1

ghost fingertips
against cheeks
warm

Maddy Cummins

2

clink-clink-clinking 
beaded bracelets
scrape the table

Maddy Cummins

3

washing the car
my world
strangely feels at peace

Aiden Etchason

I loved the way this haiku evoked so many nostalgic memories for me, and a sense of serenity and safety, as well. It was as if everything, for a brief moment, was at a standstill: my feet cemented securely on the ground, time slowed to normal speed, the smell of soap and car wax bringing me back to reality. It’s exactly as the haiku says. Maddy Cummins, Fall 2022

4

golden doodle 
walking through the neighborhood
bug along for the ride 

McKenzie Greene

I like this haiku because I have a dog myself, and there has been a time when a bug had been on his back throughout one of our walks. This haiku just reminds me of things that I love and enjoy: my dog and taking him on walks. Also, I love the golden doodle breed and find them to be adorable. Mikayla Craw, Fall 2022

5

I take the floor
to watch you work
at my desk

6

nighttime
your eyelashes cradle
the snow

Page Shields

I like this haiku because it provides an incredibly beautiful visual of a simple occurrence. While snow itself is common, each snowflake is unique. By depicting small snowflakes on one’s eyelash, this haiku effectively contrasts the simplicity of nature with its exquisiteness. Olivia Swords, Fall 2022

7

pink eraser
fading to grey
too many mistakes

8

my body thrown
into the air
zero gravity

9

the freckles
like constellations
on his body

Mikayla Craw

10

to be kissed,
like the sun kisses
the moon

Maddy Cummins

11

unsaid words
pretend smiles
two screens

Femke Stuut

12

trees rustling
soft music
to the poet

13

cleaning old cobwebs
off the front porch
time to redecorate

14

cough drops
taste better
than yesterdays

Nathaniel Graybeal

15

lumber and hardware
fill the metal walls
with business

Aiden Etchason

16

shattered glass
lips too close
to nose

17

sun 
peaking over the clouds 
local farmers market

18

little tot swinging 
underdog push
from Grandpa 

19

sunrise
walking home
two coffees in hand

Page Shields

20

costume jewelry
scattered beads
stick to the floor

Page Shields

21

Grandma baked
the last batch
for them to critique

Aiden Etchason

22

the daunting presence
of the old book
sitting beside my bed

Olivia Swords

23

the itch
of a monarch
upon my finger

Olivia Swords

The description of the butterflies light legs grazing one’s finger as an “itch” perfectly captures the sensation—it almost feels like you should swat at it, scratch it, but you resist the instinct because you don’t want to disturb the beautiful bug that’s deemed your hand a safe place to rest. Page Shields, Fall 2022

24

on the cottage
ivy leaves
they found their home

Femke Stuut

25

late at night
swallowing abyss 
of a long country road

Nathaniel Graybeal

26

negative test results 
sigh of relief today
a test again tomorrow

27

hum of the washing machine
fills the quiet house
putting the dog to sleep

Mikayla Craw

This haiku gave me not only the sound of the washing machine but also the smell of the fresh laundry. It paints a whole scene with just a few words and gives a feeling of comfort and the scene being familiar. Even if I don't have a dog myself, I can picture the scene perfectly and see the beauty in it falling asleep to the soft hum of the washing machine. Femke Stuut, Fall 2022