PACE Global Haiku • January 2009
Dr. Randy Brooks

Journey

haiku by
Kimilee Day

I truly enjoy poetry and appreciate the opportunity to experience haiku the way that I have done with this course. I have learned a lot about haiku and I have an understanding of this genre of poetry now that I did not 5 weeks ago and plan to continue to learn more and read more about haiku.

Haiku to me is very unique in how it allows you as the reader to imagine and pull from what you are reading into how it relates to you. Since there are so many styles of haiku that permits for many different points of view and ways of expression, which I liked. I enjoyed reading haiku and getting one thing from it and then reading the same haiku again and getting something else from it. Haiku may seem very simple but putting the right words together is rather complex.

given to me
after the service
I hugged that flag so tight

soft whispers replay
lonely winter nights
staring at a frame

sun disappears
behind the water
as I pray to God

summer breeze
waves crashing
desire

Red Cross Haiku

I am going to write a series of haiku relating to my job. I work for the American Red Cross, as a Collections Specialist. Everyday I get to contribute to the safety and quality of the blood supply for the American people. I get the opportunity to say that everyday I work I do my part in saving lives and I am grateful for that.

leaving before dawn
snow covered roads
someone is waiting

each new day
new smiling faces
doing their part

no matter your type
PRICK…
you can save a life

Encounter

the subway routine
elbow to elbow to rib with half a dozen

hoping to gain attention
the light flickering above

the argument
he and I had this morning replays
as I star into a strangers smile

clouds form above
rushing through the day
no time to see the cherry blossoms

a girl passes me
wearing the perfume I used to wear

loneliness…
surrounded by people
as the day goes on

by Alike Norman and Kimilee Day