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

Starr Dawkins Bowling Ally Ginko

In Front of the Fireplace A Collection of Haiku by Starr Dawkins My limited understanding of haiku was probably like that of many other people. I thought a haiku was a three line poem consisting of five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third and last line. Dr. Brooks’ Haiku course has since broadened both my under- standing and appreciation of this ancient Japanese form of written art. The following is a collection of some of my first attempts at creating haiku. As ironic as it sounds, I found the most difficult task was trying to keep things simple. I admire those authors who have honed the ability to use so few words and yet paint the most vivid images The next few pages contain haiku based some of my own simple thoughts and experiences. I hope that they have the power to evoke in you some of same pleasant thoughts and memories that inspired me to put them on paper.

first dusting of snow paw prints across the front porch

howling winter winds snoring family dog in front of the fireplace

first day of school the frayed edge of a baby blanket hidden inside the backpack

late evening snow on the drive home the road ahead disappears

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