Global Haiku • January 2026
Dr. Randy Brooks

The Treeline

by
Andrew Detmers

As a senior bio major, I had never really read or written haiku before this class, so this was very new to me, but I’m glad I decided to take the class. Writing haiku has made me pay closer attention to small moments and details, which I believe is helpful not just in writing, but also in science and everyday life. It also showed me that trying things outside of my major can actually be enjoyable, and it makes me want to be more open to new experiences, which could help me meet new people and make more friends. I’ve noticed that when I’m stressed or just bored, I sometimes write things down now instead of just scrolling on my phone, and that helps me slow down and clear my head.

walking alone
the woods listen
without answering

streetlight snow
our shadows stretch
past bedtime

wet mittens
lined along the vent
after dark

early light
the words I rehearsed
don’t matter now

deer at the treeline
we pause at the same moment
then both look away

sweat on my forehead
each heartbeat says yes
to being alive

quiet afternoon
I sit longer than planned
doing nothing