taylor Parola, Spring 2020 This haiku reminded me of traveling home. The airport was very hectic and people from all over were just trying to get home. Some wore masks, some wore gloves, and some carried around wipes. Obviously while going through security and checking luggage people are asked to be in closer proximity and then obviously while sitting on the plane. It was very evident that anytime someone would cough or sneeze people would look around and the hand sanitizer would come out. Hannah Watts, Spring 2020 |
fear and doubt |
streets once filled Ashley Christensen |
cloudy day |
watching a movie |
no food Erika Castanon (6) I remember going to Walmart and Kroger, there were not toilet paper, food, hand sanitizer, mask. My heart was broken, I went back home with nothing. Pascaline Muhindagiga, Spring 2020 |
nobody Erika Castanon (7) I chose this haiku as one of my favorites. The word choice was perfect and drew me in while reading it. The last line wrapped this haiku up perfectly. With everything going on, reading this haiku gave me the feeling of unknown, which is what I believe the author was going for. Taylor Parola, Spring 2020 empty roads Hope Klessig streets once filled Ashley Christensen Response: All three haiku have a sense of loneliness, and almost frightened feelings. Each holds a special image of going somewhere, yet no one is around. Almost like the world has frozen around you, yet you have to keep going. Also, the virus ghost town has this distinct image that there is this virus that is invisible, and we have no idea where it's going or how it's getting there. All three haiku hold such an eerie and lonely feeling, but I also have a sense of calmness when I read them. Bre johnson, Spring 2020 |
12 hrs . . . |
trapped Hannah Watts (6) |
walking into work Ashley Christensen (8) As we all are well aware the COVID-19 is going around and putting our lives on hold. While most people are being asked to stay home and not attend work this is a time that I have been asked to work more. As an employee at DMH I have increased my workload around online classes and with that I am kept up to date on all medical concerns. This is a very hard time for the medical staff due to limited supplies and emotional burdens. This haiku was very relatable to me and how I have changed my view on going into work with the proper ppe. Hannah Watts, Spring 2020
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move the furniture Hope Klessig (5) |
a trip to Walmart Dalton Glasco (8) |
homework Dalton Glasco (8) During this pandemic, homework is truly the only thing keeping me sane. I’m tired of logging onto Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. I’m tired of watching the news due to it being depressing. I’m tired of walking the dog because it keeps raining. I’m tired of sleeping and I didn’t think I’d ever say those words. To be honest, homework is keeping me sane. It gives me something to do, other than hear about the Coronavirus. Jada Miller, Spring 2020 |
doing 80 in a 65 Hailey Wimberly (7) |
news alerts
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different news each day |
cup of ashes |
amidst the disorder |
warmth gathers |
the entire family |
social distancing Kevin Escobar (7) |
days spent inside |
grocery store |
all this silence Shania Dvorak (5) |
as I talk |
cool glass Shania Dvorak (8) When I read this haiku I immediately pictured the images that have been floating around social media of individuals who are in a nursing home and are unable to visit with their families right now due to corona virus. I took this haiku as loved ones, perhaps a husband or wife visiting their spouse through a window because they are not used to being apart. Ashley Christensen, Spring 2020 |
we will make up Jared Chapman (5) This is relatable to everyone in all walks of life currently. I know I have lost a lot of things, but so have my peers, professors, my family, and everyone else in my life. It is sad to think there is a semester of memories that has been lost. But, as this haiku says, time will tell, time will heal, and we will rebuild from this. Shania Dvorak, Spring 2020 |
shortness of breath— Jared Chapman (7) |
spring break Morgan Timmons I went to South Carolina with the golf team to play in a tournament for spring break! The rest of our time was spent at Hilton Head Island. Everything was perfect, and we were all having a great time. We got to spend time on the golf course, but we also had a lot of free time to go to the beach. But I will never forget when our lives changed after receiving the email from President White. The entire golf team was sitting on the charter bus when we got the email. Everybody was really quiet for a couple of minutes, and then the tears started flowing. This haiku just makes me think about the great time I was having on spring break, and then my whole world came crashing down. Erika Castanon, Spring 2020 I picked this haiku because of its playful and clever formatting of the word breaking. To the author, everything in the world feels like its breaking apart including the actual word. I also think its clever how the author starts with the relatively happy idea of spring break and juxtaposes it with the rest of the poem. Spring break is supposed to be fun, but instead it has turned into some nightmare, especially for the author. I also think this haiku plays into the idea of social distancing, and reflects social distancing in the word breaking. Michael Santos, Spring 2020 |
turn on my tv |
i put on jeans Paige Boomer (11) I really enjoyed this haiku because I feel like during this quarantine a lot of people have been just very unsure about everything that’s going on. Personally, now that I’m staying at home, I find myself wearing sweatpants a lot more often. The idea of putting jeans on just to feel something to me reads as trying to feel a sense of normalcy and that you put in the effort to do something even though you’re stuck at home. Kevin Escobar, Spring 2020 |
mask |
Coronavirus Hope Klessig (9) This is the situation we live in right now. Whenever I turn on my tv all the channels are talking about the coronavirus and this is so hard to escape. Even if you I open my social media, Facebook, Instagram, snapchat, this’s the same subject. Pascaline Muhindagiga, Spring 2020 |
I watch |
feeling their Michael Santos (6) |
"a bad cold" |
a game of Scrabble Niki Curatti (9) |
© 2020, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.