Global Haiku • Spring 2013
Dr. Randy Brooks

Unsettled Dust

by
Jonathan Robertson

Life is short. We know that our life on this earth is limited by time, and thus we cannot afford to waste it. I used this idea of the brevity of life when I chose my title, "Unsettled Dust". Just as we cannot control the passing of time, we also have no control of the collection of dust; however, we do have control of if the dust settles. "Unsettled Dust" simply means that no matter how much dust is collecting, or time has passed, we will simply brush it off and live life to the fullest.

The haiku I chose to include in this collection are what I believe to be my best. My approach to haiku usually was to separate myself from distractions and simply focus on my surroundings. Throughout the semester I learned that I formulated my best haiku when I used my initial thoughts and reactions to inspire the poem. Biography My name is Jonathan Robertson, and I am a sophomore Physics major at Millikin University. I have learned how to write and enjoy the art of haiku while being enrolled in Randy Brook's Global Haiku Course.  

a dusty eraser
everyone needs
a second chance

the worn glove
dusted off
a new rookie

dusting off the cleats
it was time to return
the prodigal son

the tug
of my first catch
can you eat seaweed?

the pristine lake
reflecting the mountain
cannonball

she decided something
had to change
the wind picks up

walking to dinner
we talk
budding cherry blossoms

fighting through
the odds
a butterfly emerges

A Letter

creaky whine
of the mailbox flap
paper treasure

recorded in ink
the heart speaks

squeezing eyes shut
I go to
"far away"

the unexpected surprise
comes to my door
and takes me away

he never comes
empty handed

he surprises me
with each visit
the mailman

by Sarah E. Kisly & Jonathan Robertson