Global Haiku • Fall 2024
Dr. Randy Brooks

Subtle Love

by
Gracie Shaffer

The art of writing haiku has given me new insight into reading niche sections of literature. Understanding the way words work together in short bursts allows more power to be given to the imagination of the brain. Throughout this semester, I became more interested in the art of traditional three-line haiku. In my collection, I choose to showcase my attention to love in small situations. Whether this be the way men positively treat women, connection to food, or materialistic items. My hope for this collection is to make the reader think about different and understated love situations within their personal life.

books open books close
mind still wanders
to you

Cinco de Mayo
shared love
over a bowl of queso

doorstep flowers
door handles untouched
he’s a keeper

sunsets so early
mom calls
for dinner

broken chair
no longer needed
at the table for two

nature's tiny tress
always left
for last

planning the night
house by house
king-sized first

pulling out the guts
punching in the eyes
jack-o-lantern

snowflakes falling
crockpot on high
steam fueling the argument