Global Haiku • January 2023
Dr. Randy Brooks

Retrograde

by
Salat Al-Nurridin

If I had to describe myself I would have to say I am honest, adaptable.Being a new parent those are qualities I would like to impart on my daughter, especially honesty. And the first part about being honest is being honest with yourself. The title of the collection,Retrograde, means to move or tend backward. Reflecting is essentially looking back over your life. In saying that I tend to do a reflect over my life frequently, and haiku has allowed me a new outlet of reflection that I find refreshing and relatable. My hope is that anyone who reads this collection of haiku will reflect with me and be grateful for all of life’s experiences. Enjoy!

Over the span of this 3-week course I can truly say learning about the history and art of haiku writing has enriched my life. Haiku is all about the experience generated by the reader and I love that. This semester has taught me that no situation is insignificant, haiku can be born from watching a river flow, two people fighting, or sitting in complete silence. Beauty is all around us only if we choose to see it. I will take this with me in all aspects and walks of my life. In the future I will continue to write haiku as a form of journaling.

in everyone's laughter
i long
for silence.

big smile
with no teeth
brightens my day

clip the leash
bright morning sun
not one care in the world

friday night
tv dinner
insert favorite movie

cold front
icy wind whistles
through dead leaves

cool shady area
used to be
our spot

light the candle
everyone sing . . .
make a wish

load the car
pee before we leave
it's grandma

donuts with dad
mine
not here

walk to the bathroom
long relaxing p . . .
jump out of bed

over preheat
grease the pan
sugar or choc chip