PACE Global Haiku • PACE November 2012
Dr. Randy Brooks

Haiku

by
Justin Lyon

Entering my course with Randy Brooks, I believed that I had signed up for several weeks of racking my brain to develop the perfect 5-7-5 syllable poem. To my surprise, he wiped away my only knowledge of Haiku by explaining that 5-7-5 template was ridiculous and would not be applied in this course. My progression with writing Haiku is slow, but steady. Having read collections from Basho and Peggy Lyles, I have started to understand what makes a great Haiku. What I value, is the ability to relate to the reader. Even an experience of my own can be portrayed in a way that opens it up for the reader to have their own experience. I learned this tactic most through reading some of the work of Peggy Lyles. I ask that the reader take time to read my Haiku by taking a deep breath, putting a smile on their face, and try to relate or imagine what is being expressed. No matter how good or bad my work may be, it will be entertaining if it is approached with this attitude.

flawless diamond
on her finger
scratched

surprise snowball fight
surprise indeed
I pull a muscle

this winding road
this winding road
Deja Vu

windy November day
more leaves . . .
travel on

October morning
newborn cries
and his father

Splash in the Night

skinny dipping
in the murky lake water
bubbles arise . . .

a frog
a finds a new Lilli pad

fog from her breath
she gasps . . .
I did it

Howling like wolves . . .
a full moon

a startled gaze
into the darkness—
her grip tightens

moonlight glimmers
as ripples spread

by Dianne Bailey, Justin Lyon & Carrie Killings