Haiku Kukai 12

Global Haiku • Millikin University • Spring 2025

1

replaying a sad song
over and over
still can’t cry yet

 

2

silent morning
     I sit up
     still sleep

 

3

at the last second
I open the . . .
microwave

 

4

rolling sweat
my pounding heart
beats its life rhythm 

 

5

rusty tinge 
on the white keys
broken bandage

 

6

target in sight
one breath after another
I miss my shot

 

7

not hot
not cold
perfect weather

 

8

last class
finally here.
bittersweet

 

9

hands shake from
the wafts of dinner;
low blood sugar

 

10

map on the wall
the correct names 
written in bold

 

11

recovering from
illness;
two pink pills

 

12

a deep breath
warm air
soothes my soul

 

13

corn husk doll
with no face
her selfie friend

 

14

this old house
not the same ghost
I grew up with

 

15

door opens
after years and miles
she is three feet away

 

16

corvette hums
her eyes wide and white
as I accelerate

 

17

she struggles
not to cry
I cry for words

 

18

don’t fall asleep
says the old man
I let out a little laugh

 

19

coffee date;
she orders
decaf

 

20

white button down
spaghetti stain
           aw, man

 

21

warming up
on the porch steps
sun tea

 

22

empty sky above
no birds no clouds
just wind passing

 

23

one breath
the team steam
rises and fades

 

24

mama tells her little girl
look at the tree
in your name
           titled Magnolia 


© 2025, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.