PACE Global Haiku • Spring 2008 Dr. Randy Brooks

Matthew Chmiel RanDomNess Kasen Renga

Picking My Nose by Matthew Chmiel Before taking Dr. Brooks' haiku class, I was unaware of the power of haiku. Traditional Japanese haiku are based on nature, and often attempt to convey a deeper meaning through the imagery presented. American haiku is a little different, and has focused on people as well as nature. My haiku are about both nature and people, but with a twist. Some of my haiku are pleasant memories from youth, while others are painful memories of times I'd rather forget. In the end, my haiku are about being realistic. Every now and then I experiment with the traditional approach and write typical pleasant haiku, but my favorites are when I am blunt and hold nothing back. Variations of my haiku are in this [tissue] box, and as you blow your disgusting nose, a disgusting habit all humans share, I want you to reflect on my haiku. Matthew Chmiel was born in Truckee California, IL, on March 9th, 1989 to Tony and Barbara Chmiel. At the age of 5, he moved to Arthur, Il, a small amish town in central Illinois. There he was exposed to much culture as well as an extremely sheltered lifestyle. In Arthur, reality was often shoved under the carpet, for example it took forever for electricity to even catch on. Chmiel's haiku, with George Swede's writing style as inspiration, often focuses on the realities of our daily lives. Both the good and the ugly of life are represented throughout his collection.

your bare feet taste of stale mushroom

the winter night gets longer as do the cigarette butts

first my slingshot and then his own not knowing when to quit

© 2008, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.