Haiku Roundtable • Fall 2010
Dr. Randy Brooks

A New World

by
Nora Kocher

Fall 2010 marked the beginning of a new adventure for me—college. I also took a step into the world of haiku. I entered the class with my preconceived ideas. It took me a while to get over 5-7-5 and my other misconceptions about haiku. But once I was able to let go and really see haiku, I discovered something wonderful. Haiku is a fantastic and diverse new world! This collection chronicles my exploration of that world.

Christmas lights
in the city
headlights along Lake Shore Drive

two weeks after the honeymoon
he happily pretends
to like her cooking

he's found the one.
she doesn't wear makeup
she loves Star Wars

his first play
at third base
Dad's old glove

Dad and his Fox News
one thing about home
I'll never miss

vultures
on the picket line
outside the clinic

Christmas dinner with future in-laws
he stops again to study
the names written on his hand

his beer warms up
as he rereads the note
She left him.

his
wedding
ring
tan line
slowly
v a n i s h i n g

wobbly Christmas tree
no match
for the puppy

goodbye hug
for a moment
forgetting about leaving

overhearing at night
the private conversations
of trains