EN340 / IN350 Global Haiku Tradition
Dr. Randy Brooks
Millikin University PACE Summer 2004
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VickiBallentine
Vicki Ballentine

Essay on Gary Hotham

Selected Haiku
by

Vicki Ballentine

As a young girl I was introduced to haiku in the 5-7-5 format. It wasn't until now that I see the true art of haiku poetry. During a very emotional time in my life, haiku has helped me define my inner being.

Haiku is the perfect way to maintain life in the past, present and future. I think that my best haiku have come from past experiences. The emotion and content seem to come hand-in-hand when dealing with memories.

In light of the loss of my stepfather, my latter haiku have been filled with loss, sadness and hurt. Haiku has been very helpful to me through this difficult time.


horror movie
popcorn
shower


J + S:
the picnic table
keeps the secret


one exhale
a shallow heart beats
into the silver clouds

 

 

footsteps on the dark path
heartbeat speeds
under the street light


smoke rings
stench of beer
8 ball: corner pocket

 

 

a blanket of roses
     the last
          to cover him


spinning
stomach flipping
merry-go-round

love
ups and downs

back
to reality
mind whirls

common sense
out the window
twirls like a top

heart dangles . . .
a single thread
sewing

torn fabric
repaired

Vicki Ballentine & Dawn Bradley

 

©2004 Randy Brooks, Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois || all rights reserved for original authors