EN340
/ IN350 Global Haiku Tradition
Dr. Randy Brooks
Millikin University PACE Summer 2004
Selected
Haiku
by
Melanie Millikin
In
my life, I have always been artistic. When our haiku class
began, I must admit that I thought it would be very easy to
write a haiku. I thought that I would merely write down my
observations and thoughts and it would automatically sound
poetic and profound. I was pleasantly surprised to find out
that there is so much more to writing haiku. I discovered
that haiku is a wonderful blend of both depth and simplicity.
Only when these are applied simultaneously will you truly
have a good haiku.
My
collection of haiku is maily derived from meaningful life
experiences of mine own including my family and childhood
memories, along with my observations in nature. The haiku
that I have chosen for my collection are my best simply because
they directly depict the happiness I share with my family.
in
the dark
we talk things through
and see the light
too
close to the decorated tree
my son's cheek
sports a green glow
approaching
truck
the faint wail
of a saxophone solo
my
two year old's wet kiss
a mouthful of
Pop Tart crumbs
protruding
stomach and
swollen ankles
we say I do
the
end of the river trail
the hot sun
upon us
floating
in the pool
a dead fly
summer morning
Fair
Memories
bright
lights flashing
the sound of the ferris wheel
going around and around
tattooed
figures smoke in the shadows
break
time
smell
of cotton candy
a child’s wondering eyes
savoring the taste
youngsters
encircle the beer tent
patiently
waiting for their only ride
home
one
last ticket
moving from line to line
lights out
unexpected
shower
rides
frozen in time, dripping .
. . last day ruined.
