Global Haiku • Fall 2024
Dr. Randy Brooks

Star-Gazing

by
Bella Palermo

Throughout this semester I've learned that there is something very special about sharing a haiku with another person. When I write haiku, my main purpose is always to refect on a certain scenario in life that I think can and should be shared. I often write about feelings that bring me joy because those are the ones I want to share. You won't find any truly sad or depressing haiku in this colleciton, but you may find some with more serious tones, but that is as far as I prefer to go.

Many of the haiku I enjoyed reading this semester were about growing up or going through the transition from childhood to adulthood. I often wrote about that topic. Each haiku in this collection has an untertone of growing up.

Finally, I've learned that there are as many haiku out there as there are stars in the sky. Each has its own unique meaning and deeper reflection if you are willing to look deep enough.

childhood bedroom
tattered stuffed animal
growing pains

stretching
reaching
for Nana's cookie jar

by word of mouth
they found the house
with king-sized candy bars

prairie grass grows taller
I have watched you
go with it

garage door creaking
dog barking
our favorite person is home

matted hair brush
how it feels to be loved
not forgotten

pomegranate cut open
seeds everywhere—
I tell you my soul wishes

three screaming girls
versus
one big fly

103 degree fever
but you are not afraid
to be near

stealing french fries
across the table
you let me

my love stays
on the dusty shelves
of a used bookstore

old robe hung
on the door covered in
flour fingerprints

a lone dimple
in the dark
star-gazing