Global Haiku • January 2026 |
|
|
Home, Change, and the Spaces Between by Most of my haiku focus on family and the quiet moments where change is happening, even when it isn’t obvious at first. I tend to write in the spaces between big events. The stillness after a loss, the calm before something new, or the everyday routines that continue even when life feels different. Learning haiku has taught me how to slow down and really notice moments instead of rushing past them. It’s helped me become more reflective and intentional with my words, which I think will be valuable in my professional life when communicating with others or handling difficult situations. On a personal level, haiku showed me that small moments and simple expressions can carry a lot of meaning. It’s taught me that reflection can be healing and that sitting with emotions instead of avoiding them can bring clarity and peace. |
lights left strung I like this one because it reminds me of the feeling after Christmas has come and gone. It’s so busy and feels so loud during the week leading up to Christmas, then it’s gone so fast. There is a silence once it’s passed and you are almost left feeling empty. I’m not sure why that is, because it’s always a happy time. Maybe just because you’ve done so much leading up to those 2 days, and then it’s gone so fast? It just feels sad and dark and this haiku makes those feelings so valid to me. sad and unlit. The lights are no longer lit, the house goes dark and boring again. No more bright Christmas lights outside, no more lit Christmas tree lights in the house. dark nights. The lights that were once lit are now gone. The dakness seeps in. |
calm, still water I think walking to creek brings a lot of feelings for a lot of people. No matter how busy or crazy, or unhappy, chaotic, your life may be in the moment, the calm of the creek water running over the smooth, soft pebbles, calms you. They lay there so nicely, so untouched. The calm, still water brings a calm to your soul, and it’s just a soft feeling standing there, looking into the water. |
sunrise over the ocean I love going to the beach, and so does my husband. He is a morning person, I am not. Unless we’re at the beach. We love waking up before the kids and heading to the beach with our coffee to sit and watch the sunrise. There is a stillness and it’s so nice watching the sun rise over the waves. Talking about our life, talking about our vacation, what we’re doing today It’s one of my favorite things in the world to do. This haiku makes me feel those feelings just by reading it. |
groom awaits This makes me think of the future. I have 2 daughters, and I cannot wait for this day, but also I can. I think every father of a daughter feels the same. It’s joyous, yet you’re letting her go. The groom is there waiting to take your little girl. All you can do is hope he takes care of her and treats her the way you know she deserves to be. You’re letting her go and hoping she lives out all her dreams. |
quiet, still house This is my favorite haiku I wrote. I was there when my aunt died and the emptiness of her house filled me with so much grief. Her shoes lay where she last put them, her ring we removed from her hand lay beside her nightstand where she lay it each night, they took her pillow when they took her body, so it was gone. It was just so still and we were filled with such gut wrenching pain. We sat there, not sure what to do, but trying to be strong for her husband she left behind. It’s a painful feeling I don’t wish upon anyone. |
|
porch swing sways |
walk to the creek |
firm, sure voice |
© 2025, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.