Haiku Kukai 10 Favorites
Global Haiku • Millikin University • Fall 2018
snow SNow SNOW Hannah Haedike (6) |
friday before break |
silent night |
one of a kind Emily Sullins I like the structure of this haiku. The way it is written, I think the reader can interpret whether the first line is describing the snowflake or girl with the snowflake in her hair. I like to think of it as describing the girl rather than the snowflake because that makes for such a sweet haiku. Haley Vemmer, Fall 2018 This haiku compared the snowflake to the girl, that she was as unique as a snowflake, which was incredibly heartwarming. I imagined a young couple on their first winter night together and they were out walking together and the first snow begins to fall lightly. A snowflake pure as she is gets caught in her hair and it is singular and unique, just as she is. I absolutely loved the imagery used in this haiku and it was so pure and heartwarming it just made me smile. Mary Callaghan, Fall 2018 |
Rockefeller Center Emily Sullins (4) |
three inches overnight Rachel Pevehouse I think this one makes me giggle a bit because of the quantity of snow. Weather is so funny because one state can get three inches of snow and completely shut down, but somewhere else gets a foot of snow and business continues as usual. Because I understand that we go to school in central Illinois and not Minnesota, where I’m sure I’ve mentioned I’m from, I realize that lower quantities of snow mean more to those who live here. I relate to the hope that classes will be cancelled because of the three inches covering the ground. I can help but laugh a bit at the annual email we get from campus security warning us to be careful walking on icy sidewalks. This haiku is relatable to me, but also amusing. Isabella Loutfi, Fall 2018 I liked this one mainly because it is just too real. I was talking to someone in my family about how there are not really snow days at college over break. Everyone loves snow days in high school because it is a day of relaxation and relief, but in college it seems like there are never those breaks. Zachary McReynolds, Fall 2018 |
snow angels in the yard Sophie Kibiger (8) I loved this haiku because it gave me a very strong emotion when I read it. There is an entire storyline that could exist behind this haiku. Did someone die? Has there been a divorce? Where is the person who made the extra snow angel last year? It spikes curiosity and is a really good haiku. Jenesi Moore, Fall 2018 This is a very sad haiku. My immediate reaction was that a child has died, and is no longer there to make snow angels with the rest of the family. Or perhaps, one of the children has moved out or gone away to college. Either way, there is a sense of sombre loss in this haiku. I think the author did a good job of only telling a piece of the story, so the reader is able to fill in the details for themself. Melanie Wilson, Fall 2018 |
winter wonderland Sophie Kibiger (8) It is clear that I have a bad case of baby fever, and this was a cute haiku about parenthood. I enjoyed the fact that it starts with “winter wonderland.” I felt as though it could have meant it was also a wonderland because the author was with their daughter. It is a wholesome image regardless. Zachary McReynolds, Fall 2018 |
snowballs stacked Jenesi Moore (4) As discussed in class, this haiku made me think of the movie ELF during the snowball fight scene. Every year my family and I would watch ELF and then have a snowball fight between my dad, sister, and I. This haiku took me back to my sister assigning me to make snowballs as she aimed them at dad until it was safe to say we had enough ammo to take him down. it has a childhood tone to it and it brings the holiday cheer to it that brings most back to their childhood. Mary Callaghan, Fall 2018 |
winter night Logan Bader (6) I imagine a cozy cottage all decorated with Christmas lights. This couple just had a December wedding, and tonight is the first night home from their honeymoon. They watch the snow fall outside while they curl up on their couch with hot cocoa. The Christmas tree is in the corner, and a Christmas movie plays on the tv in front of them. They talk about their snow day traditions as children and wonder what traditions they will start together as a family. Maybe they will do snowball fights or find a hill to sled on each year. The newlyweds smile and giggle, excited for the many winters ahead of them. Emily Sullins, Fall 2018 I think this haiku is so sweet. It creates a sentimental and warm feeling. I find it interesting how much significance the word “newlyweds” carries in this poem – it implies they are happy and why their first snow together is so important. Rachel Pevehouse, Fall 2018 This haiku made me smile. It reminded me of in movies where couples always get excited when they have new “firsts” with each other. Especially when a couple gets married, everything seems new and first again because they are now married. Sydney Rudny, Fall 2018 |
“SNOWFLAKES!” Zachary McReynolds (8) |
instead of playing fortnite |
first snowman |
building a snowman Emily Sullins (10) I like this haiku because it’s kind of humorous. When reading it, I picture a family with a couple of young kids playing outside in the snow. One of them suggests building a snowman, and another exclaims that it has to be the best snowman in the neighborhood. Because it’s what always happened in my family, I imagine the dad does all of the work, and the kids take all the credit. Haley Vemmer, Fall 2018 This haiku had a childhood tone to it and I absolutely loved it. I imagined some kids going to make the first snowman after the first snow of the season. Their neighbors got to it first. The kids wanted to top theirs by using the fanciest hats and scarfs to despite their mom's discontent. They will make it bigger, better, and flashier than the neighbors and they are excited to make the best snowman on the block. Mary Callaghan, Fall 2018 |
the first snow |
first snow Rachel Pevehouse (4) I enjoyed this haiku because it reminded me of my girlfriend, Alexa. She is the type of person that is always cold, yet when we go places, she always seems to forget to pack a coat, gloves, and whatever else she needs to keep warm. Most of the time, I will tell her that she will need more layers than she has on to stay warm, yet she still likes to dress minimally. Most of the time, I end up shedding my own layers so that she can stay warm because she did not believe she would need more clothes. Reading this haiku, I could imagine her swiping my mittens from me so that she can be warm. Logan Bader, Fall 2018 This haiku makes me feel the cool chill from the first snow and the sadness of the first snow that they aren't spending together. I think of a girl who is reminiscing on how much she and her ex-lover enjoyed the snow together. But this year, they aren't together anymore so instead of having her lover warm up her hand, she must rely on her mittens. Naomi Klingbeil, Fall 2018 |
evening snowfall Isabella Loutfi (4) This haiku made me smile. It is so warm and innocent. I imagined a couple sitting near an ice skating rink people watching in the snow. Since its snowing it's a little chilly so they hold mittens. Sydney Rudny, Fall 2018 |
church steps Rachel Pevehouse (5) I like the ambiguity of this haiku. I'm not sure what the author had in mind when they wrote it, but I really like the image it creates and the feelings it provokes. The image of a blanket of snow outside a church, covering the steps is really beautiful, peaceful and eerie all at the same time. It is like a white carpet leading up to the door, but you don't want to step on it and ruin the beauty of it. Melanie Wilson, Fall 2018 |
snow bank |
can't tell which is brighter Jenesi Moore This haiku reminded me of one I read at the beginning of the year. Both that one and this one create an image of a clear night sky, complete with a full moon. The light from that moon and the stars that surround it reflect onto the snow, making it seem like the ground exists only for that purpose—to reflect the light and make the night seem less dark and more magical. Daria Koon, Fall 2018 |
winter trail Logan Bader (7) |
WAIT Mary Callaghan (4) This haiku is so funny, and honestly, very wholesome. There was another haiku that dealt with this subject as well, but this haiku is so effective in that it lets the reader connect the dots, instead of telling it for them. Also, it has very clear voice and is so humorous. I love how Mary’s voice and style are evolving. Really fun to watch. Alissa Kanturek, Fall 2018 This haiku reminds me of my childhood when me and my brothers would go and play in at the park when it snowed. My brothers would always grab and shove handfuls of snow into their mouths. It was usually me who would warn them that snow was yellow. I think one time my youngest brother (still older than me) actually ate snow that a dog had peed in. He said it tasted “sweet”. Jenesi Moore, Fall 2018 |
snowfall |
dog shakes Mary Callaghan (3) |
“snow is so pretty” |
in my hair Daria Koon (3) I imagine a young girl around eight years old. She is a “girly-girl” in every sense of the word. She loves princesses and has always dreamed of being one. Today is a snow day, so she runs outside to make a snow angel. The snowflakes fall in her hair, and she squeals as she thinks she must look like a princess. This little girl is so full of glee, and she glows with joy even in the cold winter. Emily Sullins, Fall 2018 This haiku is super cute! I love walking around while it’s snowing and getting snow in my hair and eyelashes. I like the peace and lightness that come with being outside during a snowfall. When it snowed at Millikin earlier this past week, I got to walk between the trees in front of Shilling on that little paved pathway and I felt just like a woodland snow princess. I could imagine this haiku being about a little girl in the snow, but my grown self relates to it just as well. I really like how the last line is in quotes because it gives the haiku a really strong voice. I can hear a small girl saying this, Daria saying this, or even me saying this! Isabella Loutfi, Fall 2018 |
evening stroll Sophie Kibiger I've always enjoyed taking walks outside, especially when they happen in the evening. There's something about the quiet that comes just before dark that appeals to me. I also tend to enjoy looking up at the sky and the tops of the trees around me because I think that people don't very often, and I like to notice/appreciate both knowing that I get to see something most people don't, as well as I take a genuine interest in what happens above my head. I picture two people, wearing pea coats and scarves, holding hands as they walk down a park walking path, looking up at the autumn leaves (on maple trees specifically), and noticing that white fluff is falling from the sky. They share an excited look, squeeze their gloved hands, and continue their walk, focusing on the snowfall now, more than the treetops. Daria Koon, Fall 2018 |
SpLaT! |
walking down the street Daria Koon (6) |
sitting in the car with Zachary McReynolds This haiku is so sweet and timeless. I think that the use of four lines in this haiku was very effective, and it really provided a nice flow to the reading. It captures the idea of really being present and living in the moment, as well as being thankful for the things in life that really matter. I think it really just captured what Christmas is all about for me. Alissa Kanturek, Fall 2018 |
we wake to snow Melanie Wilson Most people like the snow, for whatever reason, but I do not. My partner likes it a bit more than me, but also hates driving in it and I can just imagine us in this scene together. This haiku also has so much humor and yet, a realistic view of what the world is like once you’re not a kid anymore. I enjoyed it a lot. Alissa Kanturek, Fall 2018 I like this haiku because I imagine a couple lying in bed together and they look out the window to see the snow. They both groan because they equally hate the snow but, then they're excited because the snow gives them an excuse to lay in bed all day on a Saturday and just enjoy the warmth and coziness of their home. Naomi Klingbeil, Fall 2018 |
I pull back the curtain Sydney Rudny (3) This haiku reminds me of the days when I was back in K-12 and I would wake up to the news of a snow day. The first thing I would do on snow days is go and look out my back window at the fresh snow covering our hill in the backyard. No matter how many times I have seen the snow-covered hill illuminated by the early morning sun, I still always smile and feel giddy. Isabella Spiritoso, Fall 2018 I liked this haiku because I love the first snow. Snow in general is meh, but the first snow is always so magical. Every year, I look forward to waking up and looking out my window, seeing the first coat of snow on the ground and the trees. It’s so sparkly and wonderful, and it always gets me excited for the holidays. Sophie Kibiger, Fall 2018 |
baby sister Isabella Loutfi (6) A teenager holds her one-year old sister in her arms. The baby has a beanie, snow boots, and mittens on. She Is completely bundled up. Her big sister just brought her out for a minute to see her first snow before taking her back inside. While the teen does not want to risk her little sister getting sick, she wanted to witness the baby seeing a snowflake. Her baby sister is dazzled by the snowflakes and cannot take her face off of the sky. With her little mittens open to the sky, she catches small flakes. Emily Sullins, Fall 2018 |
gently caressing Isabella Spiritoso (4) |
underwear and boots Isabella Loutfi (7) I love the language of this haiku. The first line confused me at first, but I now understand that their underwear and boots keep them warm in the snow, which is a unique appeal to the senses. Combined with the last two lines, it creates such a nice and complete image. Rachel Pevehouse, Fall 2018 |
after the snowfall Haley Vemmer I like this haiku especially for the donuts aspect. I have never done donuts because I am lame and scared, but this seems like a lot of fun. My brother and sister like to do this when they come home for holidays, so I definitely have warm memories of contemplating whether or not I would like to go with them. Usually this contemplation ended with a concerned look from my mom, so I just stayed home. When I first read this haiku, I started thinking about actual, food donuts. Reading it made me crave warm cinnamon sugar donuts I get from a bakery in my hometown. Then I thought of doing donuts while eating donuts. This haiku had several elements that reminded me of my home during the holidays. It gave me a warm and sugary feeling. Isabella Loutfi, Fall 2018 |
snowy night Melanie Wilson (4) |
fresh snow |
first snow Alissa Kanturek (5) |
blinking slowly Isabella Loutfi (5) |
snow-caked Isabella Loutfi (7) I like his haiku because it makes me smile. I like how it references The Wizard of Oz, which makes it fun. At the same time, I also associate a warm feeling with it. I hate being out in the snow and cold, so coming home and knocking the snow off my shoes is always a wonderful feeling. Haley Vemmer, Fall 2018 I like this haiku because of all the different parts and meanings it has. I personally do not enjoy winter or snow, so I am always glad to get back home and go inside. I like the image of clicking heels together, and the illusion to The Wizard of Oz. This can be interpreted as clicking one's heels together like Dorothy in the movie, wishing to go home and get out of the snow. Or as stomping the snow off of your feet as you walk into the house. Melanie Wilson, Fall 2018 I like this one because it paints a clear image of someone getting snow off their boots, but the Wizard of Oz reference makes it more compelling. I felt the sigh of relief when I make it home and can take my shoes off when I read the final line. Overall, it was very well done. Zachary McReynolds, Fall 2018 |
*CRUNCH* Jenesi Moore I liked this haiku because of the auditory imagery. Particularly because I can also feel the snow crack underneath my feet. It brought me back to the first hard snow of the year at home, when I walk out onto the lawn, expecting the snow to compact underneath my boots, but, instead, I'm constantly playing the “will it break, will it not” game. It reminded me that not all snow is good for snowballs, and that, sometimes, snow and ice can be just as sharp as broken glass. Daria Koon, Fall 2018 |
soft jazz Emily Sullins (5) I remember my trip to Memphis, and how alive Beale Street always was. All of the amazing, authentic jazz, rock n roll, delta blues, and so much more. I could imagine the streets packed with people, sipping on nice drinks and listening to all of the bands. I imagined the local kids performing in the streets and trying to make some money for themselves. I could smell the fresh Memphis BBQ rolling out of restaurant fronts, and the scent of bangers and mash flowing from the Irish Pub on the corner. I could imagine the beautiful Christmas lights, wrapped around the street lights, and strung throughout the skinny city trees. This haiku had nice imagery. Logan Bader, Fall 2018 |
wishing snow Hannah Haedike (7) |
grandma loved Mary Callaghan (4) |
first snow |
outdoor recess |
no school Emily Sullins (4) |
foot prints Isabella Spiritoso (4) |
snowfall Haley Vemmer (5) I felt this haiku on such a level. I am not a huge fan of snow except in the very beginning and on Christmas. But after Christmas, I'm 100% over snow and want nothing to do with it. So, if I get snow after Christmas I'm not a happy camper. I'm even more unhappy if I didn't get snow on Christmas. There's just something magical about a white Christmas, makes the holiday even more special. Naomi Klingbeil, Fall 2018 I really liked this haiku because it was so relatable. I feel like every Christmas there is never any snow but then January and February come around and then we get a ton of snow and at that point you don't even want the snow anymore. Sydney Rudny, Fall 2018 |
snow day Emily Sullins (8) I thought this haiku was cute. I like the visual of a red nose from the cold air outside on a snow day. Also, I like the playfulness in relating a red nose from the cold to Rudolph’s shiny magical red nose. As we grow older, we still try to find the magic in the holidays, and I feel like this haiku shows that. Isabella Spiritoso, Fall 2018 This haiku is just fun and cute. I love the reference to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I also appreciate how it is combined with a relatable sensation – the red nose many have during the winter months. It has a fun and unique voice that creates a feeling of light-heartedness. Rachel Pevehouse, Fall 2018 |
powdery snowfall Logan Bader I imagined a little kid seeing the first snow of the season. They’re bundled up like a marshmallow, waddling through the snow as they plan their attack. Their tiny hands are forming the tiniest snowball, and they aim before launching it at an older sibling. They erupt in giggles, running around the yard to avoid the returned fire. Sophie Kibiger, Fall 2018 |
snowy parking lot Sophie Kibiger (10) |
snow fall |
Tony Montana Zachary McReynolds (4) |
the field is silenced |
dawnbreak |
nursing home Logan Bader I used to be a caroler, and we always went and sang at nursing homes during the holiday season. A lot of the times, people in nursing homes don’t get a lot of visitors, so they were always really excited to see us and sing with us. Something as simple as music could bring joy back into the loneliest lives. This haiku really brought back memories. Sophie Kibiger, Fall 2018
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twisting and turning Randy Brooks (8) This haiku was definitely a perfect image of my brother and I on a snow day when we were young. We would spend hours and hours outside in the snow with our big dogs, sledding down the paths on which the lumber men harvested their wood from our land. Our large mutts would ride on top of us and our sleds all the way down the hills and would turn around and race us back up. Then we would repeat. It was so fun! My brother and I would have snowball fights all the way back to the house, and we would squirm quickly out of our snowsuits for a warm mug of hot chocolate from mom in the kitchen. This memory was also when we lived in our old house, which was a small trailer home with a wood burning stove. I can imagine the smell of the wood burning away, warming the carpet for the cats and dogs to sleep. Logan Bader, Fall 2018 |
snow day Naomi Klingbeil (7) This haiku is sadly relatable. I used to look forward to snow days so that I could spend time either outside in the fresh snow or wrapped up in a blanket inside for a relaxing day. As I grow older, if things are cancelled by snow, I generally just find it as additional time to do the mundane tasks that I already do in my everyday life. Isabella Spiritoso, Fall 2018 This is like the best feeling ever. When you've been studying for a test so much that you literally feel like you're about to explode from nervousness and then you get one more day to make sure that you covered everything, that is such a relief. I have never been in this position at Millikin because we don't really get snow days but I have had this happen in high school. It was sweet. Jenesi Moore, Fall 2018 |
© 2018, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.