Haiku Kukai 7 Favorites
Global Haiku • Millikin University • Spring 2017
the day Andrea Burns (4) This reminds me of a haiku I've wrote and talked about. I love victory stories and this is one in 3 little lines. She could be smiling because she likes the weight loss she sees, or that she conquered something, or she could be smiling at her reflection because there was a time when she didn't like it. Whatever the reason is, she wins in the end and its solely on her, she's not waiting on someone else to tell her she's beautiful, she finds happiness in herself and that makes me happy. That's why this was one of my double votes. Dub |
asking my favorite flower Amanda Donohoe This one made me smile because I thought immediately of how boys tend to be incompetent at romantic things like this. He clearly asked her favorite flower and she probably gave him a definite answer, but he ended up getting daisies instead. Daisies are like the most basic flowers right after carnations, so I feel like he kind of gave up looking for whatever her favorite flower was and just got daisies. Or maybe he didn't know what her favorite flower looked like and he was too proud to ask someone for help in finding it. But he still got her flowers anyway and it's the thought that counts. Jacob |
sweet sweet Lucy |
jump in the car Kyle Kite (6) |
at the funeral Kyle McMahon (8) This haiku is very unique in my mind. I haven't seen many haiku written about funerals, and this one sets a different scene. The haiku is not about the passing of the person, the funeral or the pain itself, but rather, grabbing the last cookie. I think there is something pure and complete about this observation made about the old man. At the end of the day, we are all human. Brittany |
late night Amanda Donohoe (7) This was one of the ones that I thought I wrote because it is absolutely me. I spent a good chunk of the last few weeks choreographing dances for multiple events and the kitchen was the best place for me to dance as it has the most open room. I would often say, “Well this is work for another project, so it's fine.” usually discounting my real homework just for the chance to dance. I love dance and it literally takes the stress out of my body so I often choose it, especially if I can justify its value for another project. Andie |
the doors slide open Paige Dorsel I like this haiku because despite the pain of having lost one's grandmother, the narrator is able to find peace. The scent of one's grandma is very special and unique; it's comforting. Despite her death, I think that the narrator is finding comfort in the smell of his grandmother. Maybe the narrator is going to his grandmother's house to clean it after her passing, and once he or she opens the door, they get an immediate smell of her. Brittany |
daily devotional |
long day in court |
one day at a time Caitlyn Latshaw (4) |
slicing onions Brittany Walsh (10) |
I feel the pain |
their first visit Yunek Moore (3) |
i love |
she wears her inmate badge Andrea Burns |
Beautiful Disaster. Andrea Burns (3) |
going to visit grandpa |
innocent black man |
pineapple Paige Dorsel (6) |
trenches filled with men |
neck pain |
they voice the thing |
I fight the thought |
im big boned Caitlyn Latshaw (4) |
he stands Paige Dorsel |
the solider Brittany Walsh (5) |
Syria Chase Smith (3) |
game of street whiffle ball— Emily Chudzik (13) I chose this haiku has my favorite and double vote for Kukai 7. I really liked this one because it brought me back to my childhood. I lived in a cul-de-sac so my friends and I would always play in the middle of the street because it wasn't too busy. Every once in a while you would hear some yell car and we would all immediate clear the street by picking up the bases and the bats. I liked this one because of the memories it brought back to me. Chase I really like this haiku because I felt like it captured that moment perfectly. As I read the poem I was able to put my self on the side of the street waiting on the car to pass so we could continue playing the game. Most haiku that I have read have done a great job of painting a picture of the scene and what is going on but I felt as though this particular haiku actually put me in the street I felt the annoyance and anticipation as the car drove through the middle of our field. Caitlyn |
third day and still Emily Chudzik (3) |
greeting me as i Emily Chudzik (2) I really like this haiku because it speaks of being greeted, which has a very positive connotation to an arrival. The second line makes the reader wonder where the author is underground and why they are underground. The last line of the haiku reveals the exact location of the author, Paris. I love the way it was written because it makes you filled with wonder. I like how they use the underground, a dark grungy place, where they are escaping from. The last line brings a sense of happiness with the "glittering" description. This last line also makes me wonder if the first line was speaking of being greeted by an individual or simply by the beautiful Eiffel Tower. Paige |
not a glance Paige Dorsel |
tragedy in life Chase Smith (3) |
scrubbing the walls Nicholas Kemp (8) |
a call from grandma |
tiny crab |
the moon lights Nick Retherford (8) I picture sneaking out of your house when you were younger. Always going out and stargazing or running through dark parks when it was past your bedtime. Walking out very quietly so that your parents wouldn't find out. Nicholas |
the cat lounges lazily Nick Retherford (4) |
ash cross Nicholas Kemp I like this haiku because it brings a reasonable perspective to what Ash Wednesday is. Personally, I grew up in a Catholic school, and our school would have Ash Wednesday mass. I never thought about what the black dirt is on my forehead for and would wipe some of it off after it was put on. This day is to prepare for the journey of Jesus' death and resurrection. I personally, like Lent (except for no meat on Fridays) because it is a time to renew or make new of yourself. I remember I would usually give up chocolate or pop for Lent for the longest time but now it means so much more to me. Each year, when Ash Wednesday comes along, being marked with the ash is a sign that Jesus' death for us has saved us, and I love that. I absolutely love that. There will always be mistakes through life's journey and knowing that there is an option to be cleanse from your sins to be with God, I can't help the joyful tears running down my face. Olivia |
golden koi |
on the left side of the bed
|
cornfields for miles Kyle Kite (3) I still think that this haiku is a horror movie waiting to happen. Even if it's not, this is still a great haiku. It plays on multiple senses here. We see the vast cornfields surrounding us, we hear that fateful ding of the gas tank finally hitting ‘E', and we can smell that acrid cigarette smoke as the author lights up. Even though there are only a few key details in this haiku, it is a fully realized scene and it allows the reader to fill in those other details without sacrificing the meat of the poem. Sam I like this haiku for many reasons. First off, my friends and I really enjoy driving through and exploring the cornfields that surround Decatur. There's something about the vast stalks of corn and sky that really comfort us, and it always makes for a good escape. There have been so many times where I will be out exploring and my gas light comes on. I always question just how long I can go before I actually need to get gas, and I've definitely been pushing it a couple of times. Another reason why I like it is because I can just see this person carelessly exploring through the cornfields, not thinking about a thing. When suddenly the gas light comes on. This can create such a sense of anxiousness depending on how far out in the cornfields you are. This person was probably stressed about the gas so they just decided to light a cigarette and calm down. It's funny because they clearly had the mindset to bring some cigarettes, but didn't think to put more gas in the car. Jordan |
glamorous faces |
if i knew Jordan Oelze (13) This is a powerful haiku and really makes you appreciate every moment you have with someone special. Every time someone passes away in my life I always look back at the last moment I spent with them and I always wish I stayed a little longer and said a little more. That being said, it makes you appreciate every moment you spend with someone as if it is your last. This haiku explains that perfectly and really makes you appreciate every moment you have. I enjoy the construction of this haiku and the choosing of the word "embrace". Kyle M. |
drunk and daring Jordan Oelze (8) I loved this one because the structure assisted the hesitancy within the situation. That takes guts; to ask someone to stay over, so it's no wonder that the structure aids the aesthetic. I also love the alliteration with “drunk and daring” because it is just so pleasing with the delivery and makes the whole poem that much more cohesive and satisfying. All in all, probably one of my favorites of all time. Wow, major double vote for me here. Andie |
rain smacks |
putt-putt Jordan Oelze (3) |
angled faces Jacob Melssen (2) |
a gentle breeze |
one impulse |
fuck Olivia Gonzalez (7) |
I stand beneath Kyle Kite (4) |
mother's touch Kate Gebultowicz This haiku is short, sweet and to the point and also allows the reader to create a story of there own and what memories your mother is keeping away from you. No matter what I will always be a "momma's boy" and am so close to my mother and tell her almost everything as she understands me more than anyone I know. A mother can help a child not think of bad times and bad memories with a simple hug. Being away at school there are times I miss my mother but I am getting older and it is time to be off on my own but it is always great to go back home and vent to my mother about all the problems with school and life and this haiku reminds me of this. Kyle M. |
The News |
family of four |
rebel voice arising Kate Gebultowicz (5) I love a good apocalyptic haiku and that's what this one feels like to me. I feel like the leader of a revolution is calling me out into the storm so that I can take one whatever Big Bad needs to be stopped. This haiku is filled with strong words like “thunder” and “rebel.” Even “luring” is a strong word because it doesn't get used a lot. The author could have used a more common word like “called” but they chose not to and that shows that there was thought put into this haiku. Sam |
parallel hands |
the first time we left |
overcast Jordan Oelze (6) |
once more I find myself Jacob Melssen (9) This haiku was my double vote. Personally, I could really relate to it. Sometimes the presence of other people can be overwhelming, and I just want to be alone in my house without having to entertain or talk to anyone. Even if I'm just in my room and people are home, it's not the same. I can still hear them, and there's always a chance they might come down to ask me something. I love the feeling of having an entire house to myself and relaxing in the quiet. Emily |
Debussy's Premiere Rhapsodie |
motioning her over |
thin layer of soil Kate Gebultowicz (4) |
the milky way Kala Keller (10) |
shaking Kyle McMahon This poem brought up a very vivid memory for me. When I got my first tattoo I was in Florida with my grandma and my mom. While we waited I was so nervous to go that I made my mom go first. When she was done I realized how scared my grandma had become so I decided to go second. As I walked into the room to get my tattoo I started to shake I was so nervous that it would hurt. Once he started I realized how silly it was to be so scared. It reminded me of when a little kid gets a shot and they are so scared the whole day to get that one little prick but once it happens they are okay. Caitlyn |
we walk the beach |
he's flopping my limp arms Kala Keller (7) |
drinking coffee the Emily Chudzik (10) |
false happiness Nicholas Kemp (6) This was one of my double votes, I liked this one because this was the only one that my sisters and myself voted for. In our household we love music, all kinds and its hard for us to do anything without it. We clean with it on, shower and get dressed, cook and do work, music is a happy place for us. Even when we are feeling down we can put our music on and dance around the house to make us feel better. We won't stop our music until we feel better, even if that means turning our music up. Even though we can't relate to the “false happiness” I can relate to not being genuinely happy until my music is louder. Dub |
hospital waiting room Yunek Moore This poem was very startling to me. I was expecting him to call into work because he's busy in the ER with a family member or maybe he is injured or sick himself. But the final line struck me very sharply. It's sad but more so very blunt and I think that's why I still enjoyed it despite the feeling of tragedy. Seems like a silly thing to do, call into work for her right after she died. There are probably so many other arrangements he needs to make at that moment, but I think that was the easiest task to accomplish right then and there. Jacob |
scantron Kyle McMahon (7) |
exiting the airplane |
our magic Kala Keller (4) |
a homeless man Kyle McMahon (5) The haiku emphasizes the light within something that's dark. Many people have their own idea of what a homeless person represents. Some people believe that someone is homeless because they got into drugs another person sees it as a falling into a hole, because of a job loss. There are many ways that people can fall deep in a hole and become bankrupt and eventually homeless. It's a sad thought but this haiku takes the idea of someone being homeless and gives hope because he is signing his signature. This shows that although something so sad has occurred this man is pushing through the struggles. He's not giving up, because he's resigning his name repeatedly. It's as if he's trying to remember who he is and is trying to keep himself together. Kate |
at the base of the Emily Chudzik (5) |
sitting in jail Yunek Moore (3) |
bumble bee |
his hand Jordan Oelze (3) |
Westminster Abbey mass— |
the bottle of wine Yunek Moore I liked the first two lines of the haiku because it was intense and it could have added a touch of romance as well. I liked how it was a girl because most girls drink their problems away, especially to get drunk. This haiku could have easily been a scene from a random romance movie. I thought this haiku was suspenseful and dramatic because the third line can entail that the girl might have seen someone special which made her drop the bottle of wine. Olivia |
walking through the lilac |
inhale |
the yellow bee |
dad's boots Nicholas Kemp (2) I like this one because of the unspoken respect. The child is looking at their father's work boots and realizes how worn they are. That shows just how dedicated to the family the father is and how much he cares. By saying they are almost the right fit, it suggests that he put his family before himself and didn't even bother to get a pair of boots that fit correctly, maybe that way the kids could have something they wanted. I just really love the sacrifice that is inferred in this haiku. Nick R. |
he closes |
the same bike Chase Smith (5) |
breathe before |
swinging on porch Chase Smith (6) |
sunshine finally erupts Nick Retherford (6) |
a little yellow jacket Nick Retherford (8) |
hidden eyes Kate Gebultowicz (3) |
curly haired roomie |
suburban driveway Emily Chudzik (6) |
every night Jordan Oelze (6) |
text from mom asking |
another day |
up at night |
sitting in the waiting rom |
a card waiting |
after last night Samuel Miller (6) This was another one of my favorites. I can clearly imagine the scenario of this haiku. I feel that either an ex-couple or two friends had a few drinks and things took a more romantic turn. I think they were probably drinking because it talks about trying to remember what happened. The details are a bit fuzzy, and they're trying to figure how whatever happened happened. The tone, however, is a bit unclear. It could either be a good thing or a bad occurrence. Emily |
pink pajamas Paige Dorsel (2) |
fishing with family Olivia Gonzalez |
door bell rings Caitlyn Latshaw The girl in this haiku reminds me of myself. I always wait for my dad to come home. Once he comes home I want to play volleyball and hang out with him. Therefore, I put myself in the shoes of this little girl. It brings back my own memories as a little girl. Once I step out of the box and think about why her dad is ringing the doorbell I jump to her parents being divorced or she was at another person's house. The mixture of feelings that this haiku makes me go through is what is so strong about this haiku. I feel different emotions and I can connect to the haiku, but then take the haiku to another level. It allows me to take different layers and unravel them so that I can experience different emotions. Kate |
day by day Caitlyn Latshaw (7) |
i wish |
young boy looks on in amazement, Yunek Moore (6) I like this haiku because it speaks about the race problem that our country is currently going through. Many kids grow up wanting to be police officers and looking up to them but now people especially African Americans are scared of them. I like the punctuation in the haiku. I also like the placement of the last line because it sticks out and is out there for a bigger. It's almost saying he was beaten for being black. Overall this haiku makes me feel uneasy because of the abuse the cops are doing in today's world. Chase |
the little girl puts on her best dress, |
stepping up to the plate |
each day |
overflowing trash Andrea Burns |
i want to write haiku Jordan Oelze (10) |
staying because Brittany Walsh (6) |
a lit cigarette Brittany Walsh (4) I like this one because of the irony that is present. A cigarette is something that over time actually kills you. So it is funny/ironic that it brings this person back to life. I get what they are saying though. I am very similar with caffeine; I need it to function and I imagine the author needs to smoke to function as well. Nick R. |
ants crawl Paige Dorsel I really enjoy the picture that I am getting from this haiku. I can picture a rain forest of some sort. Where there is a fallen log that is home to an ant colony. I almost picture it as a bridge for the ants to go across. Nicholas |
hoping the liquor store owner Emily Chudzik (7) |
corner of the Dunkin Donuts |
the smell of coffee beans |
fluttering past |
trembling |
left for the weekend Amanda Donohoe (6) |
terrible actor Nicholas Kemp (5) |
her certificates |
lost in the jungle brush Brittany Walsh |
closing her eyes |
Crayola pencils Kala Keller (7) I love the imagery and word choice here. I really appreciate her use of “Crayola” which brings back memories to all and gives a specificity to the description, rather than just saying “colored pencils”. I also like the verb “clack” to describe the noise, and I love the use of the fourth line and its exclamation point. The imagery is amazing using all the colors. Paige This haiku reminds me of a Dr. Seuss poem. The structure of the haiku is perfect and fun. It sets up the image of Crayola crayons—something that everyone can immediately imagine. The action is given of what the pencils are doing, which is clacking—and what a fun word! The fact that everything is tied together by matching and using the rule of three just shows that this haiku was intricately executed. The playful attitude of the rhyming and colored pencils just reminds of me of being a kid. I can see myself opening that fresh new box of colored pencils, smelling the wood, hearing all of them clack against one and other. The haiku is fresh and fun and just brings me back to my childhood. Or even just last week when I had to use colored pencils for my makeup project. It's very relatable and exciting. It's such a creative haiku! Jordan |
© 2017, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.