Haiku Kukai 7 Favorites
Global Haiku • Millikin University • Spring 2019
sturdy and erect Mason Bruce (10) |
palm sunday Whitley Sapp (8) |
mom plants a flower— Whitley Sapp (9) I enjoyed the image of this haiku, but I also thought the story told here was really sweet. The mother wanted to remember her father in a meaningful way, so she planted a flower in his old boot. It’s interesting because she’s bringing life to something that belonged to someone who is likely dead, based on the context. I think this is a really sweet remembrance because it’s clear the grandpa was a hard-working man, and he likely wore those boot every day until they gave out, or he did. Either way, it is something that was very close to him, and she is repurposing them as a reminder of him and his life. Jakob Cihak, Spring 2019 |
circle of friends Mason Bruce (5) |
early morning sunrise Amanda Bivens (9) |
after a long day Amanda Bivens I like this haiku because you can see a clear image of this couple and situation. I imagine a couple who have finally moved in together. They both work a lot and once they get home and see each other everything is worth it in their new house together. Rene Sanchez, Spring 2019 |
driving on back roads Amanda Bivens I like this one because I can feel myself in the passenger seat with the music blasting wind blowing in my hair driving down the back roads before the corn gets too high. And I can imagine myself looking over at the person driving and them looking at me at the same time then you just connecting with their eyes and letting everything going on around us just disappearing. Daryann Birt, Spring 2019 |
a frank and a Budweiser Mason Bruce (9) I like this haiku because it describes the summer time. It made me think of the times I went to watch the Sox’s play. I pictured a nice warm day with the sun out and the peanut guy walking around trying to get to everybody. Rene Sanchez, Spring 2019 |
weeping willow: |
palms pressed together— Ariya Hawkins (6) |
neverending rainbow |
radiant beams |
long hair Ariya Hawkins (12) I really love this haiku. My mother-in-law has been battling final-stage breast cancer for a few years now, and started using an experimental form of chemotherapy last winter that made her lose her hair. After she started losing big clumps, she finally went and had it all cut off so she would stop clogging her shower drain and eliminate the need to call a plumber (she ended up having to call a plumber the same day, by the way). Although she felt terrible about losing her hair and felt ugly without it, she did gain a new power from within. I offered to chop my hair off too, but she forbade it. Amanda Bivens, Spring 2019 This haiku has a powerful message behind it, and I think it speaks volumes to the empowerment of women. Women are often expected to carry about this certain idealistic image emphasizing beauty as a symbol of power. However, as times have progressed, and women have become more empowered in our society, beauty is no longer a woman’s only source of power. Women are doctors, lawyers, CEOs, etc. they don’t have to be models to be known in this world anymore. I think this haiku empowers women to utilize the tools accessible to them to achieve power in our society, and they no longer have to abide by the laws of beauty to attain it. Jakob Cihak, Spring 2019 |
moonflower . . . |
photo ID |
night train |
picture frame Julia Peterson This haiku makes me wonder about the context. Was it knocked down by accident, or was it thrown in a fit of rage? I imagine a woman walking by a table where the picture frame is sitting and catching the corner with her hip, just as I often do. The frame falls to the floor and shatters, and her first instinct is to pick it up. As she examines it, she feels a sharp pain of sadness because maybe things aren't going well with her significant other pictured. Or maybe it's a parent who is now deceased. Either way, I feel sadness when I read this haiku. Amanda Bivens, Spring 2019 |
black cherry Julia Peterson (7) |
high wind advisory |
running again Benjamin Woodcock This was one of my favorite haiku and I even wrote something very similar to this. I would say that the theme of this poem is comfort. For me, I find comfort in working out. The first line of running again makes me believe this person needs extra comfort and has been running to find that. The second line about the smell of rain filling the air also represents a comfortable feeling that surrounds the runner, like a big hug. Rain symbolizes new beginnings and the growth of new life. Maybe this person is growing and running to find a new version of themselves or running for answers about their own. Breana Bagley, Spring 2019 I simply love this haiku because I adore the fresh smell of rain. There isn’t much to describe it other than a cool, fresh smell which brings about and carries all of aromas of nature. Personally, I like when it rains, and this is a great reason why. The author of this haiku appears not to like the rain very much because it seems they are running away from it. They are likely running for cover as to not get wet, but they miss out on the humbling experience of getting a little wet on mother’s natures terms. Jakob Cihak, Spring 2019
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rusty pine needles Jakob Cihak (5) |
mindless activities |
scattered memories |
the lovers walk |
the Evan Chastain (7) |
the medals Evan Chastain (10) This one made me generally sad. I thought of my childhood bedroom with all my medals for participation and then swimming competitions. It reminded me that along the way I've lost a lot of those friendships, just because we grew apart. Julia Peterson, Spring 2019 |
closet full of Emily Reeves (10) I like this haiku because I can relate to it. I can have a big event coming up and be looking in my closet looking for the perfect outfit to wear but think I have nothing to wear because I don't think its the perfect outfit for the event. Daryann Birt, Spring 2019 |
mom's purse Emily Reeves (11) This was such a funny, light-hearted, and relatable haiku. As we have said in class many times before, we tend to like the poems that we can relate most to, whether they are sad, funny, or happy. Most people can have a memory of their mother, sister, girlfriend, or really any female, pulling the most ridiculous but handy, item out of their purse. From band-aids, dry shampoo, snacks and more, the women always have it all. I like the comparison between the purse and magician's hat. The mother and magicians are then compared to have the same skills while using different objects to assert those skills. Overall, very well written and I enjoyed that it was different than what we usually write. Breana Bagley, Spring 2019 I really enjoyed this haiku because it reminded me of my grandmother. Growing up. My grandmother would take my older brother and I to movies and parks on the weekends, and whenever we needed anything, she ALWAYS had it in her purse. Snacks, scissors, even a cup for water, she had everything! We would say she was like Mary Poppins when Mary took an entire lamp out of her bag. It was amazing how much she kept in there. Grace Ruddell, Spring 2019 |
4 AM |
the songbird sings Evan Chastain This haiku has some very interesting symbolic meaning attached to it. In my family, when people die we like to believe that certain they use living creatures to communicate messages with us (i.e. my great-grandfather is always presented as a large fly). The fact that this is a songbird brings a sense of optimism despite the loss. When I picture the songbird, I imagine that whoever it is that's passed on is trying to connect to the living through this bird. I don't necessarily know if the person has been reincarnated and taken on the form of this bird, but I find it quite interesting. Ariya Hawkins, Spring 2019 |
she grows curious . . . |
everyone moves to the dancefloor Emily Reeves (6) |
fresh Sharpie Ariya Hawkins (10) I enjoyed this haiku because of the use of the word, "permanence." It sets the haiku in your mind permanently as well as making a statement that the words on the sign are a permanent thought. It is a smart use of the word, especially pairing it with the word "Sharpie." All these words used together is such a smart way to construct a haiku on protesting. Connor Mendenhall, Spring 2019 |
young woman screams |
spotted by |
downpour |
Senioritis |
post-grad gunfire |
unfazed by Benjamin Woodcock (5) I enjoyed this haiku because of a possible double meaning behind it. Similar to the Bronze Man, the author could feel as if nothing can phase him or wish to come across as this way. The word choice in this haiku helps create this reading of the haiku. The personification of the Bronze Man being unphased is a play on the fact that there is no possible way he could be phased. I enjoyed this playful hint. Mikaela Vuglar, Spring 2019 |
heavy thunderstorm Benjamin Woodcock I love the rain. It has the ability to stop human time. Life's stressors can be halted by a heavy downpour. I find comfort in situations like this—being sheltered, with chaos all around. If the rain doesn't let up, you may end up running from the car to wherever; but, for now it's just you enjoying the moment. Whitley Sapp, Spring 2019 |
Easter cookies |
pleading for peace |
tangled lovers Connor Mendenhall (7)
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Japanese rifle on wall mount Connor Mendenhall (4) |
getting a present |
unsure how you feel . . . |
dancing in the dark |
pulling the cord |
the cinema |
six weeks to go Mikaela Vuglar (11) I have a coffee addiction problem so this haiku relates to me on a very high level. I go through days where I have so much going on that I can't imagine making it through the rest of the day without more coffee and how adding that extra shot of espresso will make all the difference in keeping me going longer through the day. Daryann Birt, Spring 2019 I felt this one related to school and where all of us are at in classes right now. I thought it was funny. Julia Peterson, Spring 2019 |
a hearse Mikaela Vuglar (9) I liked this haiku because of the oddness it has within it. You immediately want a story to go along with it to find out all the details. I just imagine someone looking back to see a hearse, and instantly become confused on why they are there. It starts out grim with the mention of the hearse and pulling up behind them. Then, the drive thru lightened the mood and became a comical environment. It was a complete flip of feeling and environment with just the one line. I do want to know why they thought driving a hearse to a drive thru was a good idea. It just is so unusual and becomes funny as you imagine it. Evan Chastain, Spring 2019 I was not expecting this haiku to go the way it did. This hilarious story of trying to get, lets say McDonalds, and all of a sudden a hearse pulls up behind. I’m curious if this hearse was currently being used or if the driver was getting food after the service. I really love the structure of this haiku and how it leaves you guessing with each line. The first line sets up the image, making me think of something totally different. The last line was a silly surprise to me and I really like that it caught me off guard. Grace Ruddell, Spring 2019 |
her head held high |
ninja training Whitley Sapp (8) This haiku created the cutest image for me. I imagine the author is either reminiscing on his childhood or is simply an observer in this situation. The boy within the haiku, could be imagining himself in a dojo in Japan, training amongst the finest ninjas in all of the land but comes to just to be in his backyard with a stick. This is how I pictured it anyway. Mikaela Vuglar, Spring 2019 |
the neighbor's orange tabby Whitley Sapp (5) |
candelabra |
I hold my cup of coffee |
the little boy salutes Emily Reeves (10) |
boulder |
boots on |
light purple bud Jakob Cihak (7) |
calloused hands Whitley Sapp (8) |
weekend visit Jakob Cihak (11) |
thursday migraine |
perched |
candle flicker |
coffee is needed Daryann Birt (6) |
New Year’s Eve: |
alone at lunch |
closed casket, Mikaela Vuglar Response: I like this haiku because of the sense of closure that comes with it. I am someone that needs closure in life. When my dad passed away, we knew that it was coming. He decided that he wanted to be cremated, so there was no casket at either the visitation or funeral. He chose this because of his battle with cancer. The cancer caused him to look like a completely different person than what he was. He did not want people seeing him that way because that was not who he was. He also didn't want to upset people and have them remember him when he was in that state. There was closure for me and my family because we got to see him one last time before he was cremated. Everyone else just got to remember him from their memories, but I got to see him one last time. I will never forget that moment, but I will also never forget who he was before the cancer. I like this haiku because I love when a family is allowed to have closure on such a sad time in life. No one should ever have that feeling of not having closure because it is an awful feeling. I love this haiku because it reminds me of the closure that I have experienced in life. Emily Reeves, Spring 2019 |
the father trying |
mom prom Ariya Hawkins (8) |
like the ocean Breana Bagley (10) |
a blonde and a brunette Breana Bagley (8) |
I’ll have my usual Breana Bagley (15) Even with being a male I can relate to this haiku. Vodka Cran is the premier drink of females around a college campus and terrible pickup lines follow suit. For most, going to the bars means enjoying a few beverages and intermingling between sexes. I like the humor and realness that this haiku emits. It’s direct and to the point showing the female side of going out for an evening. Mason Bruce, Spring 2019 |
growing old together |
even the driver |
sweet and sassy Breana Bagley I love this haiku, because I can immediately picture a funny little girl wearing a fake wedding ring! I see a young girl (maybe six or seven years old), who already knows how to talk back, strut on a make-believe catwalk, and play to her hearts content imagining that she's years older than she actually is. The fact that her title is "Miss Independent" shows that she is fairly self-sufficient, and shows that despite her age she is proud to be her own young lady. To see the "fake ring on her wedding finger" is a reminder that while she may think that she's ready for love, marriage, and perhaps even a family, that she is far from prepared for it. Ariya Hawkins, Spring 2019 |
the ex that just won’t go away |
the female professor Ariya Hawkins (8) |
acrowdedspaceanintorvert’sworstnightmare Benjamin Woodcock (11) Response: I like this haiku because I love how it makes you feel exactly like you are in that situation. When you read this haiku, you can feel the crowdedness of being in a large crowd. It seems overwhelming. Being an introvert, I completely understand the panic and anxiousness of being in a large crowd. I feel trapped and claustrophobic and just want to get out of it as soon as possible. That is how this haiku makes you feel. I like the layout of the haiku because it's not only the wording that makes you feel panicked, but its also the layout of the haiku. There being no spaces between the words especially makes it look crowded and I think it was a nice touch. Overall, I liked this haiku because it was interesting, unique, and made me really feel what the point of the haiku was about. Emily Reeves, Spring 2019 |
artwork Emily Reeves I like this haiku because I can relate to this perfectly. I envisioned my fridge at home with all the artwork projects I have made for my mom since I was eight years old. She tends to hang on to everything because I am her only kid and cherish the gifts, even if they are ten years old. Rene Sanchez, Spring 2019 |
backroad driving Daryann Birt This was also one that I liked a lot due to the memory aspect but I also enjoyed how the author really used the readers' senses. In my high school years, the most fun thing to do on a Friday night was to drive in all of the guy friends' trucks, in the corn fields. They always like the windows open but I secretly despised the hair flying part. As for the sense used, backroad driving is a visual of the setting. Immediately you think of gravel, dirt, and maybe some corn. The windows down bring the feeling of touch; the wind blowing on your arm. For the ladies, hair flying and the feeling of being slapped in the face with it. Breana Bagley, Spring 2019 |
warm spring day |
swing and a miss Daryann Birt (4) |
drafted in 1968 |
my reflection Emily Reeves (5) |
walking past your
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falling in love Evan Chastain (7) I enjoyed the twist at the end of this haiku. When we discussed it in class, I saw how this could be a sweet haiku, saying that the groom is falling in love with his bride. I read it as a friend of the groom or secret admirer of the bride was attending the wedding. Unfortunate really. Mikaela Vuglar, Spring 2019 |
mouse trCHEESEap Evan Chastain (9) |
the cold rain |
gunshots Daryann Birt (10) |
undressing |
midnight gas station Grace Ruddell (8) |
not yet apart Grace Ruddell (7) This haiku makes me think about the slow demise of a relationship. Things aren't good and haven't been for a while, but nobody is ready to call it quits just yet. Perhaps both parties even know that it is in their best interest to move on, but they are waiting it out, anyway. Maybe they are still trying to make things work and get back to the place that they once were before things went sour. I imagine that they are both even still holding on to the people that they once were, trying to get a glimpse here and there or what it felt like before this new reality set in. Amanda Bivens, Spring 2019 This was one of my favorite haiku from Kukai 7. This is a very open-ended haiku because you could connect many emotions, thoughts, and ideas. There really isn’t a desired outcome that the author was trying to prove or point out. The reason that I found this so interesting was the space in the second line. The pause shows emotion and allows for an emphasis on the last line or syllable. With this interpretation of the haiku I read it as a couple becoming more distant in their relationship. They are still in the same space together but the conversation and spark between the two is slowly starting to fade. Mason Bruce, Spring 2019
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sirens blaring |
packing away possessions Amanda Bivens (6) I imagine an old prairie home with this haiku. I can see a daughter and son packing up their mother's former belongings now that she has passed away. It is interesting how "woman" and "home" can be paired together. The woman, their mother, was their home. Now that they are removing her possessions and ultimately their house, it feels like a permanent removal of their mother. Connor Mendenhall, Spring 2019 Most people talked about this one reflecting the life of a dead relative or wife but this one took me back to my breakup. After everything had happened, a bunch of her things were still at my place and I needed to give them back. It reminded me of the moment when I was searching my place for everything and noticing all the things that made her her. The type of makeup wipes she used or the clumps of her hair in her hairbrush. All very specific things that shape the image of what she is and what she was. Grace Ruddell, Spring 2019 |
the piano keys engage |
heels on the tile |
the screen door slams Amanda Bivens I loved this one, because I am soon to be moving out of my last undergraduate house and we have a screen door. It is such a bittersweet feeling. Julia Peterson, Spring 2019 |
tin man Julia Peterson (8) |
out of town . . . |
I prefer Evan Chastain (7) I tend to be someone that can get cold easily but when I do if I'm with my boyfriend I use him because he is like a heater rather than a blanket because most of the time Ill be warmer with him than I will with a blanket. Daryann Birt, Spring 2019 |
cat toys litter the floor |
bird’s eye view Jakob Cihak (7) |
reaching for Jakob Cihak (8) |
snow falls |
squirrel running Evan Chastain (9) As for this haiku I enjoyed it because of the humor associated with it. I live on the west end of town and my dog loves to bark and chase the squirrels around the house. Most of which end up running on the powerlines and jumping from tree to tree. The concept behind this haiku is not to deceive the reader. I think it is just to bring a smile to your face and make you think of your childhood thinking back to those silly squirrels. Mason Bruce, Spring 2019 |
green traffic light |
cold hands |
easy evening Grace Ruddell (5) |
April morning Grace Ruddell (7) |
America’s favorite pastime Mason Bruce (10) Response: I really like this haiku because I am a huge baseball fan. When I think of baseball, I think of being at a stadium. There are people all around me drinking and eating food and just enjoying the atmosphere and the game. Opening day is one of the best days of the year because that means baseball season is back and it is a really fun time. When you think of baseball, you think of beer and hotdog. I love how you automatically assume that this haiku is about baseball even though the author never actually says that it is about baseball. I really like this haiku because it also reminds me of all the fun times that I had at baseball games with my family and friends. Emily Reeves, Spring 2019 |
dark and ominous |
a forgotten toy Mikaela Vuglar (11) I thought of the movie Toy Story when I imagined this and how they went to a new owner in Toy Story 3. Even though that wasn’t how they changed owners, it made me humanize the toys and create a scene of the transition for the toys and the owner. I imagined the child finishing the toys and becoming excited about the new toys to play with. It was seeing something old as new, and not that it is worn and used. I saw it as an optimistic view of a child and how everything is interesting and can be twisted in a way to have fun. Evan Chastain, Spring 2019 I really like this haiku. I imagine it as the child who owns the toy sees it for sale, then wants to play with it again. Or, maybe he or she is just bored during the garage sale, so they find joy in an old toy to pass the time. Whitley Sapp, Spring 2019 |
lilly pads plop as the frog slips |
sunny Sunday |
grandma's house Julia Peterson (9) |
vet returns home |
always something |
open windows |
old friends Benjamin Woodcock (7) |
in a bird's nest |
dozing off |
a million books on the shelf |
late night Mikaela Vuglar (7) |
Valentine’s card Breana Bagley (12) This haiku brings in a pleasant moment of surprise. At first reading this, I was hesitant to keep reading because I thought it was going to be another "forever alone" Valentine's Day haiku. But, the addition of the final line brings in a different story on this Valentine's Day. I am curious if the Valentine's Day card came from someone they didn't want to get one, an ex, their mother? Whoever it came from, the author was not happy about it. Connor Mendenhall, Spring 2019 |
Spring day |
pushing paint |
the string of lights
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mother wraps me in her coat Whitley Sapp (8) |
soggy newspaper Whitley Sapp (8) I imagine a young student sobbing over his deceased teacher's obituary. This student was probably given the news by a parent that morning, and the student likely knew the teacher fairly well. I imagine that this parent handed their child the newspaper so that they could read the obituary on their own for a little while in private. I can see the child's tears starting to drip onto the newspaper, and eventually the longer they hold it, the more intense the crying becomes until it turns into sobbing. This haiku allows the reader to observe a death from a child's perspective. Whether this young student loved their teacher or strongly disliked them, the teacher was still a person that they saw every day (and likely cared about the teacher too). Ariya Hawkins, Spring 2019 |
kiddie pool Evan Chastain (9) |
the winy wind blows |
crawdad on |
he changes his plans Grace Ruddell (8) |
cauliflower crust Grace Ruddell (4) |
Fairview parking lot Grace Ruddell (10) |
hiding scars Mikaela Vuglar (8) I like how the author uses a symbol like a wedding dress to hide scars on a woman. I think of the scars being more hypothetical than real. I imagine someone who has been cheated on, lost a loved one, or another type of incident when trying to find someone to love and the wedding dress is the symbol of her finding love. The dress is like a victory over those scars, and her fantasy is finally fulfilled. It can be seen as sad, but I had an optimistic view about this. I thought of all the scars that she carries from life have no been covered by this special moment for her. Like I said, I saw it as victory for her and enjoying her special day. Evan Chastain, Spring 2019 |
muddy paw prints Amanda Bivens (8) |
rainy day Amanda Bivens (5) |
longneck bottles Whitley Sapp (7) |
last coffee date Mikaela Vuglar (10) |
triangles Whitley Sapp (9) |
Taco Bell |
the mild sauce packet |
rice, beans, and cheese |
fall from glory Benjamin Woodcock (5) |
cheesy beef |
eating with friends Amanda Bivens (5) |
missing his mouth Ariya Hawkins This seems like a first date haiku to me. Nerves are high, and both sides are careful not to scare the other off. The tension is broken by the young man's clumsiness. The perspective seems like a 3rd-party observer, which is interesting. Whitley Sapp, Spring 2019 |
mild hot sauce Grace Ruddell (10) |
rock and roll music |
six sit at the bar |
Taco Bell Ariya Hawkins (14) |
blue minivan |
© 2019, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.