Mumbled Whispers: Selected Haiku
by

Sarah Knutilla

Global Haiku Tradition
Millikin University, Spring 2001

Mumbled Whispers

Haiku poems are one of the simplest forms of self-expression. They are fine examples of how a few simple words can express a so much. A good haiku lets the reader into a little piece of the author’s world. And yet, a good haiku must be open-ended enough so that the reader can still use his or her imagination to further the haiku imagery so that it becomes whatever they chose it to become. Haiku change in the mind of the reader and because of that, haiku are a kind of "living" poetry. They are constantly changing and growing.

A haiku cannot be forced into existence. Haiku come when they are ready to be "born." As they are a living poetry, they must have time to take from all essences of life. Inspiration for a haiku can come at the most unexpected moments of life and we, the writers of haiku, must be ready to accept the inspiration when it comes.

When writing haiku, I find that one must have time and relax and meditate. The haiku will then come. Always have a pen and paper ready because haiku inspiration will come when you least expect it.

Write about what you know. In order to paint the haiku picture, one must have a clear understanding of the scene that you want to set. For this to happen, it is always helpful for the subject to be something that you are familiar with.

Haiku is a rewarding and beautiful art form. It is an ancient form of literature that is constantly reinventing itself. Because it is a living art, it will never die. It continues to change and grow. Haiku fully capture the essence of life and all that it encompasses.

Christmas Eve
dad rushes into the drug-store
he needs more tape

speaking my mind
only to realize
I’ve nothing to say

initials in the sand
ocean tide
washes the memory

  

 

mumbled whispers
a door closes

tire and rope
swings gently in the wind
abandoned

  

 

muddy footprints
hiding under a pillow
he blames the dog

graduation day
moving the tassel
a sigh of relief

  

 

on the steps
between classes
deciphering my notes

mom says "lights out"
flashlight under the blanket
just one
            more
                    chapter

  

 

smell of new rain
she smiles
running through a puddle

red flip-flops
sand blows
across the towel

(best beach haiku, Spring 2001)

  

 

lost argument
dad mows
around the dandelions

©2001 Randy Brooks, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois || all rights reserved for original authors