PACE Global Haiku • July 2006 Dr. Randy Brooks

Chonda Chisenall

Memories by Chonda Chisenall When I decided to take Global Haiku, I was scared and excited. I was scared because I have never enjoyed writing or reading poetry, and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to write haiku. I was excited because I have read haiku before, and really enjoyed it. The approach I took when writing my haiku was to write what I felt. Writing haiku allowed me to use my imagination, and also it stirred up feelings and emotions that allowed me to write about old as well as new memories. Many of my haiku relate to my own memories; good and bad. I really enjoy how a haiku can tell a story with only two images. The haiku I chose for my collection all have been written from my own memories. I wanted to make my haiku collection about myself, so I chose the haiku that represent who I am, and how haiku has affected me as a person. I know I made the right choice by taking this class, and I plan to continue writing and enjoying haiku.

thunder . . . a child’s whimper into the night

grandma’s cold hand … in mine my eyes swell up in tears

Las Vegas . . . neon Lights flashing

Wedding Day the clock says 2:00 p.m. it is almost time the feeling of butterflies an autumn day yet the hottest day heart to heart conversation with my parents the doors open church full of guests can’t see anyone but him as the music starts so do we he gives me away exchanging of vows my forever love rengay by Chondalen and Ken Chisenall

the locket he gave me broke still loved

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