Global Haiku • January 2016
Dr. Randy Brooks

Just Keep Swimming

by
Emily Mihalkanin

My haiku were inspired by my past experiences and memories, along with my relationships with friends and family. There are a few haiku in this collection that were influenced by Disney and Pixar movies from my childhood.

The perfect haiku to me is one that is brief and concise, usually 3 lines, but it can be one or two. I think a great haiku has imagery and creates visuals in a reader’s mine. A great haiku generally has a setting and describes who is there and what is happening, but the best haiku leave some of that up to the reader’s interpretation as well. A great haiku appeals to the reader’s senses as well.

ENJOY!

sleep on it
advice from the mom
to the young one

twinkling lights
wrapped around the tree
he’s coming

a Christmas surprise
for a little girl
her dream puppy

gathered around the fire
caroling
the ugliest sweaters

baby’s first steps
1      2    3  4 5
plop!

puppy’s first snow
     sparkling dust
sticking to his wet nose

gently brushing
hair behind my ear,
a kiss lands upon my cheek

our fingers intertwined
I am safe
when I’m with you

time to meet the parents
quick
zip your fly

the guacamole
with my sushi
setting my mouth on fire

no one to answer to
but me
            finally

following my every move
my only friend
my shadow

let go of my
spaghetti,
tramp.

hundreds of
rainbow balloons,
there goes the house

ran into a lady
with memory loss
just keep swimming . . .