Haiku Kukai 1 Fvorites
PACE Global Haiku • Millikin University • Kukai 1, February 2010
sunset Alexis King |
trading post |
crack of the bat |
barn loft Tina Olszewski Let’s go back in time, to a farmers barn, with lots and lots of children. Hide and seek, such a fun game for these children. All the children of the farm yard neighbourhood are playing together. When the dinner bell rings and it time for the children to go to their homes, they continue to hide, and not the parents are shouting come out, come out! Holly I loved this Haiku and it made me smile as soon as I read it. It brought back precious childhood memories of all of the kids in our neighborhood playing hide and seek or flashlight tag until our parents called us inside for the night. In this Haiku, I picture children playing in a big yard in the country. As soon as the child who is “it” begins counting, they immediately scatter throughout the large yard. Many of them head to the barn trying to find that special place to hide. One child hides behind several bales of hay. Another child hides behind a big John Deere tractor, and one child climbs the old ladder and hides in the loft above. Each of them peek behind their hiding places as they anticipate the one who is “it” coming to find them. When they hear “come out, come out”, they try to contain their giggles as they squeeze tighter into their hiding places. Finally, as their pursuer gets closer, one of them can’t stand it any longer and lets a giggle escape him. Immediately, there is flurry of legs scurrying as they run to base and try to get safe before they are tagged…giggling and laughing all the way! Tammy |
sunday |
grey morning |
fishing Tammy Maxwell |
family reunion Kassie Knoll My father died when I was fifteen so I have experienced this haiku first hand. My aunts and uncles all filing in to pay their respects and filing back out strangers again. It is sad that people do not take more time to spend with each other in life. We all make it out for a funeral though. I like the way this poet used over by itself in between the family reunion and my father’s casket. There is a clear division of emotions and ideas there. It is a very heart felt haiku. Sandy |
porch swing beckons |
nursery |
piles of clothes Fresh from the dryer, piles after piles of laundry lay on the living room floor. The whole house has the scent of laundry soap and fabric softener. Children jumping in the clean, warm clothes, makes everyone have an itching, ticklish nose. Holly |
Sunday football Luke Burket |
white Lily Megan Smith I picture a grave of a man who, maybe, was a loner and didn’t have any family or many friends. I get the sense of a gray, gloomy day with wind chill in the air and the only color is the white lily protruding through the earth as if to say “you are not alone”. Maybe this man was somebody to someone in another time, but circumstances beyond his control had left him to become desolate and isolated from the world. This is a very well written haiku. Don I like this one haiku because it instantly brings a visual picture to me. I can see the white lily and the brown grave and additionally, I can imagine what the person is feeling. It makes me feel the raw feelings of this person who recently lost a loved one. The way the writer has formed it makes it seem as if they are either expecting grass because the loss isn’t very recent or they are pointing out that it has occurred recently and by saying that there is still none they are expressing the newness of the loss. I like the ambiguity of his grave because then the reader is able to relate this to losing someone in their life – his – a brother, father, husband, friend. Kassie |
a family gathers Kelli Davis This haiku reminds me of a few years ago when my husbands family all got together at Christmas time. All the adults were in the living room telling jokes and all of a sudden we ended up having a 35 minute discussion on how the toilet paper roll should be put on the holder and why! I still laugh when I reflect back on that Christmas. Bobbi Family reunion is such a set up, it puts you right at a family gathering where everyone was present. Then it says over, which arouses that emotion that most of us feel when we have been around our distant family members for to long and that sigh of relief that their or that we are gone until the next time. It ends with my father’s casket that brings it back it and gives you the occasion. I have experienced this particular Haiku just last year at my grandmother’s funeral. Arthur I really liked this haiku because it reminded me of my family. As a child it was a house full of girls with my dad. Farting didn’t happen. Then my son came along and everything changed! Heather |
broken mirror Don Gardner Very precise imagery in this haiku. The broken mirror has a very standard image with the readers face inserted in place of the authors. Angry faces staring back at me. Is he angry because someone broke his mirror? Is he the one that punched the mirror because he was angry with himself? I love this haiku because of its simple nature and the immediate clarity of the image. And then the mystery behind why… I haven’t ever broken a mirror by punching it, but can very well relate to the feeling the author very well could have been feeling at the time. An incredible frustration leading to the release into the mirror. Brandon I like this one because everyone gets angry sometimes and most the time you get angry at yourself. I see myself procrastinating about things I should have done along time ago and I would have been that much closer to my long terms goals had I just not done what I was supposed to do, and the vicious cycle returns. The weird thing is that you can’t change those things unless you take a good look at those angry faces and do something about them. Bridget When I read this Haiku it took me directly back to my childhood and I can visualize knocking my mothers mirror off of the back of her closet door. Because of the big shatter she rushes in the room to see what happened and, in the broken pieces of glass I see her reflection looking at me with that angry face she has when I have done something really bad. I really enjoyed how this particular Haiku captured my scenario, and it is writing in such away that can be interpreted differently for others. Arthur |
warm still water Brandon Brenner |
the handyman Bridget Beals This haiku holds value to me right now. Our family is remodeling parts of the house and my husband is new at this and there is lots of muttering going on, I confess even a little swearing. This haiku holds a place in my heart for memories that we are making together. Darlene This haiku reminded me of a loved one who passed away. He was a hard worker and would jump at any opportunity to help someone. He helped remodel my bathroom and the entire time I kept hearing “well….hmmmm…I don’t know”. He honestly had no idea what he was doing yet he enjoyed every minute of it knowing how much it meant to me. Megan Bridget’s haiku hit a very personal note for me. All to often I am the handyman down on his hands and knees, or on his back under the sink. Almost always I am mumbling under my breath regardless of anyone being near me or not. My wife is usually laughing at me because while it might seem I am talking to her it is clear I am having trouble and am talking to no one in particular. Usually some not so pleasant words are coming out under my breath. Luke |
fourth of july |
perfect spiral I like this haiku because it is full of visual images. Every line contains an image to add to the visual picture being painted by the author. I can see the ball and the freeness of it flying through the air. I can even feel the anticipation of the catch. I can feel the heat of the sun and the sweat of the game. The first time I read it I didn’t really relate but once I read it again, it brought the peacefulness and relaxation of a small town and a friendly game of catch football. I can’t say that it brought a ton of emotions like some of the others that we have read previously, but it is very nice and sweet. Kassie |
the castle |
Snow day? Sandy Fitzgerald I am currently student teaching, and so far we have had a few days when I have done this. Even if I wasn’t student teaching, this haiku would still have an effect on me. It reminds me of being a child and getting up so excited because, just maybe, we would have an extra day off to enjoy the weather. I especially enjoy the author’s use of punctuation after the word “Jackpot!”. It really gives emphasis to the way everyone feels when they see their schools name creep across the screen. Beckah This is a fun haiku that makes me think about being a kid. I remember how fun it was to get to stay home from school on a snow day. Any other day, I my mom would fight me to get up and get ready for school, but not this day…I would be up and listening at the school closing announcements. Listening… listening come on, they have to call out our school too! I love the last line…Jackpot! That is a big YESSSS…no school today. How happy it would make me feel to have a day to do whatever play or do whatever I wanted. Maybe play in the snow and come in to a big cup of hot cocoa. Kelli Totally takes me back to grade school. Would always get up and watch, or watch at night and as soon as it showed up. Bam I would go running into the bedroom and turn on my nintendo. Mike I use to do this as a kid and I still do it as adult. I work in a school so I watch the scroll on snowy days. It is still just as exciting as it was when I was a kid. After I find out there is no school, I start to think about all the things I can do. I can also do nothing if I choose to. This haiku just evokes fun feelings. The emotions range from watching intently for your school name to go by to the relief and excitement of seeing it. This is a really fun haiku. I really like it! Shellie |
shielded from |
his little giggles Heather Beeler This takes me to the first time I heard my baby boy giggle. I can still hear the sound of his small giggle. This kukai reminds me of when my nephew was little. I thought he was the cutest kid in the world and I instantly fell in love with him. I can see him lying on the floor moving his arms and kicking his legs like he was riding a bicycle. He was and still is very ticklish, so it didn’t take much to get him giggling. His fingers and toes were so little then. I can’t wait for my sister to have her second baby in May. Monica |
reaching home plate Bridget Beals I like this kukai because I’m a sports fan. This reminds me of going to a ballgame in the summer and the fantastic atmosphere. When I read this I think of little kids playing baseball and trying as hard as they can. They may not have the best skills, but they give it their all. I see a kid continuing to run the bases even though his shoe lace is broken. He is trying to score and is not going to let the broken lace slow him down. He is going to fight to the end because he loves the sport and playing it. Monica
|
autumn leaves Monica Edwards |
under a pavilion |
music swells Shellie Hubner I am recently engaged and after reading this haiku I imagine that this is exactly how it will feel in the near future when it happens to me. It is that perfect moment where time stands still and is captured so perfectly in this haiku that I can see it as if it was a movie. It is a new beginning, a moment in life where everything changes from that point forward. April Shirley I can really relate to this haiku. It takes me back to my wedding day. I was so full of jitters that day and I will never forget that feeling. We worked so hard to plan the perfect day and perfect wedding and on that day, I was so happy yet so nervous at the same time. I remember my friend asking why I was so nervous to go out in front of all of those people…she reminded me that I was the one who invited them to come, which provided some much needed comic relief! The haiku just makes me think back to that time…my dad holding my hand and me getting control over my emotions before the doors open where I would see my future husband waiting for me at the end of the isle. Kelli |
warm spring morning First, the idea of a warm spring is tugging at me. I hate winter, really hate it. I have a circulatory condition which makes my hands, feet and nose cold. If I’m in a place that’s below 70 degrees, I freeze. I wear 2 shirts most days, and sometimes 3. So, the anticipation of spring equals warmth. It means I can unthaw and enjoy life again. I can be in the sun’s warmth. Spring is nice, summer is better. I imagine this person is so excited about whatever their life has for them that day. No doubt, being warm makes their day better. But, I would still wear a jacket… just to be safe. Penny |
the angry child shouts Kassie Knoll This haiku is a prefect description of being a child. It makes me think back to my childhood. When I would get mad, I would sometimes threaten to run away. Sometimes I would even pack a bag usually with my favorite toys rather then essentials. Then a parent would come in and offer lunch, or something to distract you, and you would decide you would stay just for lunch. Then by the time lunch was over you would have forgotten your troubles. Alexis This is so beautiful. I can remember, as I am sure everyone does being that child. The wonder of children and how everything is black and white. If I am mad this is what I am going to do. It almost takes my breath away with enjoyment. Darlene This is so funny! Anyone who has kids can relate to this. My son threatens to run away every time he gets mad at one of us. I think that this is just a part of growing up. Every child goes through this stage. What I find so great about this haiku is that the child is going to run away, but not until after lunch. This is a one, I love it! Shellie Ah. Always the proudest moment for a parent; the day their child they have given their life and being to, tells them he is going to run away because they just can’t stand to be there anymore. The naïve five year old child throwing a fit, but remembers that his hunger pains must be satisfied before venturing out into the big world. I think of my 15 year old in the same light as I did when she first offered to sever ties at 5. Now she thinks she would be much better off on her own. And of course, thinks that she could take her clothes and her bed and her phone and find a place to stay with people that would appreciate her self centeredness. The proud parent thinks; that’s not how it works in the real world, babe… Brandon This is just cute because just about everyone has sad this to their own parents or have children that have said this. It brings back memories of being angry as a child not getting what I want. It seems so miniscule now to think that’s how I was going to get what I wanted. I miss those days with my mom. I’d give anything to have even an argument with her if only she were here today. Brdiget My nephew said the was going to run away and no one was going to be able to find him. He stomped into his room, filled up his book bag with clothes, and his glo worm. He stomped back out and asked his mom take him to his Aunt Jean’s house. His mother cracked a smile. He replied to her by saying, “ I am having the terrible worsest day of his life and I know you’re laughing at me!” All of this was because he could not have a cupcake. Bobbi I loved this haiku because it was something everyone can relate to. At some point in our lives we have threatened our parents with running away. My favorite part of this haiku is where it says “after lunch” which shows the child still depends on their parents but is still trying to take a stand. Megan I ran away once as a child. My mother told me that I could not play in the hose, so I ran away. I ran all the way under my back porch. From there I could see the other kids playing in the sand and on the swing sets. I did not want to do that and I was going to show Mommy. She would be sorry when she found out I was gone. That I wouldn’t be around anymore to tell here when the big kids road there bikes up town without permission or when daddy got in the cake before supper. She would miss me all right. She would miss the way we cuddled up at night to watch TV. Her lap sure would get lonely without me. I stayed under that porch for at least an hour until I smelled the grilled cheese. It is not fair she knows they are my favorite. Sandy I believe each of us has been this child at one time, or has had a child who as said those very words, “I’ll run away”. I can picture a small child upset with her parents and thinking they have to be the worst parents on earth. She would be much better somewhere else. The child heads to her room to pack her little pink bag, which of course includes some of their most precious items…that special teddy bear, possibly a well-worn blanket and money from her piggy bank. She heads to the kitchen to pack some snacks so she won’t get hungry. As she heads toward the door she looks back to see if her mom or dad is watching. Surely, they will stop her and beg her to stay home with them. No one says a word, so the small child heads out the door and looks around. She walks to the edge of the yard and looks back one more time, hoping someone will stop her. She is now more upset than ever because her parents don’t even care. She walks a few more steps and sets down at the edge of her property and tears begin to pour down her cheeks. Moments later, she feels her mother’s arms around her and remembers how comfortable it feels to be in her mother’s arms. Suddenly, she doesn’t even remember why she is angry and just wants to go home. Hand-in-hand mother and daughter walk back into the house, all anger forgotten. Tammy |
waterfall Katy Price |
vibrant green grass |
ladybugs crawl Luke Burket |
blazing summer sun |
fishing Megan Smith This is the type of respect I hope my daughter sees in a boy when she brings him home to meet me. hahaha Mike |
behemoth corsage |
winding trail |
Gray sweatpants— Penny McCullough As I shared in class, the puke in my home comes from a very old cat. This is an absolutely disgusting feeling. It is a horrible way to be jolted to full awareness when the haze of night still encapsulates you. Either cold or warm it does not matter; it is nasty, nasty, nasty. Regardless, this immediately put vivid imagery and feeling in my mind. Tina I enjoyed this haiku because it made me laugh. I imagine that it is very early in the morning. The sun has not even come over the horizon. Someone is awaken by the sound of their dog. The room is dark while they try and find something to put on. Then the feeling of something wet and unpleasant presses between their toes. This Haiku reminds me of a similar experience in my own life. We had just gotten a new puppy. She was not yet potty trained. My husband was in the kitchen making popcorn and the little puppy followed him in to watch. I can remember sitting on the couch when all of a sudden, curse words started filling the air. I thought he had burned the popcorn. When I walked in the kitchen I did not smell burnt popcorn. I saw the puppy in the corner and my husband holding his foot up and gagging. He said while he was standing in front of the microwave the dog came up behind him and relieved herself. He didn’t know and step back to open the microwave door and found the gift that she had left for him. This haiku was very true as to what happens in everyday life when you own pets. Katy |
senior prom April Staley This reminded me of my senior prom and life afterward. I was in love with my date at my senior prom and I later married that love. It was a sweet and innocent time. The marriage lasted for 15 years but sadly ended in 2006. This haiku evoked both good memories and sad feelings in me. I remember happy times of old as well as pain and suffering that came at the end. Well written, I really liked this one. Tina This haiku is so very emotive for me. It makes me think of people finding that one true and meaningful love in their lives. Love seems to have become so disposable in our society, and this haiku makes me think of the little old couples I still sometimes see at the mall holding hands. Yes, they might just be holding each other up, but there is still love there. I read this and really hoped it was true. Beckah This haiku also makes you think back to a time when you were in high school. At that age the person you love matters so much that you feel you will never love anyone else as much. Then you have prom with is the epitome of high school love and you hope to go with your boyfriend thinking you will be together forever. It is funny later on in life when you look back and remember how important prom and love were to a high school senior. Alexis |
manic monday Sandy Fitzgerald I have so many Mondays such as this and having my cat at home makes everything by the end of the day seem fine. There is something about seeing the innocence of a pet that is untainted by the outside world that brings you back down to what matters in life. It is these small things that can get us through such stressful days. I love the word “botched” that was used; it gives the haiku more of a lighthearted feel that fits perfectly with the “waiting” dog. April Shirley |
clicking keys This haiku brought up a number of emotions for me. First it brings up that anxiety of whenever a big project is due and you are busy trying to get everything in order. The April 15th line only emphasizes this because it is tax time. I imagine myself at my desk with only an hour to file and almost nothing where it should be. This book also reminded me of some of Basho’s poetry because taxes being paid were the subject of some of the renku links. Taxes are just like the seasons, they are always there every year whether we like it or not. Luke |
typewriter
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Sunday drive Megan Smith This Haiku took me to Rock Springs. When the weather is warm my husband and I enjoy riding our bikes to Rock Springs. We leave early in the morning when the air is still cool and the sun is bright. There are not many people on the trail at this time on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I can remember one morning as we were approaching the trail we saw a large group of deer eating from the open field. We just sat and watched them for a while. They seem to be at such peace as they grazed on the grass. They were not even startled by our approach. I remember for a moment it seemed the rest of the world was asleep. Then a group of bikers, speaking very loud, flew passed us and the deer ran off. I recall thinking how wonderful it was to be this close to nature and have no one else around, even if it was just for a moment. Katy I don’t know why this verse struck me as it did. Maybe it’s the simplicity of it. maybe it’s the vision of green pine trees. I imagine deep, dark pine with the deer in front of them. It reminds me of last week at Rock Springs Center. The deer were outside with the squirrels. The squirrels were at the feeders and the deer ate the seeds that fell on the ground. There were 5 or 6 deer and 2 squirrels. We could here them crunching their seeds because a speaker system was set up inside the viewing window. It was the most peaceful sound. We went on a Tuesday, not Sunday, but it was a calmness I did not expect to encounter. Penny |
warm summer day |
early morning Tammy Maxwell |
children scurry |
Staley Library |
fast cars |
end of plank Alexis King This takes me to the day I graduate from PACE. The end of the plank symbolizes the end of my PACE journey. The horizon is holding my opportunities and I must take the first step into my career as an Elementary Education Teacher. Erica In reading this, I relate to this all too well. I apply it to my own life, in that I actually feel that I have walked to the end of the plank, looked at the horizon, and took the step necessary to achieving my goal of becoming a teacher. It was a huge step for me to actually go back to school and try to squeeze something else into my already hectic life. But, I know in the end it will all be worth it. This Haiku fits me perfectly. Well done! Don |
© 2010, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.