Kathy Yarnell

Selected Haiku by Kathy Yarnell Hello, I am Kathy Yarnell, and I was introduced to haiku poetry in the course, Global Haiku, at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. I never had any idea what haiku poetry actually was. I can now appreciate the feelings and emotions they can stir in one's own mind. The emotions are brought to the surface depending on the mood that you are in while reading or writing haiku. If the reader or writer is in a good mood, they will have a much more optimistic view of the haiku, versus if they are going through bad times.

I believe personality has an important role as well in reading and writing haiku. Let's face it, there are people in this world who are far too serious and those who enjoy life with laughter. I like to think of myself as the jokester, as one who likes to have fun. At least my face isn't cracking when I smile, although I probably have more wrinkles around my mouth from laughing. Even though I consider myself more fun-loving and carefree, I do not, however, possess the senryu style one would expect. Being a rookie in the haiku-writing gambit, I have not yet established a style, or am completely oblivious to the fact if I have. I will let the reader decide about my style, if by chance you see any certain patterns I might project.