Global Haiku • January 2026
Dr. Randy Brooks

Connection

by
Ava Armstrong

When choosing which haiku to add to this collection, I went through all the haiku that I’ve written throughout my time in this class and selected what I thought were the best. I then organized them into groups based on similarity, with my categories being: outdoors and self-care. My title for this collection represents my connection between the being outside and “finding” myself. I tend to write about being outside, with the wind blowing, or walking on a trail alone. These are things that I enjoy and are my happy place.

Being outdoors is something that I enjoy. I love the fresh air, the wind, and the sunny rays. Even in the coldest days, I enjoy seeing the sunshine. I love being outside and finding things to do, such as going for a walk, watching the river flow, and being on a boat on the lake.

Self-care for me is doing something other than work or school. Self-care is focusing on my breathing or going out for a walk. Even closing my eyes and letting my brain and body rest during a busy day.

Therefore, I chose my title because I have a strong connection between self-care and being outdoors, and they work together to help me be outdoors and give myself some time to enjoy

swings clank
children giggle
kicking rocks

snowy day
phone call
in pajamas all day

creek flows fast
minnows swim by
fishing pole leans

winter dance
his jacket on my chair
it’s still warm