Marlene Gardner

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

haiku project:
Bowling Ally Ginko

Selected Haiku

by
Marlene Gardner

My first exposure to the art of Haiku began in November 2005. Prior to taking a Global Haiku class taught by Dr. Randy Brooks, I did not understand, nor particularly like Haiku. Since then, by reading and writing Haiku, I have developed an appreciation for the art.

In addition, I have reawakened an artistic spirit within myself. Now, I slow down a bit more and look at the world around me. Sometimes, I can find a Haiku waiting to be written, and other times, I simply enjoy the present moment. Haiku has also allowed me to remember parts of my past and see that other people have shared experiences.

For me, Haiku is not just about the images and seasons, it is about taking a simple moment and revealing a deeper meaning. The following are some of my first attempts at writing Haiku. Some of them have come from past experiences, observations, or imagination. I have enjoyed writing them, and I hope you enjoy reading them.

Levels of Love

cranberry candle
on the bedside table
gathering dust

cocktail party
holding hands
beneath the table

an ivory white dress
her mother’s pearls
“I do”

strapless red dress
she hides
her wrinkled hands

Death

broken space heater
our breath
floats

white lights
T w I n K l E
under the weight of the snow

superbowl Sunday
men around the tv
after her funeral

winter’s night
blistered fingers
pick out a new tune

a single fur tree branch
saves the angel
from falling

gentle snow falling
outside the window
the old record plays Bing Crosby Christmas

children peek outside the door
of the old trailer
anonymous Santa

cautious paws
tred new ground
to pee in the snow

spring sunshine
a lone Dogwood tree
with no blossoms

Full of Life

seasalt in my eyes
i give in
to the sand below me

cast lines in the night
waiting…
summer breeze

full moon looming low
the pontoon boat
glides over it

summer vacation
the car crowded
with the oxygen
tank

Winding Down

full ashtray
in between beers
old faces talk about war

beside the curb
the old man stoops
to pile the dead leaves

after turkey
we talk
about the past

NEW DAY

sun sneaks through the blinds
wrapped in my comforter
beep, Beep, BEEP

coffee stain
on my new cream suit

instant soup
turning cold
on my desk

the clock radio
covered by paperwork
counts down to five

kicking off her heels
scraping the meatloaf pan

light flickers
across the bed
another rerun

Maria Clark & Marlene Gardner

Second Chance

echoes in the chapel
the choir sways side to side
Louisiana Sunday

laced hands
close the hymnal

small patent leather shoes
dangle
off the wooden pew

weathered face
disappears
beneath the water

facing his family
he clears his throat

stiff kleenex
dabs
away the tears

Amber Penhale & Marlene Gardner