1

public pool
sandwich lunch
eyes red and burning

Brandon Lockhart

2

the inner circle
of my swimming tube
a quiet hiss

Randy Brooks

I really like where this haiku took my imagination. I'm imagining relaxing on a swimming tube, floating on the lake. Perhaps I have an adult beverage in my hand. For sure, I'm totally relaxed and enjoying the moment. Then the quiet hiss . . . which completely alters my mood. This highly enjoyable experience is about to end abruptly. Brandon Lockhart, July 2021

3

howling under the moon
conditioning the pack
prepares to hunt

Kameron Graham

4

summer breeze
slushie giving me a brain freeze
summer is my thing

Kameron Graham

5

waiting on the storm
heavy air heavier heart
I hope it passes soon

Kameron Graham

The anticipation of this storm is very present here. I love the use of the word "heavy" as well. Mentioning a "heavier" heart really emphasizes the authors intentions with how high the stakes are. This storm sounds scary. Growing up I was always scared of thunderstorms so I can imagine the fears this person is having. I imagine a young girl wanting to hide. Crystal Claros, July 2021

6

nature walk
through the trees
mosquitos on the hunt

Brandon Lockhart

7

sun on his skin
wind flowing through his hair
yet, he is not here

Crystal Claros

I love this haiku. The first two lines describe what is typically enjoyable sensory moments. Usually when someone is experiencing the sun on his skin and wind in his hair, it elicits certain emotions. Maybe joy, or peace, or the feeling of being and experiencing, or perhaps it creates a sort of meditative experience. Not in this instance, though. The emotions typically felt from this sensory moment are non-existent. His mind is elsewhere, somewhere much more important. Brandon Lockhart, July 2021

8

opened door
suitcases lined up
where is mom

Crystal Claros

9

4am shift
but it is time for breakfast
how long will this last?

10

once a snow mound
filled with tunnels
my command station

11

jackets and scarves
hot cocoa
parade passes by

Brandon Lockhart

This haiku makes me feel warm and fuzzy. I love how such cozy words open this poem. "Jackets and scarves….hot cocoa". I imagine a little kid with a scarf and hat that are way too big with a cold, red nose waiting for the Christmas parade to start. A cup of hot cocoa is caressed by his small hands which are covered in blue mittens. Crystal Claros, July 2021

12

fogged up glasses
and footprints in the snow
my car never starts

13

Memorial Day
a gathering of family
after the pandemic

14

it was just one treat
so why does it feel like
the end if the world

Crystal Claros

15

one orchid blossom
in each margarita
she dares me

Randy Brooks

16

half-eaten dinner
pillow over her tummy
he can't know she eats

Crystal Claros

This haiku is sad. I think it may speak to how some women feel in society. The standards for women set by media and fashion are very high and this haiku speaks to the psychological and physical struggle that comes with that. She is hungry, but she wants to be beautiful in the eyes of society and the man she loves. Brandon Lockhart, July 2021

17

jab and a hook
duck and a dip
eight, nine, ten

Brandon Lockhart

18

the life of the party
my best friend
is porcelain

Brandon Lockhart

19

morning darkness
entering the canyon
head lamp lit

Brandon Lockhart

20

calorie counting
so what myfitnesspal says
determines my worth?

21

ginkgo leaves
the sunlight through
all these years

22

valentine card
made just
for who

Brandon Lockhart

The time period of Valentines day card giving is so sweet, especially when we are kids. I love that it does not reveal who it is for, leaving it up to the reader. I imagine a young boy giving cards out to his friends but having one specifically made for another boy he likes. It is made for him specifically because he has a crush on him and wants the letter to be anonymous. The theme for this haiku is innocent and simple. Crystal Claros, July 2021

23

July rays
kiss my skin and
form a bulging blister

24

here comes
the bride
crying

Brandon Lockhart