time to leave
going to the beach
for one last dream

Matt Tierney

Every time my family and I go to the beach we have so much fun. We always go as a family and swim, play Frisbee, catch, and just run the beach all the time. We never want to leave every time we have to pack up all of our stuff and we dread leaving every time. Even when we are there for a long time, at the end of a long week, we still never want to leave. At least for the next two weeks after vacation, we talk about what we all did and reminisce about how much fun we had. Jill

arthritic hands curl
around the neck of the violin
one more time

Dan Temkin

I really liked reading this haiku. It reminded me of stories I have heard about my Grandfather. He used to play the violin when he was alive and until he got sick. It also reminds me how his violin was passed down to my brother, and how one day my brother might be playing the violin for his grandchildren to continue the tradition. Sarah

wish I had more time
cannot see everyone
the boys are back

spring break
escaping to Florida
in my dreams

dentist appointment
I brush my teeth
for the second time

Nicole Silverman (4)

This haiku really captured the feel of my entire freshman year of college, whenever I would be home for breaks. I was still in orthodontics, so each time I was home, my parents and I did our best to plan visits with the orthodontist, whose tightening, prodding, screwing, and whatever else he did to my teeth always left me sore. It's not a fond memory of spring break, but it is a very realistic one that hits home. I love the sense of brushing teeth a second time, because I know so many people, including myself, who try their best to "fool" their dentist/orthodontist out of thinking that they were "bad" with their teeth. Joanne

popping the
second zit--
I feel ugly.

Nicole Silverman (3)

overcast afternoon
I play Mozart
on the piano

Sarah Bassill (3)

I like the simplicity and honestly of this one. It really captures just that unobtrusive moment of that person alone with the piano. It isn't an image one thinks of often for spring break, and I like how frank it is. Ashlee

washing my car
barefoot in the driveway
it starts to rain

Angie Hawk (7)

I liked this haiku because it is funny but it is also a familiar feeling. It seems like every time you wash your car it rains that day or the next and then it won’t rain for like a week. One of my favorite things in the summer to do is to wash our cars, its so much fun. I like this haiku also because it is very smooth and flows very well. Brooke

The second day of spring break often leaves us with this feeling. The bustle of the days before is over; now we're able to take care of those things we normally put off for another day. Sometimes, these things take care of themselves; it's best just to accept that the skies have been washing our cars for many, many years longer than we have done so. David M

sun bathing
sounds of children
playing Marco polo

Brooke DeWall

This haiku reminded me of being on vacation in Florida during many past spring breaks, and the children who would fill the pool and ultimately begin marathon games of Marco Polo. There's really nothing quite so annoying as the sounds of "Marco?" "Polo!" drifiting in through the open window as opposed to the sounds of the ocean. But the haiku itself takes me back to a happy time, being carefree and on vacation. Also, I never played Marco Polo, as I was freaked out by the idea of wandering around the pool with my eyes closed. Molly

stuffy tuxedo--
son more nervous
than father

Joanne Weise (4)

i like this one because of the vivid image of a young man taking the step into manhood.  i like how it connects the action he is going to take to becoming more like his father.  it would not be the same if it was his best man in the room with him because of the connection the haiku makes. Chris

beautiful blonde finish
stained red
a “new” original

windshield wipers stuck
the man’s entire life
crammed into the back seat

Angie Hawk (8)

I see this haiku coming from the point of view of an observer — someone who has just driven by the car containing this man with his entire life in the back seat. I know that when you spend a lot of time in the car, you eventually start thinking about all of the other people on the road with you; where are they going, why are they going there? We saw a number of strange sights on our way to South Dakota a couple of weeks ago, and while we did not pass a car like this, it seems like something that you'd see on a long roadtrip. You'd probably think about it for a moment, wonder why that man seems to have shoved so much stuff into his car, but eventually it slips your mind. Molly

One stage of life done, a major milestone complete and all that you have to show for it besides what is in your head is filling up the back of the car. Stacked up so high that your rearview mirror becomes useless, these items and your car itself are your only possessions. If things aren't tough enough at this point in time the windshield wipers aren't working to clear of the mist off the windshield. Even with a mind full of doubt you keep driving on, you keep moving toward your destination. Dan T

first sunny day
of spring break
back at school  

Joanne Weise

I chose this haiku because it relates to my spring break this year. I went to Florida with a couple of friends, and the weather was not very warm or sunny. It rained off and on all throughout the week, so we did not get to enjoy the sun very much. The last day there however, was the nicest day, and we had to leave by noon. I was very disappointed with the weather, but I enjoyed the break anyway. Tony

cold darkness
     a stranger
stealing my blanket

sittin’ on the tailgate
still covered in mud
the rain fills our tracks  

sitting in rows
before the wedding
98° a third time

gnawing hard
at my stomach
only two dollars

high school rivals
in the dim tavern
            two shots

Joanne Weise

This haiku takes me back to the small town where I live. Because of the author’s use of language, I can easily imagine a dimly lit bar in some remote location. Everybody knows everybody there, especially during spring break. With this haiku, I’m left wondering what such rivals will do next. Are they having a contest to see who can down more shots, or have they drank enough already for a fight? It’s funny that, when you go home, you sometimes feel as if nothing has changed since you’ve been away. Laura

nearly full moon
illuminates
bright white shoes

missing id--
the margarita pitcher
now split between two

Joanne Weise

Friday evening, after dinner, we decide to go to a bar. Danielle is only 20 so we decide to go to a bar Madison always goes to. We walk in the door and they are checking ID’s. The bar is smoky and full of 20-something hipsters. We begin the plan we concocted Madison and I show our ID’s, when it is Danielle’s turn she gives the man a smile and says “I forgot my ID, is that a problem?” After a moment’s silence and a blank stare from the man at the door he replies “No, I guess not” and lets us in. Rachel

tropical paradise
the closest i get
is my screen saver

CD player skips
on the road
for nine hours

Molly Burns

This really hits me, cause I drive a lot. I don’t have a cd player, so this one trip me and my friends took to St. Louis for a concert we taped a boom box with a cd player in it to the back dash and it skipped the entire ride there, but we refused to switch to radio cause the radio sucks even worse. It was hilarious though. We had a cd player in the van with us over tour, and it would skip on occasion. After this one show it was especially bad, but we would sing on through all the skips and try and hold out the notes until the music resumed. It was great. I just get the image of a group, or maybe an individual, riding long, trying to stay up, entertained, keep their mind out of the tunnel, singing along, staying faithful to that music that just keeps letting them down. The darkness all around, the lights phasing past, just keeping on. Nick

changing lanes--
I remember the names
of old boyfriends

Nicole Silverman (4)

The line “changing lanes” as an opening to the haiku I think is a good beginning. It sets up the rest of the haiku with the tone of change. Remembering the names of old boyfriends reinforces the theme of transition in this haiku. The author suggests that perhaps she is not in a car but simply “changing lanes “ in her life. Rachel

This one really jumped out at me. It reminds me of all those little moments that you have nothing to really think about so your mind jumps to some random place or person. Ex’s are the worst because you start thinking about how it went wrong and you kind of glorify all the good stuff. These little memories usually pop out when you’re driving around your old stomping grounds and places start to remind you of past happenings. Mike

sand in our shoes
we walk the beach
in winter coats

Molly Burns (9)

I liked the irony in this haiku. When people go on spring break, if they take a trip they are usually expecting warm weather. This person went to a beach, but sadly it was so cold that they had to still wear their winter jackets. It reminds me of a few years ago when my family went to Florida on a winter vacation. We had to wear our jackets every day and one night while watching the light show, we had to buy a big blanket and hot chocolate to stay warm. Sarah

I love how the last line of this haiku surprises you! The image you begin the haiku with is a typical beach and the typical weather and dress of that beach. I feel the hot sun and see bathing suits and towels and sunglasses everywhere I look. However, the haiku takes a surprising turn with the last line “in winter coats.” This line evokes and even more powerful image of people walking the beach in less than pleasant weather. I love the opposites that work in this haiku. It is also full of wonderful sensory words and phrases “sand in our shoes” and all the implications of wearing a winter coat on a beach. I think this haiku has surprising depth lurking beneath the initial reading. Nicole

Easter eve
for the first time
I have no trouble sleeping

cleaning day
i read my
old dusty diary

Katie Burke (5)

I like this haiku because it is soothing and calm. I think it is ironic though that normal when you are cleaning every thing is fresh and new, but the person is reading something that is old and dusty. I think this haiku really describes the situation well and helps you put your self in the situation. Brooke

I think everyone has had one of these incidents. I remember cleaning my room hardcore every once in awhile and every time I do I run across an old journal. Usually these things reveal some serious clichés and situations that seemed so serious at the time, but you’ve either forgotten about them or can laugh at them now. In any case, it’s always a good excuse to take a break. Mike

breezy afternoon
small hands shake Easter eggs
listening for money

Molly Burns

In my Grandma’s living room me and my cousins are all sitting around the coffee table. Grandma hands each of us a small plastic basket and tells us we can go outside now. We rush out the front door into the yard. I am wearing my Easter dress, white tights and white sandals that fall off my feet when I run. I spot something pink in the branch of a tree near by and rush to get it before anyone else sees it. We all hunt for eggs for about 10 minutes, then we go back inside to open the eggs and see all the candy we got. Rachel

thick smoke rising
through it
her voice echoes

world class vertioso
     plays happy birthday
to her mentor and friend

olive garden
she smiles at me
loved is what I feel

lips touch
eyes tight
logging this feeling

pajamas
lamplight highlights
cleanly shaven legs

sunday morning
tears after a week lived
gathering my things

sunny morning drive
pretending that I sing
like a rockstar

over coffee
she talks like
my cousin were still alive

poolside
my skin reflects
the bleached concrete

the oversized rabbit
keeps trying
to hug me

Sarah Bassill (4)

I can just imagine going to the mall or a parade and having this big Easter bunny looking at me or someone with me. You never know who is inside of those costumes. It always makes me nervous when one of those costume characters comes up to me. They have always scared me ever since I have been real little. One time my mom and I were out at the mall and this Easter bunny started following us and it made us really nervous eventually he left but it made me really scared from now on. Jill

chilly spring morning
trying to get away
I stay home

total strangers
become best friends
after 5 drinks

Brooke DeWall

I liked this haiku because it reminds me of some of the crazy nights here at school. Everyone seems to have those nights to where they may have had a couple of drinks and then maybe starts a conversation with another person. Sometimes, meeting those different people, a person can begin to understand that they have a lot in common with the person they had just met. After a couple more drinks shared together, the two begin to enjoy the rest of the night out just like regular friends would do. Tony

spring twilight
we search the field
for my glasses

on his deathbed
Grandpa's promise
to attend my wedding

Katie Burke (8)

condoms out of reach
she collapses
on me

Mike Knowles (5)

lost in St. Louis      flat tire

kneeling before
the wooden cross
I smell fresh pine

I stare at unopened mail
mostly bills
due yesterday

Julie Bilbrey (7)

hot tub closed
security
back in an hour

high school buddies
lovingly they call me
by my old nickname

Katie Burke (3)

beautiful day
on the couch
ignoring phone calls

Michael Knowles

I can really relate to this haiku. The days before spring break are all filled with activity and energy; most of us lose a few nights to overdue papers and last-minute tests. That first day of inactivity during Spring Break is a welcome and much awaited period of relief; not even the shrill ring of the phone will interrupt that first free day. David M

young mechanic armdeep
in the car's girth
his face contorts

Katie Burke

My family is full of car fanatics. For as long as I can remember, we have always had several vehicles, most of which were old “project” cars. Our newest addition is a ’66 corvair monza. My family loves working on it on warm summer days. My dad’s focus is primarily engine and all components, my oldest brother does the welding for bodywork and electrical work, and my younger brother and I help out my father with the engine work. This haiku reminds me of the first time my dad let my younger brother work on the transmission… he was so determined to show my dad he knew what he was doing. Angie

day after moving
realizing
i need more stuff

boxes piled in my closet
the subject that starts
a family crisis

leaky shoes
I try to avoid puddles
in the drizzling rain

sun glistens inside
an empty tomb
no one there

Jill Guffey

I really like this one because it captures the most important moment of Easter. It is really easy to get caught up in the mourning of the death of Jesus. But the miracle of salvation didn't stop when He died--it happened when He conquered hell, death, and the grave, and rose again. Although He lived to be the ultimate sacrifice, it was His resurrection that washes sinners clean and brings eternal life. Ashlee

a week
feels like one long day
I just want some sleep

bass bouncing of walls
start feeling the vibe
this is what makes home great

the toilet
stops swirling
as i look for the plunger

playing baseball
my feet stick
soft ground

church building beam
blocks the view
of the sermon

Rachel Walker (2)

I love the fact that, with this haiku, so many possibilities exist. First of all, it’s really irksome when you can’t see anything that is going on in a church service. But the “beam” the author talks about can also represent a mental block or other sort of distraction from hearing God’s Word. Great haiku!Laura

stuffy air plane
end of the trip
we fold up the trays

early drive to work
police lights emerge
from the darkness

Chris Merritt (6)

Driving in the dark, not another car on the road. At this point in autopilot thinking more about what is going to be going on at work and the task ahead in the day. Suddenly, out of nowhere the mars lights in the rearview mirror, suddenly the only question is what did I do wrong as I pull over the car. Dan T

How like the police to catch you when you least expect it; this haiku does an excellent job of capturing the "oh no" moment of being caught speeding, or for whatever reason. If the cops in this haiku are anything like those in my hometown, they've really got nothing better to do than to catch the speeders on their way to work. Joanne

Easter breakfast
m&m’s
on the bus

uncle tom's stories
told to everyone
without a listening ear

Chris Merritt

I think every family has an “uncle tom”. There is always that family member who has to be in the middle of everything, whether the attention is actually on them or not. They will talk to whoever is closest to them, and only talk louder if people ignore them or walk away. Angie

midnight bowling
pins topple
I give him a sleepy high-five

Easter dinner
the estranged family
sits in silence

Easer bonnet
blocks my view
Sunday morning

rain covering
sunken stepping stones
their path now unknown

3:00am
passed out
sprinklers turn on

taking my eyes
off the road
a leaf flutters by

Laura Podeschi

With this one I was able to put myself in the situation of driving home with the calm of being by yourself in the car. Then a leaf floats by and it’s just a really calm feeling that you get. I really liked this one because often when I am driving to school from home I do this similarly. The long ride with open fields and just a real calm feeling is what I always get when driving with the music playing really kind of takes you there. David K.

the reason that i liked this one was because the person is taking the time to notice nature. It upholds the idea of taking time out of your day to just relax and get away from the daily grind. Kaite

While on spring break we drove down to South Padre Island, Texas. The road trip took us 21 hours, what a time that was. After driving for so long, you start to get bored and look for things to do to pass the time. Anything and everything catches your eye. So when this simple little leaf gets kicked up by the car ahead of you. You can’t help but stare at it. And for a second it helps you pass the time. Then you just keep driving, because there is so much more driving ahead. Matt

she's heavier now
prison and heroin
have stolen her crowd stopping glow

slow spinning fan
we pop in
another X-Files

light morning dew
a raccoon
in the passenger seat

Ashlee Peth

This haiku made me laugh, and it was really original. It made me think of spring cause of the dew on the ground, the feeling of winter still holding on, losing in a fight for the weather with spring. A little cold, you go out to your car only to find a racoon that has found shelter from winters icy afterthought of a grip in your car. I can just see the expression on my face as I see the bristly back heaving up and down, then the little bandit face looking at me. Classic, once in a life time (or perhaps twice) experience. Nick

every window open
the stench of beer and cigarettes
I sit with numb toes

he smiles at me
from across the net
love – thirty

my seat warming
the couch
I need to get off of

cold, closed door
last night home
without my father

heat rises off
the clay court
makeup mixed with sweat

packed coffee house
father and son
play chess

standing in the ocean
with a drink in my hand
what more could you ask for

Matt Tierney (2)

staring blankly
at white walls
I faintly hear them argue

Laura Podeschi

i like this one because it brings out the unconfortable feeling of sharing a wall with people while they argue.  whether it be parents in the next room or neighbors in an apartment building, the feeling of not wanting them to know your there is so intese even though you being there is the last thing on their mind. Chris

stuffy house
hard chairs
the aunts I never see

the phone rings
I tuck my hair
behind my ear

Laura Podeschi

I liked this haiku because it really allowed me to imagine this whole thing happening. I can picture a woman answering the phone like she is going to be on it for a while so she tucks her hair behind her ear. I can also sort of get a picture of the person on the other side of the phone. It is maybe her boyfriend so she is really comfortable talking to him as is he to her. Just a really nice haiku that allowed me to really imagine this situation and possibly even put myself in the situation. David K.

warm sun
and first love
feet don't touch the ground

I kick the pebble
in front of me
a shadow skips along the pavement

the grass sinks slightly
under my weight
I turn to walk away

on the back
of her wedding dress
     bubble gum

Dan Temkin (4)

This haiku is silly and has a twist at the end as well. I can see a whole room of people watching the bride at her wedding and they all see the bubble gum, but no one has the courage to tell her. It is this slight imperfection on a supposedly pristine dress and occasion. There is so much pressure for a bride’s wedding day to be “perfect” that the imperfection of the bubble gum on the back of the dress is somehow delightful. I also love how strong an image it is to see a wad of pink, gooey bubble gum stuck to the back of an elegant, white dress. Nicole

wisdom teeth out
cheeks swollen
couch ridden

we went to the beach
what a sight
the girls getting a bit nipply

getting buried
keeping cool
keg in the sand

green plastic grass
woven basket
sits in middle of grass

mingling hordes saying
     It's been too long
all family

finally home to mom
food on table
love being home

friendly phone call
beach sounds
in the background

in the woods
the forgotten desk
becomes a photo prop

Molly Burns

younger sister
wobbling in heels
March tulips still closed

five-star
buffett
one big purse

Sarah Bassill (2)

I like the idea of this one...but it doesn't seem to give enough information. Everyone knows these women that take everything including silverware from a buffet restaurant. Katie

darkness slowly descends
over the prairie
stars light my path

oh rainy day
new convertible
in the garage