Haiku Kukai 04 Favorites
Global Haiku • Millikin University • Spring 2021
1 tallest tower Savanna Prasun • |
2 clock says 3:20 Paige Hockman ••••• ••• I really liked this haiku because of the intimacy of it. I love having deep conversations with my closest friends, and I feel like this haiku can be taken in the context with friends, as well as significant others. My friends and I, especially when we were in Jr. High, used to stay up late and talk about anything and everything, so this haiku made those memories spark back up. Also, those same friends I’m thinking about from Jr. High that I have these memories with, I am still friends with today which I think is pretty special. Camryn Skundberg, Spring 2021 This related back to haiku #81 for me, and it gave me those same feelings. Feeling like you'd rather be talking to them than asleep. Miley Cyrus released a song with the lyric "Sometimes I stay up all night, because you don't ever talk to me in my dreams." and this haiku reminded me of that song.Colin McGonagle, Spring 2021 I love this haiku because it made me think of my best friend, Bk. Whenever she would stay over on my apartment, we would lay on the couch for hours. When it started to get into the late evening, we would somehow always have our deepest conversations with one another. We always learned a lot about the other during that time. Kaitlin Hathaway, Spring 2021 |
3 tiny books Paige Hockman •••• I love this baby haiku! It paints the picture of a firstborn in my mind. I see nervous soon-to-be parents prepping the nursery and buying all of the typical gifts. Of course, this includes baby books from the local bookstore, or whatever website the nervous mother found on “what books to buy for baby.” This haiku is really precious. Alyson Robbins, Spring 2021 This haiku is so sweet. I feel like having a child and the excitement of waiting for their arrival is one of the best experiences a person can have. I truly can't wait to experience that. I think haiku captures the little nerves and excitement that brews during those 9 months. Piper Charlton, Spring 2021 |
4 same still screen Paige Hockman ••• This haiku is so relatable. I think that zoom is helpful but also the worst at the same time. I have really bad wifi where I am, and it is sad to say that I have experienced this too many times. Carly Clo, Spring 2021 |
5 family dinner Camryn Skundberg •• |
6 whatever helps you Camryn Skundberg ••••• I think people today have this kind of response for everyone. We have heard every story in the book, and we are sick and tired of hearing stupid stuff. This is, most likely, a common response, whether it is said out loud or not. When you have heard every story in the book, the enthusiastic response goes away eventually. Savanna Prasun, Spring 2021 |
7 juniper tree Savanna Prasun • |
8 back and forth Paige Hockman • |
9 frozen Facetime Jeana Pierson ••••• |
10 lady on the corner Jeana Pierson ••• |
11 I daydream Jeana Pierson •••• From this haiku, I pictured an exhausted college student sitting at their desk looking out their bedroom window. The light being emitted by the sun shines through the window, as they reminisce on previous spring break activities. Although the sun’s warmth can be felt, it doesn’t compare to that of direct sunlight. This haiku evokes feelings of sadness, as many students are struggling due to the lack of spring break. In addition, it reminds me of the things that COVID has taken from us during the last year. Chloe Herbert, Spring 2021 |
12 frog prince |
13 kiss in the dark Carly Clo ••• I just thought this was really cute. I haven't had that "magical" kiss yet, but this gave me a good feeling. Colin McGonagle, Spring 2021 |
14 one salad later . . . Carly Clo ••••• |
15 lo-fi hip-hop Brooke Oitker • |
16 listening to music Brooke Oitker ••• This haiku just makes me feel peaceful because it perfectly defines me in a nutshell. Every time I study and do homework I strictly just listen to music and get my work done because I am so focused on getting my work done with justice rather than silence in my apartment. Not many people can listen to music while working but I can listen and still understand what I am studying and realize that it calms me down and I am able to focus on my homework. Danni Beard, Spring 2021 This haiku reminds me of the times I spend in my art studio on campus during the day. I always wear my headphones and I have them blocking out any noise that is in the room. I feel like it gets me to be more creative in the space as I do not get as distracted when doing art with music. There is always the downfall of my professor trying to talk to me and I can never hear him, so it always ends with my professor scaring me. Since my music blocks out all the sound, I also feel a sense of relaxation as I walk to class since I can have the time to myself and think about events of my life. Katelynn Watkins, Spring 2021 |
17 shaking my head Brooke Oitker ••• |
18 eyes glazed over Carly Clo •••• This past summer, I spent a few days with friends in Decatur, and there was a night when there was this beautiful big ring around the moon. We had been up for so long and we were dizzy and happy and seeing this ring around the moon gave me such a feeling of hope. Feeling so small, but so so big at the same time.Colin McGonagle, Spring 2021 This haiku reminds me of being under the influence outside during a full moon. When your mind and body are completely relaxed and you have a moment to look up to the sky. In those moments, the chaos melts away and the world starts to make sense again. Your problems feel smaller and less important in the grand scheme of things, and you really start to think about what you want without the pressure of society. Courtney Klein, Spring 2021
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19 zoom call ends Colin McGonagle ••••• This haiku just reminded me of when I used to take four-hour classes and couldn’t wait for the end time because that was the best part of the class. Every day I had that specific class, it would always feel like the longest. I just remember my friends and I would set alarms until the class was over and we then celebrated by getting food and just being glad the class was over because the professor was so dull with no emotion. Danni Beard, Spring 2021 |
20 rubik’s cube— Alyson Robbins • |
21 one too many Alyson Robbins •• |
22 9 and a half hours away Alyson Robbins ••••• I am very homesick, and I am from Tennessee, so that is very far. I call my parents a lot, and this haiku made me feel very vulnerable because it is so relatable and hits very close to home for me considering how often I am calling my parents just to hear their voice. Carly Clo, Spring 2021 This haiku stood out to me right away, and I thought it was very sweet. It made me think of the fact that our parents are the ones who are often the most proud of us when we meet a goal, win an award-- pretty much anything. However, for many college students, their parents are so far away, so when students accomplish something, it’s hard for parents to give them as big of a reaction as they might want to because they are so far. But, for those students who live over nine hours away from campus, parents will still find a way to make them feel special and show that they are proud of their hard work. Linnea Nordstrom, Spring 2021 |
23 catch myself Colin McGonagle ••• This haiku radiates self-confidence, something that I, like many other people, struggle with sometimes. With this haiku I picture myself, or anyone really, getting ready for a night out with friends or a dinner and maybe it’s a new outfit or they did their makeup really well, but they are feeling super confident. As they go to leave the house they pass by the mirror one more time and catch a glimpse of themself. They stop and stare at their reflection for a few more seconds. They feel like a museum portrait. I can perfectly visualize the edges of the mirror becoming the frame to the portrait as they gaze at themself one last time. Jeana Pierson, Spring 2021 |
24 hairdryer sings |
25 cool summer wind |
26 through the curtain and blinds Kionah Flowers •• When I read this haiku, I immediately pictured an individual waking up on a Sunday morning. I can see the sunshine peeking through the blinds, as they begin to open their eyes. The pleasant sound of silence fills the room around them. Faint smells of coffee linger from downstairs where they are awaited by loved ones. This haiku evokes feelings of calmness, as there is often a relaxing connotation associated with that of Sunday mornings. It reminds me of how much I look forward to Sunday mornings spent with my fiance. Chloe Herbert, Spring 2021 I love the visual that this haiku gives. Seeing the sun rays peeking through the blinds just gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I personally love the warmth of the sun. It is just such a pure feeling. Lately, the sun has been really good to us, so I have been soaking in every bit I can get. The warmth of the sun reminds me that summer is near! Sarah Barter, Spring 2021 |
27 in the treehouse Kionah Flowers •••• I always have loved the idea of "talking into the night" and this poem really captured that feeling. Not even in a romantic way necessarily, but just being with someone who matches your energy and talking until the sun comes up.Colin McGonagle, Spring 2021 |
28 grey t-shirt Sarah Barter •• |
29 tired eyes Linnea Nordstrom • |
30 bottom of the staircase |
31 well-rounded on the outside Linnea Nordstrom •• |
32 love note Sarah Barter ••• I love this haiku; it makes me think of coming home from work and having the worst day. I like that it makes me think of the simplicity of leaving a small note for someone to see. Usually small notes like that are to help brighten someone’s day and remind them that you are thinking of them. Paige Hockman, Spring 2021 |
33 carrying my clipboard Sarah Barter • I can feel the never ending tiredness of this poem. I just feel the simple weight of a stethoscope on your neck. You are sweating from running around and taking care of patient after patient. Early mornings and late nights that require so much from one person. Paige Hockman, Spring 2021 |
34 midnight Bryce Bayer •• |
35 gusty breeze Bryce Bayer •• |
36 scorching coffee Bryce Bayer •• |
37 lace silk fishnets Marissa Garcia-Kaliner • |
38 vodka and lemonade Kaitlin Hathaway •••• Vodka and lemonade are my best friend and I’s go to drink. We have lots of good memories of us drinking this drink together. Reading this haiku just brought me back to good times in the summer that we spent together. Jordan Hildebrand, Spring 2021 |
39 pop it Marissa Garcia-Kaliner •••• I imagine myself as a kid when reading this haiku. The Hannah Montana movie was really popular when I was younger. Hannah Montana itself was really popular when I was younger. My sister and I actually learned this dance. I can see myself dancing with my sister when we were both young and it brings a smile to my face. Times were so simple then. Kionah Flowers, Spring 2021 |
40 ever since Jordan Hildebrand ••• I really enjoyed this haiku because it made me think of how special my dad is in my life. We always used to do everything together when I was younger such as he taught me how to play tennis, go to church and be active. My mom always called me a daddy’s girl because my dad and I do all the active pieces in our friendship and my mom is more so the shopper with me. My dad has always been my partner and crime who I go to everything for except for relationship advice, which is my mom. Danni Beard, Spring 2021 |
41 in her free-time Chloe Herbert ••• I am upset I didn’t think of this haiku sooner. I go to target all the time it is such a big part of my daily plan, and I am shocked that I haven’t thought about writing this yet! I think it is so funny and relatable, and relatable haikus are always my favorite. Carly Clo, Spring 2021 |
42 a rumble of thunder Chloe Herbert ••••• This haiku reminds me of this past weekend and how there was a lot of rainy days. Since I am from the desert, I have grown to love rainy days more than the sunny ones. I find rain way more relaxing and when I do not have anything to do, I tend to take a lot of naps. This is my favorite time in Illinois as the weather is near perfect for me and I know that this rain will soon bring flowers and make the trees get their life back. Though I love the rain, I also am always excited to see the flowers blooming after this time. Katelynn Watkins, Spring 2021 This has to be my favorite part about spring time coming. I have always loved spring rain. It feels very cleansing. I always feel like everything is being washed away. However, I don’t really like drizzles. I find them so unsatisfying. I like the really hard rains. The kind that makes houses shake. It’s the kind of rain that you can’t help but stay in and enjoy. Savanna Prasun, Spring 2021 |
43 end of the storm Chloe Herbert • |
44 runt of the litter |
45 to this day Jordan Hildebrand • |
46 air pods in Piper Charlton ••• I find myself in the situation that this haiku depicts all the time. I may not be a “main character” but I sure like to pretend I am. I don’t use airpods, but I definitely get this feeling in the car. I literally have a playlist called “pretending I’m a rich girl in an early 2000s movie” because I love to just drown out the world and pretend that I am existing in a movie montage scene. This haiku made me giggle. It’s nice to know that I am not the only one who does this when a certain song comes on. Jeana Pierson, Spring 2021 Replace the coffee with tea or hot cocoa and I am sold on this haiku. People have made fun of me for putting ice cubes in my hot drinks. I think that ice cubes were created to cool down drinks, so why not add it to a scorching hot drink. I just really enjoyed the imagery of the two sips in there as well. The sips are what gets you when a drink is too hot, and this picture is fervent in this haiku. Marissa Garcia, Spring 2021 |
47 dancing Savanna Prasun • |
48 full ballroom Savanna Prasun • |
49 pulling out of Piper Charlton •••• After reading this haiku, I pictured a mother driving her children to school in the morning. As her kids are finally returning to in-person instruction, they are still establishing a routine. Although they are late, I can see the children’s excitement as they are ready to see their friends; however, their facial expressions quickly changed after realizing that they forgot to bring a mask. This haiku evokes feelings of annoyance, as it is frustrating to have to turn around when you’re already running late. It also made me laugh, as I have been in this position several times throughout the past year. Chloe Herbert, Spring 2021 I have forgotten my mask more times than I could count. Sometimes, ya know, you'll be out and just realize you forgot a mask. I have ran back in the freezing cold and will do it again to keep the homies safe ❤️Colin McGonagle, Spring 2021 |
50 red Savanna Prasun • |
51 movie paused |
52 spring thaw Danni Beard • |
53 I close my eyes and Danni Beard ••• This haiku was just very wholesome. Although using the word ‘impossible’ may have made it seem kind of negative, I read this haiku is something hopeful and maybe even inspirational. Something it made me think of was how many people will imagine scenarios before falling asleep, or just daydreaming throughout the day, of things that may be unlikely to ever happen but that make them happy and hopeful about achieving it someday. I try to be optimistic as much as possible, and this haiku just made me think of someone being optimistic and daydreaming about their biggest goals/dreams, hoping to achieve them someday. Linnea Nordstrom, Spring 2021 This haiku instantly made me think of Alice in Wonderland, one of my all-time favorite movies. Alice talks about how her father would think of 10 impossible things before breakfast, and while in wonderland she finds her own strength by learning to do this herself. When the things you once thought were impossible become reality, you find you can do anything you put your mind to; it is such an empowering exercise. Courtney Klein, Spring 2021
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54 I wake up reluctant; Danni Beard |
55 tangled up in him Jamie Gamonez ••••• This haiku instantly struck me as a long-distance relationship. It’s describing this person missing their partner and longing for them. While they’re completely enthralled with this person, they cannot physically be with him. This results in an emptiness in the bed as well as their heart. Alyson Robbins, Spring 2021 |
56 my blanket falls Jamie Gamonez •• |
57 eyes open Jamie Gamonez • |
58 the little ballerina Kionah Flowers • |
59 an empty dollhouse Kionah Flowers •• |
60 virtual escape |
61 feathers Kionah Flowers • |
62 puddles, |
63 cool fog . . . |
64 eyes flutter shut Jeana Pierson •••• After rereading Kukai 4 I found this one haiku here that I really enjoy. I saw a couple sleeping in bed. The one woman fluttered her eyes shut, as if she were trying to sleep. She knows though that the man is admiring her with his eyes. I have been in this situation before and I really admire seeing this imagery again. Marissa Garcia, Spring 2021 When I read this haiku, I honestly felt butterflies in my stomach. I just picture that feeling of your first crush you get in junior high. Junior high crushes are borderline obsessive. Whenever you close your eyes, that’s all you think of. It’s such an innocent feeling and I can feel it whenever I read this this haiku. Sarah Barter, Spring 2021 I think of this when you are lying in bed cuddling. You fall asleep and you just feel eyes of appreciation on you still. They are like simple admiration. Usually, I feel this is followed by a kiss on the head. This poem just makes me very happy inside. Paige Hockman, Spring 2021 |
65 rainy coffee shop Jeana Pierson ••• The thing that most resonated with me about this poem was the images it brought to mind. I loved seeing the rain outside of those big coffee shop windows and seeing the steam rise out of the coffee cup. This created such strong images and I really loved it.Colin McGonagle, Spring 2021 I really enjoyed this haiku because it gave me such a cozy vibe. Being in a coffee shop while it storms outside as an indie song plays is my ultimate comfort dream. I also like the description of the rain as pitter patter because it helps me hear the rain. Jamie Gamonez, Spring 2021 |
66 another bag of chips eaten Brooke Oitker •• This one reminds me of many nights of mine. I can’t help but eat and eat and eat. When I get bored, or when I’m working really hard on homework, eating is in the immediate future. I try and stop, but it’s always too late. Sometimes I stress eat as well. I am really lucky I am young, otherwise my metabolism wouldn’t be able to handle those times. Savanna Prasun, Spring 2021 |
67 dad and daughter coffee Jeana Pierson •• I saw my own relationship with my father in this piece. I come from a split home, so seeing my dad is always a bit awkward at first, being that I live with my mother primarily. I could literally see myself drinking coffee awkwardly with my father in this haiku. The author depicted this imagery so well. Alyson Robbins, Spring 2021 |
68 late night studying Brooke Oitker ••• I liked this haiku because it brought back memories of my last dog. In high school, I would always do my homework in my dining room, often super late at night. No matter what, as soon as I sat down, I would always hear the clicking of her claws on the hardwood as she came to find me and lay down by my feet. I will always remember her choosing to come sleep in the dining room with the bright lights as I studied instead of sleeping in her bed in the living room where it was dark and quiet. Linnea Nordstrom, Spring 2021 |
69 Eldritch Blast Brooke Oitker •• I have only recently started getting into Dungeons and Dragons, but even I know the Eldritch Blast and the user’s . . . stylistic choices usually involve some sort of chaotic neutral alignment. My friend recently did a livestream of him DM’ing a one-shot with some of our friends and one of them rolled a Natural 20 on an Eldritch Blast and there was a simultaneous, very deep sigh from everyone present in the call - players and viewers alike. Brooke Oitker, Spring 2021 |
70 the smell of his vape Jamie Gamonez x |
71 bills due— Kaitlin Hathaway •• I really like this haiku as I understand the struggle that this person is going through. As someone who does not get any support from my parents or family, but still claimed as a dependent, I was frustrated that I would be struggling with rent as my job would not cover the cost. With the decreased hours because of COVID, I was out of a job for a while before I could find one that could help pay rent. Finally getting this stimulus check, I can relax for a little bit on my rent, and I hope this person can relax as well. Katelynn Watkins, Spring 2021 |
72 friend of a friend Kaitlin Hathaway • |
73 living room giggles Carly Clo •• I'm sure many people can relate to this haiku because I certainly can. My friends and I try hard to keep going with our homework, but, of course, little distractions come up here and there. We're actually doing homework right now and it's going well, but I'm sure a distraction will occur within the next five minutes. Piper Charlton, Spring 2021 |
74 Camp Rock 2 graham crackers! Carly Clo ••• |
75 the scale teeters Colin McGonagle •• As someone with body dysmorphia, this haiku hit close to home. There is nothing worse than having to check my own weight. In my mind, I am still a young pre-teen and I have a hard time remembering that weight naturally increases as you get older. What was once my target weight would be considered underweight now. Yet, when the numbers exceed that false ideal I have, I start to feel a loss of control and it’s hard to remember that it’s just a number. Courtney Klein, Spring 2021 |
76 in my eyes Carly Clo ••• |
77 fight or flight |
78 your ghost appears Colin McGonagle • |
79 caramel iced coffee Chloe Herbert ••• I related to this haiku so much. I have felt like lately that I have been drowning in my homework and work, so I look forward to having my iced coffee in the morning to get me through the day. I also might have a slight caffeine addiction to that helps it too. Kaitlin Hathaway, Spring 2021 This is me. Going to get coffee almost every day is one of the only reason I leave my bed. It really helps me to push forward in my day and what I have to get done. It's almost kind of weird at how much of a comfort it is to me, and not just me; it's a relief for a lot of people. Piper Charlton, Spring 2021 |
80 after each submission Chloe Herbert ••••• This haiku doesn’t take much imagination to see. This is simply the life of a college student. If I take a step back and look at myself, this haiku really shows what is happening in my life. I can feel the relief of finishing an assignment that you thought you wouldn’t, only for another one to enter its way into your queue. There’s a sense of relief, but immediately after there is a sense of panic. Kionah Flowers, Spring 2021 |
81 Facetime Sarah Barter ••••• I have been talking to someone new and there are all of these renewed feelings of butterflies and it feels like time just passes when I talk to him. The first time we talked we were on a facetime until 6am, and i havent had that in a very long time. Colin McGonagle, Spring 2021 This brings me back to when my bf and I first started talking. We would video chat forever and neither of us wanted to end the call because we were enjoying each other's company. We would talk til 4am and it was a whole bunch yawning. Jamie Gamonez, Spring 2021 This haiku felt relatable for me. I thought about the many nights I would be facetiming my friends, and the time would be nearing midnight or 1am. We would sit there, and both be yawning and starting to slowly stop talking as much, but we would remain on the phone because we missed each other and enjoyed the other’s company. Kaitlin Hathaway, Spring 2021 |
82 phone buzzes Alyson Robbins ••••• Replaced the pronouns and you have the exact reason my sister found out about my girlfriend. About six months into our relationship, my sister cornered me and asked, “Alright, who are you dating? You’ve never smiled like that before.” I was speechless, thinking I’d been so sneaky about my girlfriend and my relationship - I guess not. Brooke Oitker, Spring 2021 I like this haiku because I can relate to it in several different ways. Sometimes if someone specific texts me I will smile or get butterflies in my stomach. Even if my best friend texts me something funny I will smile or laugh at my phone. I think this haiku allows you to paint a vivid picture. Jordan Hildebrand, Spring 2021 I really felt this haiku on a different level. I felt the butterflies I get every time someone I am interested in texts me. If I am not expecting it I get the butterflies and my smile starts to creep up. It was very wholesome and super personal. I really just enjoyed seeing myself within this very happy and optimistic haiku. Marissa Garcia, Spring 2021 |
83 dark forest Savanna Prasun • I immediately imagined the Disney character Snow White when I read this haiku. However, the image of a dark forest makes me think of a dark place, with twisted tree trunks. I imagine that this forest is covered with fog and that everything is generally gloomy. If I were walking through this forest, the only pop of color that I would see is this red apple. Tempting me, in the same way, that the forbidden fruit tempted Adam and Eve in the Bible. I imagine that this apple would be the best apple that I ever tasted, despite being from this dark and eerie environment. Kionah Flowers, Spring 2021 |
84 sweaty foreheads |
85 coming home Jeana Pierson ••• This haiku reminds me of coming home from college for break. I feel like you see a lot of people you never thought you would see again, yet when talking to people you weren’t so close with, it never become awkward. Growing up is tough but at the same time everyone has to do it, so sometimes people drift apart but are able to pick up where they left off like they never spent a day away from each other. That’s why I liked this haiku. Camryn Skundberg, Spring 2021 This haiku really reminds me of my boyfriend and me. We are currently in the middle of long-distance dating, which is hard at times. Thankfully, we always pick up right where we left off whenever he comes home. It is one of my favorite qualities about us. We are both easy-going and we never let anything get in the way of our relationship. We are each other’s best friends. Sarah Barter, Spring 2021 |
86 2 months Jordan Hildebrand ••• |
87 rising temperature Jeana Pierson • |
88 on the couches •• |
89 wild night Kaitlin Hathaway • |
90 sore throat, Katelynn Watkins • |
91 running to catch the bus Kionah Flowers • |
92 future names Paige Hockman ••• My girlfriend and I have a Google Doc that we both add names to occasionally. We’ve had it for about a year now and it was created about a year and a half after we started dating. There are just so many names we love, like “Isabella Rose,” that get added to the list of names. It’s just a cute little thing we love looking at together after a major name dump. Brooke Oitker, Spring 2021 I related to this personally as well. I have a list of boy and girl baby names in my note section of my phone. I am not going to lie though most of my baby names are from a movie or a TV show that I have watch. I hadn’t thought of my own baby name. I also know that most people who have had kids say that you don’t know what you are going to name your kid until you have them. Jordan Hildebrand, Spring 2021 |
93 spring break Linnea Nordstrom ••••• • This haiku is so true for the year of 2021. In 2020, some people did still get to experience spring break because the pandemic hadn’t shut down the whole country yet. But in 2021, many spring break places aren’t crowded, and some schools are not having a spring break at all. I think this haiku makes light of a not-so-fun situation because not getting a break makes for a long semester, but if the students push through and work with what they have, we can all get through this together. Camryn Skundberg, Spring 2021 Spring break looks very different, well non-existent, this school year. I like how this haiku captures someone making the most of this crappy situation. We may not have spring break, but we can still put on sunglasses and pretend like we’re on a beach somewhere rather than on a Zoom class call. Plus this haiku reminds me of the 80s song “Sunglasses at Night” but Corey Hart and I really like that song. This haiku is funny and simple and it really sums up the need for some fun/normalcy that many students are desperate for right now. Jeana Pierson, Spring 2021 |
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© 2021, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.