1

rainy night
the tin roof sings
baby fast asleep

McKenzie Greene

This haiku gives me just a calm and peaceful image. I imagine being in the woods in a cabin and being able to fall asleep to the peaceful sound of a tin roof. The last line makes me think that everything in the house is well and accounted for. The family is together, and the immediate world is at a calming peace. Aiden Etchason, Fall 2022

2

hiding behind 
a smile ear to ear 
one thousand words 

3

ssh!
my sister's finger before her lips 
don't disturb the hedgehog

Femke Stuut

4

organ songs
rooibos tea 
grandmother's hum

Femke Stuut

This haiku very specifically reminded me of my grandmother: She was a 1965 Millikin grad, majoring in music ed, and played the organ. Reading this felt like I should have written it myself, it brought such a clear memory to mind. Beautiful. Also great taste in tea! Page Shields, Fall 2022

5

peeled potatoes
snapped green beans
dinner time

Femke Stuut

I loved how nostalgic and warm this haiku felt. I imagined a big family dinner, with  cousins running around in the basement, aunt’s gossiping over coffee in the kitchen, and the tv blaring whatever football team happened to be on. It smelled of garlic and warm bread, and you could hear the sizzling of frying pans and clunking of knives. I loved it, it’s nice to be reminded of something you hold so dearly. Maddy Cummins, Fall 2022

6

one with the fish 
he stays in 
till mom calls for supper

McKenzie Greene

It reminded me of how much I loved to swim. I would still in the water untill eventually just like this haiku, my mother called me inside for supper. It brings feelings of nostalgia and serenity, picturing a boy happy and content with himself and the fish just swimming. Femke Stuut, Fall 2022

7

book club
lighting incense
on the back patio

Page Shields

8

hearts beat in rhythm
catching the pebbles
meant for the window

Page Shields

9

Chanel no. 5
clouds the air
her date waits downstairs

Mikayla Craw

I like this haiku because of its appeal to multiple senses. It also seems to portray a mid-20th century nostalgia reminiscent of Golden Age starlets such as Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly. It provides clear imagery while concurrently leaving a degree of the scene left to the reader’s imagination. Olivia Swords, Fall 2022

10

a slick path
from the garden to my doorstep
hello again, snail

Page Shields

11

snap of the ball
to the quarterback
last ten seconds

Mikayla Craw

12

two candles on a cake
then darkness
a wish is granted

Mikayla Craw

13

the press of their hands
against my shoe
in the air

Olivia Swords

14

missed call
no answer
dread

15

gracefully landing
on lilacs
the sun kisses its wings

Maddy Cummins

16

the space 
between notes
is deafening

Maddy Cummins

I like this haiku because it reminds me of watching a concert and there is a pause, but you’re not quite sure if the piece is over or has more to go. I love how silent the hall gets during that space. It is like everyone is holding their breath. There’s something musical about that silence too. You hear the echo throughout the hall and then it decays. Usually during this time I feel a strong emotion of awe. Mikayla Craw, Fall 2022

17

the moon crescendos
as the sun
reaches its finale

Olivia Swords

18

new ground is plowed
a fresh start
or endless work?

Aiden Etchason

19

thick anchor
covered with rust
stumbles in the sand

20

the Tetons
so majestic
what words cannot portray

Aiden Etchason

21

the chime of the bell
and laughter of children;
repeat tomorrow

Aiden Etchason

22

empty streetlights
gaze on
the dog stops to sniff

23

the hum of bees
louder
than the mower

Mikayla Craw

24

lining up
for the last
field goal kick

25

warm breath
pocketing velvet leaves
a gift

26

grandma’s favorite song
traces of love
in a three-ring chorus binder

Page Shields

27

moonlight
smoke flowing
into my sketchbook

Page Shields

28

child's breath 
dandelion wishes 
float away

McKenzie Greene

I don’t have a lot of analysis for this one, I just love the innocence it conveys. Beautiful use of figurative language. Page Shields, Fall 2022

29

just a hug 
taking my breath away 
suddenly, everything is okay 

30

no words
left to say 
door slams behind you 

31

a drop 
from the clouds 
what a delight

Femke Stuut

32

his handwriting
notes of rosewood
kind memories

Femke Stuut

I’m not sure what sort of relationship this haiku is intended to demonstrate, but I took it as a romantic one—someone reminded of a lost partner through little, day-to-day moments, but not in a way that evokes sadness. Rather, they enjoy looking back on their time together. Page Shields, Fall 2022

33

my father 
the smell of coffee
on sunday morning

Femke Stuut

34

daylight 
awakens the sparrow
and I

Femke Stuut

35

lettered tiles
creating words
from scratch

Olivia Swords

This was my favorite haiku from Kukai for a couple of reasons. First, scrabble is my favorite board game. I love the aspect of getting to stretch your brain and finding words to make with the letters. I also associate positive memories with Scrabble. Growing up, I always played Scrabble with my dad. Now, I seem to always play it when I go to my grandparent's house. The special moments I get to spend with my family mean the world, and I am happy Scrabble makes those happen. McKenzie Greene, Fall 2022

36

the breeze, 
sweet and cool
tastes of dying leaves

Maddy Cummins