PACE Global Haiku • July 2006 Dr. Randy Brooks

C.R. Stivers

Allerton Park Kasen by C.R. Stivers

Midsummer Eve Lightning flashing Allerton Park stroll Air heavy with musk Charged expectancy Bee hive humming Inside Fu dog statue Honey dripping Deep in the woods Birds silent Very last sliver Of an old moon Winking good night Alive in this one moment Senses heightened • Red, yellow, green Cool crisp morning The trees sigh their last breath Longing writes A transparent question on her heart Two lovers with Tight embrace Mock the north wind Geese overhead following inner compass Providence beckons With wary eye Drinking from the Sangamon Early evening wild turkey Twilight sparkles Bird songs fading •

• She lights one red candle Closes eyes Calls him home. Thoughts of tender walks He wakes longing for her She senses his presence Feels him Moving closer every moment. Driving through switchbacks Black ice black coffee high Ancient Asian wisdom We see The same moon. Road turns sees her walking Green maze sunken garden • His scent Head turns Eros smiles. Touching tendril curls at her neck Tears drop on gargoyles leer A cardinal sings Crimson Flirting with spring Off winding trail they witness 1fawn 2fawn 3 born Cherries Blossom Wild as hearts Come Enter this luminous garden Drink freely. C. J. Babcock C. R. Stivers

© 2006, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.