Haiku Kukai 11
Global Haiku • Millikin University • Spring 2020
last day— |
home late Taylor Parola |
in the dark— |
Easter dinner |
bandaged arms Shania Dvorak I really enjoyed the youthful glow and playfulness of this haiku. The way the little girl turned her cat scratches into something more, reminded me of childhood. Kids tend take even the smallest of things and use their imagination to play them up. Hailey Wimberly, Spring 2020 This haiku has an underlying meaning that is heartwarming. The brother has been self-harming but is finally recovering and this innocent sister calls the scars “lion scratches.” I love the animal incorporated into this because a lion is typically seen as a strong animal. The fact that the brother has survived these “lion scratches” means that he is stronger than the lion. This is true for all people recovering from self-harming and depression. Jared Chapman, Spring 2020 |
mental hospital Shania Dvorak I like this one because although the topic of being in a mental hospital is not happy or funny, the author placed a light side to it. There is a lot of stigma associated with mental health and the term “crazy” and I think this was a good metaphor. I like how it starts off with the setting of a mental hospital and then states crazy eights and then when you read the last line you can’t tell if they are talking about the card game or the term for those people who are at the mental hospital. Ashley Christensen, Spring 2020 |
fake flowers Bre Johnson This haiku made me laugh. I like this haiku because there is often a standard behind dating that girls or women enjoy flowers. For many this Is true, but for some they don’t necessarily favor flowers. They may think they are a waste of money because they will just die and then be thrown away. I found this haiku to be funny because I imagine someone giving their loved one fake flowers and stating they will never die. This would allow that loved one to keep the flowers forever. Hannah Watts, Spring 2020 Okay this one is just too cute. I can picture a guy sheepishly holding a bouquet of flowers, hoping that his girlfriend will like them, and saying the second line. I thought that this was going to be another sad haiku about flowers, but it had a sweet twist. Hope Klessig, Spring 2020 |
her mirror |
saving earth |
flooding day |
Walmart trip Pascaline Muhindagiga |
my grandpa's car |
under the jacaranda Grace Newton This haiku is GORGEOUS. I love the colors. The vibrant yellow juxtaposing the bright purple. The idea that the jacaranda’s flower petals have fallen on her skirt, means that she’s probably been sitting there for a while. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and fragrant. I love it! Niki Curatti, Spring 2020 |
blurry Grace Newton While reading this I could almost feel my eyes getting blurry. I could see someone in great sadness with their eyes filling with tears. In my opinion if you let your eyes get watery it is almost as if you are trying to hide that you are crying. Knowing someone in this haiku is sad makes me wonder what happened and why they are crying. Hannah Watts, Spring 2020 I like this one because I can put myself in the haiku. Having blurry eyes from crying so much, and reaching for yet another kleenex to take the blurriness away. I also like the start of the first line. The reader is wondering what's blurry - it could be memory, vision, or even a window pane. This actually reminded me of the style of Aubrie Cox's writing. Hope Klessig, Spring 2020 |
a cap and gown Grace Newton Every senior around the world understands this haiku and feels a different way about it. We all have been stripped of our graduation and being with our friends during this amazing time of our lives. We all wish in some way we could participate in the event of a life time, but it has been stripped of us for now. Dalton Glasco, Spring 2020 |
just to admit Paige Boomer |
the vrumm of the blender Paige Boomer This haiku was very relatable to me because I have also heard the vrumm of the blender a lot lately. During quarantine my family has taken the time to do some things we usually don’t take the time to do. One example of this was replacing a few things. For example our blender. This resulted in my mom purchasing this fancy blender that can even make cookie dough. I have found myself making smoothies almost every day. The only reason we need to go out is to keep buying more fruit to make more smoothies. Hannah Watts, Spring 2020 |
with everything aligned Paige Boomer |
when the mirror Taylor Parola This haiku made me think about my grandparents and how they are still head over heels for each other. Many people get married when they are younger, so they have no wrinkles or imperfections yet. Although this haiku is saying that they still love one another even when they are old and grey. My grandparents still act like they are teenagers and are still in love with one another even after 33 years of marriage. They are my role models, and hope I find love like that one day. This haiku is very well written, and makes you still have hope that love is a real thing. Erika Castanon, Spring 2020 |
wear the makeup |
nobody's home Taylor Parola This haiku I feel can hit anyone in the heart if they are stuck away from family during this time. Walking around an empty dorm or house that all your friends used to be in makes it feel so much bigger and emptier when they have left. Life becomes colder the longer you sit in solitude. This pandemic is doing more to mental health than our immune systems. Dalton Glasco, Spring 2020 |
the sunburnt stripes Shania Dvorak I like this one because it is light and funny, and it brings a funny memory to my head. I think that everyone has probably experienced a bad sunburn before, and I like how it was described here. You can tell this person got sunburn while wearing sandals and I like the way it was described as a tattoo from the sun. Ashley Christensen, Spring 2020 I chose this haiku as one of my favorites because of the word choice can I thought it was very creative with summer coming up. The thought of a sunburnt as a temporary tattoo was pure genius. I think the author did a great job creating imagery. Taylor Parola, Spring 2020 |
old couple Shania Dvorak This haiku is very sweet and innocent, and made me want to grow old with someone. I really don’t like relationships, and I like to be independent. Although this haiku made me want to be in a relationship. I’m picturing an old couple that has been together forever watching young people fall in love with each other. I love how they say “love birds” because it makes my heart feel all warm inside. I’m not a huge believer in love, but picturing an old couple watching a young couple made me have hope for love one day. Erika Castanon, Spring 2020 I think this haiku uses such a clever turn of phrase! It kind of reminds me of Yamaguchi in that way. I love the idea that they’re sitting, tossing crumbs into the pond, watching these birds swim around, but maybe also watching younger couples fall in love around them. It’s such a sweet sentiment and brought a lightness to me that I needed while Im stuck at home. Grace Newton, Spring 2020 I really enjoyed this haiku! It was sweet. I like how it can be read as people watching birds, birds watching birds, or people watching people. It also reminds me of the duck pond at fairview. A lovely haiku! Niki Curatti, Spring 2020 |
she giggles Shania Dvorak When I read this haiku, I saw a vision in my mind, and that is why I really liked it. For some reason I saw wood floors illuminated by sunlight. I saw big windows with sun pouring into the room and reflecting on the wood floors. I saw only a little bit of furniture that was pushed to the sides of the room. The furniture was covered in sheets like it was being packed up. I saw two people who were maybe saying goodbye to each other and sharing a last moment. Olivia Tharpe, Spring 2020 |
I leave the darkness Dalton Glasco This haiku seems redeeming to me. They are breaking away from their darkness and are starting a path to a better journey and a brighter future. Paige Boomer, Spring 2020
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we sit and chat |
moon light Dalton Glasco |
dinner table Olivia Tharpe I connect to this one. Growing up in a family of six, we have had the same kitchen table since I was born. My family always eats dinner together every night, and although I am the only one still living at home, the conversations at the table still continue. My mom has always said that there is no way we can get rid of that kitchen table because it has heard every conversation, story, and more. Bre Johnson, Spring 2020 A “dinner table” scene comes to mind when reading this haiku. There is a family eating a meal together at the table and it’s a very warm scene. Then, it is contradicted with the weight of conversation. This makes me think that there is a deep conversation happening at a normally cheery and lighthearted table. Then, I think that the table is holding all of the conversations throughout many years. This turns it back into a lighthearted scene of a family. Jared Chapman, Spring 2020
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chaos Olivia Tharpe Growing up I loved storms and heavy rains. It interested me how mother nature had so much power to cause chaos for the better of nature to survive. I would binge watch storm chasing movies as a kid and wonder how it all happens. I wish I could watch the chaos unfold. Dalton Glasco, Spring 2020
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coffee Olivia Tharpe I love this haiku! Right now, everyone is stuck in the house and it doesn't have a lot to do except for studying in schoolwork. Now, what I look forward to the most is making my morning coffee. It honestly helps me get out of bed and helps me be productive with my day. So this haiku is one of my favorites because It was the most relatable to me at the moment. Taylor Parola, Spring 2020 I used to get coffee everyday with my friends when we were back on campus. Now that I am back at home, I can’t do that. However, I still have a sense of normal because I can still get the coffee, just not with my friends. It allows me to take a break, and realize that even if the world is a little weird right now, I atleast have one normal thing left; coffee. Bre Johnson, Spring 2020 This one was just super super relatable. I try to wake up early to get all of my work done because A) I still have a lot of homework to do, and B) I find myself easily distracted at home and a few extra morning hours keeps me on track to finish by the end of the day. So when I wake up, I’m usually exhausted. Having my morning coffee is a small joy while we go through this. Grace Newton, Spring 2020 |
blocking the sun |
a black spider Hailey Wimberly |
writing in the planner Hailey Wimberly With being at home now, I try to get myself on a schedule. However, sticking to it is the hard part. I try to write in my planner what I need to get done, and what I should work on, but if you really look at it there is not much there. There isn't much of anything going on, and none of it seems as important as it once was. Bre Johnson, Spring 2020 Wow. This haiku hit me in the feels. I feel like every Sunday I set out to fill my planner, to actually make it feel like I have some organization and stability in my life, but the truth is - none of the things I'm writing in my planner matter. They are all just busy work to fill the time. And once that is over, what's next? We don't know, and that scares me because I can't fill my planner for next month. Hope Klessig, Spring 2020 |
my father singing Grace Newton |
the sun coming down Grace Newton This haiku is beautifully written and extremely relevant to the time we are in currently. Many people are far away from one another, especially those who usually go to school with one another. I relate to this because a lot of my favorite people, including my boyfriend, have been very far away from me due to COVID. I miss all my friends as well and their warm voices all gathered together in my dining room at my sorority house. This haiku is sad, but so gentle and beautiful that it takes away the heaviness. Shania Dvorak, Spring 2020 This one was beautiful because we are all anticipating spring. The sun has been such a welcome thing the last few weeks. On top of that many people are away from their significant others and do not know when they will be able to see them again. Olivia Tharpe, Spring 2020 I love how this haiku personifies the sun. I picture someone outside feeling the warmth of the sun on their skin but longing for their love to kiss them in place of the sun. I don’t think the person is sad, but only because the sun is there to kiss her instead of the lover. Rather than reading the poem as sad, I think it is more reflective. With newfound time being alone, reflecting on situations is easier. Jared Chapman, Spring 2020 |
mystery can |
thunderstorm Hope Klessig This haiku was very interesting to me because I feel that it could have several different meanings. I think the setting for this is interesting because when I heard thunderstorm, I pictured a couple lying in bed on a rainy day. When I read the last two lines I automatically though of perhaps an affair in which it would make sense that there is a thunderstorm because to this couple, this is going to be a big storm. Ashley Christensen, Spring 2020 |
silent campus Hope Klessig |
summer bike ride Hope Klessig I enjoyed this haiku because I resonate with this a lot. Growing up as the only child, I spent a lot of time with my older cousin Kevin who is also an only child. Our mothers are sisters, so we spent a lot of time together. One summer day, Kevin and I were out in the back of the house playing basketball. The ball would often go over the fence when I would shoot because of how short I am. So, Kevin would jump over the fence to go get the ball. This particular time, Kevin didn’t want to jump over the fence, so I had to do it myself. After jumping the fence successfully all day, my mother caught me on the fence, and I got caught on the fence. One of the prongs went into my leg and left me with a scar. To this day, in the summertime, I ensure to cover my scar on the left side of my leg because I have insecurities about that scar. Jada Miller, Spring 2020 |
pantry doors Morgan Timmons Today, I relate to this haiku like no other. Since we’ve been quarantined to the house, I often find myself going in and out of both the refrigerator and the pantry. At nighttime, I usually go downstairs to the kitchen at 10PM and again at 1AM. At that time, I don’t even bother to close the pantry door. I purposely leave the pantry door open because I know that I’ll be coming back for more. Jada Miller, Spring 2020
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coffee cup ring Morgan Timmons I like this haiku because I think it perfectly sums up the situation we’re all finding ourselves in at the current moment. Usually I use junk mail as a coaster. This piece of graduation mail should be important, but given we’re all living through a pandemic, it’s not as important as staying inside and safe where we can all be kept healthy. The coffee is symbolic of that self quarantine and how we’re all staying indoors, drinking coffee, waiting for this to pass. Even though graduation is important, the lives of our neighbors are even more so. Grace Newton, Spring 2020 |
in a war about |
attempting to cook Hannah Watts |
brushing the dogs |
snowflakes fall |
building sandcastles
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cookies on a whim— Jared Chapman I loved this haiku comic! The art was excellent and the idea was simple. There were so many smells and tastes, it had me craving cookies and the warmth of the oven! Niki Curatti, Spring 2020 |
leaves become brighter Jared Chapman I think this haiku is reminiscing on days of the past. When the leaves started to change color, but we still had warm weather for a bit. We were carefree and taking each day a day at a time before we knew what was to come. Paige Boomer, Spring 2020 This haiku reminds me of peace and tranquility. The image it holds is very vibrant with colors of the leaves to the sun. There is a stillness in this haiku as well, and it conjures up a memory it makes me reflect on. This reminds me of memories I could stay in, because the haiku captures a time of rest and observation of nature. Hailey Wimberly, Spring 2020 |
drifting on a memory |
One day Jada Miller Being in relationship is hard especially for us college students, some people can take their relationship seriously, but other people are just they to play. So, some people just believe that one day they will find love and they will be in good hands. Pascaline Muhindagiga, Spring 2020 I really enjoyed this haiku because it made me think a little bit, but then I really understood it. The way I think about this haiku is relating to a relationship, where both people are not contributing to the relationship or the other person is not what the other wants, so they try to lead them to be better. I heard this haiku coming from someone who is ready for a contributing partner, not a project, where the person still has so much work to do on themselves. Morgan Timmons, Spring 2020 |
It’s okay to be sad Jada Miller I just like this haiku because sometimes we are upset but we don’t show it to people because of judgments so we try to show people that we are fine, and we are not. So, it’s okay for us to be sad about something. Pascaline Muhindagiga, Spring 2020 |
hair shorter than before Niki Curatti I like this haiku because it is playful, lighter and I can feel all the senses that it brings. I have cut my hair pretty short a few times, so I relate to this haiku and the feeling of the wind on your neck because your hair is now shorter. I love how it is signifying that they enjoy their new hair, and I feel like it is making them feel a little more spunky, and like a new person. Morgan Timmons, Spring 2020 |
a fallen tree across a silent creek Niki Curatti I really like the structure of this haiku. The spaces in between words in the third line, representing the space of the two people on their separate branches. Also, I like the multiple interpretations that could be made about this haiku. The silent creek can represent the silence of conversation between the two people as they choose to sit on different branches. Another interpretation could be the two just choose to sit on branches and enjoy the silence of the creek and nature. Hailey Wimberly, Spring 2020 |
another day |
cool spring breeze Ashley Christensen I like this haiku because of how calming it is. When I get overwhelmed, I like to go outside and just breathe in the air and the noises around me. I like to be distracted whenever I feel overwhelmed. Paige Boomer, Spring 2020 |
the ocean Ashley Christensen |
daily routine Morgan Timmons |
saturday night fit |
the smell of |
the oak Niki Curatti This haiku is also relatable and relevant to the times we are in. I have been isolated to the point where I go for a nature walk just to clear my mind. This haiku reminds me of sitting on a tree and just unleashing all of your thoughts. There is no judgement and you are not concerned with the response you may get. It is simply just a tree, there to soak up all of your thoughts, in the hopes that it will make you feel better. I love the visual of the tree extending its branch, almost as if it is going to hold your hand. It is so peaceful and thoughtful; this haiku brings me great peace. Shania Dvorak, Spring 2020 I like this one because I love trees. Oak trees feel old and comforting. They feel like they have been around forever and know the secrets of the universe. I love the idea of someone crying under an oak tree and then the oak tree comes to life and wants to help. Olivia Tharpe, Spring 2020 I enjoyed this haiku because it went along with making an object come to life. I enjoy that they are talking about a branch that literally extends, but they made it into a story. I imagine those big tree branches that are particularly sticking out when I go for walks in Fairview Park. This haiku brings me a lot of joy due to the personification of the branch and just the story behind the object and person. Morgan Timmons, Spring 2020 |
the plastic yard flamingo Niki Curatti |
I lost the date |
glass door |
save the date Kevin Escobar This haiku is one of my favorites because I have a best friend who's supposed to get married in July. I've heard a lot about how this is impacted their plans and the stress its brought. I am actually supposed to be her maid of honor for the wedding. She has been looking forward to this day for very long time and it breaks my heart. Seeing all the hard work and planning through the past year. I enjoyed this haiku because it made me think of the struggles my best friend is going to right now. Taylor Parola, Spring 2020 |
calendar Michael Santos when I read this haiku, I feel like days are stopped already because every day we are home, and we don’t have nowhere to go because of coronavirus situation. Pascaline Muhindagiga, Spring 2020 This haiku really spoke to me when I read it for the first time. Everyday has been mixing into one. I can barely remember what day it is, and at this point I’m done trying to keep track. I have nothing to go and do, so there is no point trying to remember. When I look at the calendar hanging on my fridge I just shake my head. I’m constantly wondering when the world is going to go back to normal, and at this point I don’t think it ever is. I feel like each day just drags on and I keep doing the same thing over and over again. I love hanging out with my family, but I’m ready to start remembering what day it is again. Erika Castanon, Spring 2020 |
first date |
cheddar corn |
hidden moon— Jared Chapman This haiku is beautifully written and leaves the reader with a sense of mystery. This haiku could be taken a multitude of ways. I do not know if there is actually a person there, or if the authors eyes are just playing tricks on them. This reminds me of when you watch a scary movie and suddenly all these familiar shapes begin to twist and turn. You begin to wonder what you are actually looking at and then you begin to imagine eyes looking back. This haiku is written very well, but what I enjoy most is the feeling it leaves you with. The exciting feeling of wonder and curiosity. Shania Dvorak, Spring 2020 |
another day Bre Johnson |
"i want you to think about something" |
surrounded by old people |
the green light Bre Johnson |
click click |
moonlight . . . Jared Chapman |
no sleep tonight |
wagging her tail . . . |
I walk alone Dalton Glasco |
a summer breeze |
the words you spoke Bre Johnson |
sandy bottoms |
panic— Shania Dvorak |
hospital gown romance |
so tell me about yourself Erika Castanon |
the smell of vanilla Erika Castanon |
alone |
wave after wave |
by the end Taylor Parola At the end of relationships, people have usually grown apart or have gotten lost in their partners. From personal experience, in my last relationship all of my sunshine disappeared by the end. He no longer made me happy, he was no longer my escape from life. He became the problem and I knew that my sunshine was gone and that it was time for me to leave the situation, as it was no longer healthy. Jada Miller, Spring 2020 |
saw through Taylor Parola |
© 2020, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.
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