Global Haiku • Fall 2021
Dr. Randy Brooks

Haiku I Wrote in Class
When I Was Supposed to Be Paying Attention

by
Barrett Van

Alternatively: Daydreaming Haiku, The Musings of a College Student with ADHD, Thoughts and Memories Sparked by Education and Dissociation

introductions
you have no idea
who I am

electric current
on and off again
we flicker

a whisper
bounces off
empty church pews

mascara runs down her cheeks
peace sign
mirror selfie

professor asks to speak in the hall
expecting a lecture
I receive a hug

mannequin hands
what a strange new
compliment

late night argument
pasta water
boils over

I’m too sexy
to walk into traffic today
Millikin affirmations

carefully crafting
friendship bracelets
all by myself

smoky sunset burns
along the tree line
learning I have no home

ne, hai, sí, oui, da, ja
forgetting how to say yes
in my own language

diamond studs
the difference between
a man and a woman

late night talk
I always drive you
home

cuts and bruises
map her small body
a father’s love

the masculine urge
to pour chocolate milk
on your head

growing up to face
life’s ups and downs
bouncy castle

Halloween
the one night a year
I can take off my mask

poverty in education presentation
I remember
my food stamps

jack-o-lantern
you light the flame
behind my eyes

Moaning Myrtle
pep rallies are much easier with
school spirit