Haiku Attempts Seeking Responses & Editing Suggestions
English 170—Set 3, Spring 2002

scarf lands on the floor small eyes glance from across the room

spring dance I paint my nails for no one

lonely plum sky slow steps trace a path far from home

one last boom and caress of wind: the storm’s farewell

hot summer breeze takes my breath away cool fingertips

the off-ramp curves toward familiar trees glowing porch light

the once soothing smell now bitter again too much espresso

no boys allowed sappy movie chocolate everything

Listen to the silence Between us: Falling snow

dishwater hands     folded laundry      four pots steaming           he's almost home

colorful powder on the butterfly's wings a child's finger

Autumn wind through the branches caw of a crow

Hand in hand Hair dripping in my eyes We don't notice the rain

leafless wood lone crow perched atop a sycamore tree

fingers and lips tattooed in blue memories of mulberries

Smell of green grass The rain Splashes our feet

sweet stolen kiss her eyelashes brush against mine

Winter morning— I sit under the blankets, My back against the pillow

laying in the grass we take off our shoes and eat sandwiches

sun soaking into my skin shaded trees greener grass

side of the road the field of wildflowers pulls her over

the smoking circle all plan to quit maybe next year

no soda pop for Lent the bright aluminum cans passing by me in the store

mud boots splashing I scare away the fish

sun on your face                     waves wash up on your feet                     endless waters

hard fleece pillow — mind won’t stop hour chimes

ocean of tiger lilies waving in the breeze a wisp of hair breaks free

late night snack June bugs hammering the screen door

still awake first to see the sunrise

icy journey up the ski hill frozen to lift

Morning hair-do Morning breath        He still kisses me

warm summer night a happy face painted by the fire

nice dinner before the winter dance my sleeve finds the butter

under the street signs and the shadow of her hat morning glories

asleep on the worn couch the child's arm wraps around her puppy

staring at each other conversation              dwindles          on the bottom bunk

20th birthday I walk through the leaves past my first dog's gravestone

concrete warm under bare feet "starlight, starbright"

Deep in the blue sky         We begin to find ourselves

within one star           our hope and dreams answered

dragonfly on the rod tip good luck only for the fish

The wind swirls Her long wavy hair Crimson gloves

wallpaper starting to peel I strip away my memories

wallpaper starting to peel I strip away my memories

family dog . . . her pacing warns us of the storm

sirens warning of the tornado      shaking puppy

Hands entwined Autumn wind carries my sigh

sunlight intrudes under the sheets his hand finds mine

my bathroom . . . time to think I know to shake the handle

rainy night middle of my movie dog barks louder

Friday night popcorn and a movie just me and dad

broken heart        why did I do that

after his death every exit an event

the sound of distant rumbling— mom calls to chat

the freckle on his lip appears with his smile before he kisses me

sitting on moonlit water his arms around me

work to be done snuggled under the covers just a little longer

Christmas eve the cats already opened our presents

longest night of the year cold, still air stars shine down

at war for months— a bride turned widow weeps in the dark

I imagine his voice the cheer of the crowd

high fly ball time stands still as it approaches me

the stripper starts a conversation with her breasts

the dog sniffing on the river's shore deer prints

grass-stained palms lonely stargazer thinking of his father

early September-- washing our dishes soft kiss on my neck

© 2002, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.