Global Haiku PACE • Mattoon, Fall 2005 Dr. Randy Brooks

Maria Clark

Selected Haiku by Maria Guillermina Clark Yesterday, I believed myself to be filled with enough artistic information to get me by. Today, however I've been introduced to the art of haiku and have found it to be exciting, enriching, and simple. I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring but for this brief moment in my present I've come to enjoy both reading and writing haiku. Traditionally, haiku should contain nature and the author should be undetectable. A powerful haiku should also place you in a specific time, season, and place. It will leave you in awe and allow you to relate and embellish its meaning. However, not being a big nature fan these rules became difficult for me to embrace, but after reading works by authors such as Alexis Rotella and George Swede, I developed my own style of writing. I've drawn from my experiences as a young Latin woman and mother. Some of my haiku do contain elements of nature but most contain elements of human nature. I hope that you enjoy reading these haiku and I pray they leave you feeling curious, entertained and above all wanting more.

summer love— to forget she hangs icicles from her ears

a warm winter wedding the gentle rain brings good luck

little golden arms around my neck good morning my angels

Mom & Dad dance the cumbia our family’s breakfast on the table

Thanksgiving dinner the children already humming Christmas songs

all my favorite foods waiting for a burp to make more room

winter morning coffee and sugar coated trees

© 2005, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.