Global Haiku • June 2025
Dr. Randy Brooks

Crickets & Silence

by
Austin Nellessen

I chose the title “Crickets and Silence” because it captures the peaceful atmosphere that runs through each of the haiku in this collection. Many of these haikus reflect moments where nature helps me slow down and reconnect with myself like the fading noise of work at sunset or the calming presence of frogs and crickets after a long day. The sound of crickets became a symbol for the stillness I often seek after long and busy days. Coming from a finance and business background, I never expected to find joy in something as reflective as haiku, but this class showed me that there's power in simplicity and stillness. Writing these haiku has brought me calm and clarity, so as you read, sit back, relax, and let the burdens of the day into the background, just like a distant cricket's song at dusk.

sunset in the grass
the noise of work fades
with each cricket chirp

jsut past the tree line
a deer lifts its head
no phone in sight

quiet prairie night
only frogs and crickets speak
after a long day

hiking trail at dusk
my shadow walks ahead
like it knows the way

a slow moving stream
looks still until . . .
the minnows dance

eagle overhead
a silver flash in its claws
the lake holds its breath

early morning woods
fog settles in
no one but me