Global Haiku • Spring 2012
Dr. Randy Brooks

Quiet Moments

by
Megan Vail

I draw inspiration for my haiku from universal mundane moments that often get overlooked. I find that it is these small moments that I remember: not the extravagant birthday party, but the look on the birthday girl's face when she finally opens a present that she truly loves; not the wonderful destinations on vacations, but the quiet restful nights in the hotel rooms. This is where the title, Quiet Moments, comes from. Every haiku I write is not only a record of what happened, but also a cherished memory.

I have chosen to divide up my collection into four different sections: Peace, Afflicted, Serendipity, and Together. Although all of my work is drawn from the same inspiration, the tone of my haiku can be very different. The headings of each section loosely reflect the feelings that are communicated by each haiku in that section.

I hope that these haiku inspire you to find time in this hectic world to slow down and appreciate the small things.

Megan Vail is currently a sophomore at Millikin University. She is a B.F.A. Art Therapy major with an emphasis in photography, and a James Millikin Scholar. She comes from Cerro Gordo, a small farm town in Central Illinois.

Peace

as we rest
the moon
travels on

•

whispered words
be kind to yourself
my mantra

•

as my eyes adjust
to the darkness
I feel at peace

Together

soft breathing
against the back of my neck
my lullaby

•

cradled by the moon
I forget
my insecurities

•

my foot
finds yours
under the table

•

a shooting star
I wish
for you

Afflicted

one crayon
left in the box
broken

•

you hold me close
I whisper
the wrong name

•

birthday party
mother brings home
the wrong cake

•

rest stop
the vending machine
is broken

Serendipity

spring pool—
the koi
nibble at my toes

•

broken locket—
my great grandmother
hidden inside

•

Ithinkthatswherewe'resupposeto—

. . . turn.

•

100 99 98 . . .
and suddenly I awaken
in a different room