painting by HiroshigeHaiku Competition 2024 The Society July 31, 2024 Haiku and Senryu, Poetry, Poetry Contests 393 Comments . The Winner and Runner-ups are listed HERE. WHO Anyone in the world, of any age or background, may participate (SCP Membership not required). Among members of the Society of Classical Poets, everyone including Advisory Board members may participate, if not involved in judging the contest. The winner, if not a U.S. resident, must have a PayPal account or a bank that accepts U.S. checks, in order to receive prize money. IMPORTANT: By submitting haiku to this contest, the contestant declares that the poems are his or her own work, and that they were written after July 2023. Please submit using your first and last name, as we may find it difficult to distinguish between contestants who have similar first names. . PRIZE $100 . JUDGES J. Thomas Rimer, Professor Emeritus of Japanese Literature, Theatre, and Art at the University of Pittsburgh; former chief of the Asian Division of the Library of Congress. Margaret Coats, Ph.D. in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard University; retired from a career of teaching literature, languages, and writing that included considerable work in homeschooling for her own family and others. . WHEN Now until September 15, 2024, 6 pm EST (New York time). Results to be announced September 29, 2024. . WHERE Post your entries in the Comments below. . WHAT Each competitor may submit up to three haiku of traditional form: three lines per poem with 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second, and 5 in the third. Entrants are recommended to conform to other traditional haiku requirements outlined HERE. If you want coaching on haiku features, please read the examples and explanation before submitting your entries. Once entries are posted, they can be revised or withdrawn ONLY by making another Comment. This is permitted until the competition closes, but do take reasonable care to complete work to your satisfaction before you enter it. Please do not use the Comment area as your scratch pad. That is discourteous to other competitors, to interested readers, and to the judge and will disqualify you. Entries that do not meet basic traditional haiku requirements may be deleted. Anyone who submits more than three entries will have ALL his or her entries disqualified, unless excess entries are clearly withdrawn by a later Comment. . PAST WINNERS 2023 2022 2021 2020 . . NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. ***Read Our Comments Policy Here*** 393 Responses Roy Eugene Peterson July 31, 2024 Blossom placed in box. Jasmine scent will not decay. Gold in cloisonné. I learned to warble. Birdies join me in a song. I must be cuckoo! Birds sing in bushes While I am picking berries. Jamming in the spring. Patricia Allred August 1, 2024 Truly beaytiful Haikus, so well crafted! Your first Haiku is my favorite. Terrific line..Gold in cloisonné? Awesome. Pamela Ruggirro August 1, 2024 That is three haikus. All beautiful Pamela Ruggiero August 2, 2024 Three beautiful Haikus. I like the one about the birdies best Keith Anderson Simmonds August 14, 2024 The renewed confinement… my grandma peeps at a bird soaring in the wind Keith Anderson Simmonds August 14, 2024 Dread and destruction sweep through the Caribbean… Beryl’s blind fury Keith Anderson Simmonds August 14, 2024 The aggressor trapped in delusions of grandeur … a reign of terror Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 This is clever your grandma is her own jailer, looking out the window to the free world Peter C Free September 2, 2024 Love this haiku My only suggestion is that you drop the leading, ‘The’. I’d hate you to miss out on a technicality because it rant 5/7/5 Maria Tirenescu September 13, 2024 The evening concert – big waves breaking on the shore full of broken stones Laura M. August 29, 2024 A hunger dwells in Everyone else fades away Lights become dimmer Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I like them all, but especially each of the last two they are very clever with a very clever satori line. Sherry Caayupan September 1, 2024 By stars enchant Beautifully falling- And fell over a bloke’s head! You are my past He is my present- In the future, he furts! The night sings lullabies Only to keep me from- Your nagging mouth! Michael Pappafava September 9, 2024 Our routine small talk takes an unexpected turn. Summers first cuckoo! The wind through the reeds. During our afternoon walk, static on the line. Indian summer. Growing on a pumpkin patch — the shades of autumn. Refika Dedić September 15, 2024 beginning of autumn – restless lake washes the morning the taste of morning tea sun rays through an open window . autumn is getting closer different flowers in an unknown world a comforting haiku . . Emily C. A. Snyder September 15, 2024 Hello! I’m happy to submit the following haikus. My many thanks, Emily C. A. Snyder 1. five red petals fall stain Demeter’s sobbing snow; pomegranate Spring 2. thread the | | midnight maze minotaur moan || || hero ‘s(w)ings can I get a………………………………….clue? 3. six-eyed Seraphim shut the Eden gate to man; let the women eat Emily C. A. Snyder September 15, 2024 LOL – looks like the formatting of the second one didn’t quite come through. But that’s alright. Thank you for this opportunity! – Emily C. A. Snyder Ed Ahern August 1, 2024 Thank you for considering these three haiku for the 2024 Haiku competition. Regards, Ed Ahern winter holdover cruising slowly through our rooms the first fly of spring. the shading maple balding even in summer never reawoke subject to censure but the musk of burning leaves is autumn’s censer Pamela Ruggiero August 2, 2024 Three very nice haikus. I especially like the first one about the fly. I’ve never figured out how flies no one want to come out and where their eggs go so that they hatch in the spring. They usually problem in the summer mostly Hannah August 28, 2024 subject to censure but the musk of burning leaves is autumn’s censer – I really like this one. Pamela Rea August 31, 2024 I especially like the first one. It has a very clever Satori line. Although I am never partial to flies, they do service for all of the creatures in the world by eating the rotting flesh before it eats us. Barbara Anna Gaiardoni August 1, 2024 Respected judges, thank you for your time. Regards, Barbara Anna Gaiardoni always on tiptoes exuviae of insects in a field of wheat grasshopper kebabs capital letters twinkling with the beat of heart a green popsicle even on a rainy day my ace in the hole Pamela Ruggiero August 2, 2024 I especially like the first haiku of yours. But they’re all really good. I only have one entered, and I don’t know if it is as good as the rest of you guys. Shari LeKane August 1, 2024 Lapis azul sky rainbow in the falling leaves stars intensify Journey cool and dry chilly night to winter freeze vegetations die Sunsets with a sigh season ends with golden ease leaving winter’s try Pamela Ruggiero August 2, 2024 I really like that third haiku. I find it interesting that a lot of people are talking about winter in here it is summer. But, I just wrote a poem about that that I’ll be submitting soon. Good job Peter Venable August 1, 2024 A feathery storm: A cawcophony of crows Murders autumn hush. The moon sheens the view Over the bay’s tidal crests— I am swept away. Starless ocean night. On the skyline—fuel ship burns? Crimson moon blazes. Pamela Ruggiero August 3, 2024 I like the ones about crows best. But, I like all three Carter August 1, 2024 Between the cypress And the thrush of Pelican wings, Eternity speaks. The old coyote Under the solstice moonlight Looks like Ezra Pound. The smell of sage brush And salt soaked mist from the surf; Warm tobacco drifts. Margaret Coats August 1, 2024 Carter, please provide both first and last name, as requested in the paragraph above marked IMPORTANT, right after the one telling WHO may enter the contest. Thank you for your haiku! wendy lee klenetsky August 1, 2024 “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!” that’s what all of the books say then I guess I’m NUTS. CHOCOLATES I ate chocolates all of my 70 years Now diabetic. PARTY SURPRISE Met at a party neither one wanted to go Wed 50+ years. Jan August 22, 2024 Wendy, You made me laugh; thank you! Then you scared me; I love chocolate and eat too much of it. Then I felt really happy for you, for your 50+ years marriage. Best wishes for the competition. Jan Frank Rable August 1, 2024 record with scratches two sides music click pops hiss vinyl memories Kathy Bahr August 2, 2024 Like and like. thank you for sharing your haiku. Scharlie Meeuws August 1, 2024 Winds in my plum tree Took all its perfumed blossoms Their scent now in dreams Spiders in April Immobile sitting on stones Sun worshippers too? Summer skies are fun Fluffy clouds graze in the wind White sheep on blue fields čas August 2, 2024 neúprosný čas v pavučinách spomienok hľadám myšlienky lúka v rozkvete vôňa čerstvého dažďa zhlboka dýcham bútľavá vŕba uložené tajomstvá hlboko v duši Eva Drobna, Slovakia Margaret Coats August 5, 2024 Eva Drobna, thanks for your haiku in Slovak. Please either translate them into English, or submit others written in English. We are happy to see occasional dual language entries, but we judge only those written in English. Appreciate your efforts! Gene Fendt August 1, 2024 Signs from the Times (July 13, 2021) The Times is finding poetry everywhere. Is this true haiku? “These things happen and you feel like you’re alone, but people can relate.” Counting syllables is all it takes to make it. Basho! Issa! Weep! Euphrates Moss August 1, 2024 The turn of the page Is like briskly walking through A door to a room Chaos to chaos Move from one to the other Order to order How many great men Would rather not have done the Things that made them great? Matthew Wood August 1, 2024 A peace lily, frost- fringed: an old man’s hand shielding his match from the wind. Mary H Sayler August 2, 2024 Nice! Fresh and visual. Keith Burkholder August 1, 2024 Summer > > It is a new time, > Life comes alive and well here, > Embrace it with strength Kevin Gilbert August 1, 2024 Haiku #5 Upon the fabric of Sol’s Green Couch, we built life in the sky’s embrace. Haiku #6 To some, to be numb is a blessing. I say no. Painlessness is death. Haiku #7 This poet of woes I find him droll, composing pains he does not know. Md Sadek Hossain Asif August 1, 2024 Cherry blossoms fall Pink petals dance on the breeze Spring’s fleeting beauty Moonlight on water Ripples break the reflection Stars swim in the lake Northern lights shimmer, a dance of colors above— nature’s silent hymn. John Paul Fournier August 1, 2024 A marble sinking amidst a rising silence in vast, dark waters. Dire straits break the skin. Roses and Violets in bloom; stemming from the ground. Nothing is formless, standing and swirling around. Nothing is deathless. Thank you for considering my work. Pamela Ruggiero August 1, 2024 careless ugly moth the light attracts your dark eyes cat’s pink tongue tastes you Grace Beckish August 1, 2024 Goldenrods ablaze Can you hear the ashes too? Let me burn tonight. Blue cotton nightgown. Stars mark steps after living. Metaphysics fan? Candy in glass jars Marching like small tin soldiers. Rain sheets, silver walls. Ann McLean August 1, 2024 Thank you for the invitation Wild fires scorch the earth The black ash will fuel new life. The waste land renewed. Spring bursts from the sky Waking earth’s sleeping beauty, With the kiss of life. Slow the fall descends In golden leaves of glory. Life will rise again. Kathy Bahr August 1, 2024 Kathy Bahr chorus starts to sing time for all of us to breath silence of the leafs Brianna Camacho August 1, 2024 Thinning of the veil October’s golden flicker— Nightlights guide the dead Sierra Williams August 2, 2024 Clouds blocking the sun In stillness she waits for song A hummingbird’s breath Mary H Sayler August 2, 2024 Squirrels strip red seeds from magnolia pods – again! There go the blossoms. … From the roof’s edge, rain falls in strings of silver beads – dancer’s costume. Bling! … Pumpkin orange moon perched alone on a tree branch – nothing rhymes with you. Mary H Sayler August 2, 2024 I relate. God bless. Martin Rizley August 2, 2024 Moonrise in the hills Floods the shadow filled valley With a spectral glow. The summer sizzles. Heat waves rise from the baked earth, Waiting for a breeze. Gnats dance in the air. The still pond gleams in the sun, Warmed by its embrace. Osho Tunde August 2, 2024 Shivering Bodies in jackets August break Day begins Behind window Cock crows Thunder strikes Wild wind Rainfall A.M. Juster August 2, 2024 Loosestrife, cornflowers Dew drying on shoots of grass Mourning in advance James A. Tweedie August 2, 2024 Gold and crimson rain Leaves bare thin-fingered branches Windows to the sky Summer Olympics. Steamy rain in gay Paree. Slip-sliding cycles. Summer in London. Winter in South Africa. On the Equator? Sharon Mueller August 2, 2024 POLITICIANS I ALWAYS DISTRUST A MAN WHO DOESN’T HAVE A LOYAL DOG OR CAT Paul A. Freeman August 2, 2024 Ravens taking flight, flee the Tower of London. The walls tumble down. Oppressive July, mugged by volatile August. Smell the thunderstorms. Comet detritus lighting up the midnight sky entertains the apes. Michael Miller August 2, 2024 barren tree is filled winter wing woven monarchs black and gold at dawn trout surface gulp air on summer river running the warm mist rises the conflicted sky whose drifting clouds hide the sun lined with silver glow Mandy Beattie August 2, 2024 Mandy Beattie Classical Poets, Thank you for the wonderful opportunity. Blessings. Wood Wide Web’s Morse code: Linguists listen; learn to speak the language of trees Under crackling leaves a hibernating hedgehog uncurls and unfurls Gaia nurtures all We’re litmus among lichen She recharges us Lorelyn De la Cruz Arevalo August 7, 2024 brown caterpillar inching up the mountain trail i pause to breathe in Nolo Segundo August 2, 2024 reluctant leaves fall from the tree showering an old man walking puffy summer clouds float across eternity so high birds can’t fly the old cemetery abandoned by the living waits eternity Linda Watson Owen August 2, 2024 Magnolias tremble…. Flesh-soft petal wings flutter on winds of wild wishes. *** A cricket chirps through thunder blusters. Flashes dare not sear his night-song. *** From window watches, a sigh flies on sea breezes to a lover’s soul. Lexie Rose Kunz August 2, 2024 All grasses have blooms That wave winged hands, enticing Visitors to dance. Small cries from a mouth The size of a cheerio Drift in with the dawn. Hydrothermal springs Frothing orange-gold. Geysers Vivid blue steam swirls. Galin Elias Franklin August 2, 2024 Birds twitter away… The cold and clang of church bells Command this silence Messalonskee Stream Laced with browning pine needles… Can’t believe your gone A light rain subsides… Out from the reeds, a heron Taking stilted flight Galin Elias Franklin August 2, 2024 My God, a your/you’re spelling error! Please forgive me. Galin Elias Franklin August 2, 2024 Birds twitter away… The cold and clang of church bells Command this silence Messalonskee Stream Laced with browning pine needles… Can’t believe you’re gone A light rain subsides… Out from the reeds, a heron Taking stilted flight Scott Gold August 2, 2024 Thanks for putting on this haiku contest. Here are some for your consideration. S.D. Gold Breaker takes a break to watch a tail-lit comet not unlike his own Needles long are leaves a cardinal rests within red as hate in bones As the day’s light droops slow with it falls again the eyelids of the world rp elkins August 3, 2024 Everyone loves haiku, eh? Thanks to SCP for allowing the immediate readings, great stuff! Here’s my three: Pale apple blossoms assaulted by southern gale, no apples this fall. Below the riffle red Royal Wulff emerges, A rainbow rises. A tear shed in grief refracts white light to rainbow, fractal future joy. Lucia Haase August 3, 2024 even in summer when the bright yellow finch sings i long for its song mischievous young pup testing my patience daily yet the bond strengthens Autumn eve, sunset wandering the woodland path without a lantern Kathy Bahr August 3, 2024 December shakes down Stern winter chill throws shivers December crowns past Cristian Matei August 3, 2024 the autumn deepens – the shadows gently gliding within more shadows orphanage courtyard – a trio of snow angels as if holding hands snowing quietly – in the hands of the orphan the parents’ picture Pamela Ruggiero August 9, 2024 I noticed that you have two haiku about orphan. Have you experienced about being an orphan or knowing orphans? I thought these were all very good entries to the contest. Good luck in it. Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 The last one is very sad and lovely. Thank you for sharing these here. Skye Campbell August 4, 2024 Cool gray tidal sand Slowly glows golden in the Tequila sunrise. Flaxen hair tumbles. Cataracts in gold silence Only sunlight sees. Stiff cracks split cold glass Breaking wintry calm under Furry moccasins. Monika Cooper August 4, 2024 on these lonely roads all the traffic coming is wind in the treetops tall old wagon wheels spin sacred geometries from late summer light cane chairs and table left empty under trees – where falling leaves mingle Nina August 5, 2024 This was so lovely. Monika Cooper August 7, 2024 Thank you. Ernesto P. Santiago August 4, 2024 swift drift of jasmine this she feels on her tired face a caress whisper Ernesto P. Santiago Mark Arvid White August 4, 2024 Thank you for the opportunity. St. Stephen’s Day dawns — bloodied moose antlers fallen on riverbed stones island cattle ranch — the massive Kodiak bear chews on cow parsnip a murder of crows devours the spawned-out sockeye her thousand children Alvin B. Cruz August 5, 2024 rainy summer night father changes his last will at the last minute Alvin B. Cruz August 5, 2024 waves unearthing shells deeply buried in the sand — those words left unsaid Alvin B. Cruz August 5, 2024 visiting the sea where I scattered your ashes the cry of seagulls Shari LeKane August 6, 2024 Lovely image! Kathy Bahr August 7, 2024 Wow! Alan Brayne August 16, 2024 Great haiku. My personal favourite so far. Simple, but I could feel the sea air. Nina August 5, 2024 This is a collection meant to be read individually or collectively. The leaves fall slowly the slight breeze tickles my face winter is coming こんな感じを Konna kanji wo (This kind of feeling) 初めて感じした Hajimete kanji shita (I felt for the first time) 愛と思う Ai to omou (I think it’s love) He entered my life, So swift, yet, I loved him so. Now? I’m a widow Margaret Coats August 5, 2024 Nina, thanks for your haiku. Please provide your last name as requested above in the very first section on WHO may enter the contest. You can do it by replying to me here; there’s no need to retype your poem collection. Thank you. lev hart August 6, 2024 so cold my breath hurts — descending the snowbank from an upstairs window Andrew August 6, 2024 neighbor’s lawnmower heralds the scent of mown grass through open windows stop for a second on a light, airy morning after snow: hear still the violet snaps her lithe limbs toward the sun as the bee studies Monika Cooper August 7, 2024 Stop for a second. The cold can be so delicate. Margaret Coats August 8, 2024 Andrew, please provide your last name as requested above under WHO may enter the competition. You can give it as a reply to me here–no need to re-type your haiku. Thanks! Andrew Yeager August 13, 2024 Yeager. Thank you Manasa Reddy Chichili September 4, 2024 refreshing myself refreshing nature bloom all cherry blossoms unfamiliar roads unknown fake destination mysterious end The morning spring dew falling petals in cool breeze cherry blossoms path Ethan Essick August 6, 2024 laughs dissolve in drink jokes devolve into venom – summer night turns cold Manasa Reddy Chichili September 4, 2024 refreshing myself refreshing nature bloom all cherry blossoms unfamiliar roads unknown fake destination mysterious end The morning spring dew falling petals in cool breeze cherry blossoms path leo August 6, 2024 orange blossoms bloom the lingering scent of cold fog covers my eyes rain quiets down slowly the wind softly brushes past frogs croak, sleep descends sky darkens, above the crowd huddle together and rain falls softly Margaret Coats August 8, 2024 Thanks for your haiku, Leo, and please provide your last name along with them. You may do that in reply to me here; no need to re-enter your poems. Lily Tadevosyan August 6, 2024 fig tree sings sweetest, fickle fuzz roots seeping through our summer postcard Lily Tadevosyan August 6, 2024 London fog dances, stranded street lamp company gold rust embrace me Lily Tadevosyan August 6, 2024 iridescent wave, rabbit atop ocean ground questions snowflake sand Daniel B. Pickett August 6, 2024 Parched and dying land begs stoic Mother Nature to weep precious tears. Rohini August 7, 2024 This is so moving. Lorelyn De la Cruz Arevalo August 7, 2024 cascading marvel of orange bougainvilleas … heavy summer rain Lorelyn De la Cruz Arevalo August 7, 2024 early morning walk on toasted bread a black ant steps on the bright sun Rohini Sunderam August 7, 2024 1) The lake clear and still Autumn ripples, geese fly south. The lake; still again. 2) Little lamp of clay: A bright flame to banish night Glow! Now autumn ends. 3) Dot. Dash. Firefly Your Morse Code in the night sky, Summer makes me cry. Christopher G Sahar August 7, 2024 “Longing for Autumn ” Eventide’s ochre Suffuses autumnal air, Bare-boned flagstones mute. “School” Little kids babble, As shepherds guide their tethers Close to curbs concrete. Poems written by Christopher G Sahar Colin Ian Jeffery August 9, 2024 She is harmony, joy and soulmate > > Radiant flower never fading > > Beauty enthralling desire. > > > > Colin Ian Jeffery > > > > > > > > Lover, wife and mother > > Strength and purpose > > Companion on life’s journey. > > > > Colin Ian Jeffery > > > > > > > > When truth calls out > > Like mighty trumpet blast > > We rally to the sound. > > > > Colin Ian Jeffery > > > > > > Sohaib Aboona August 9, 2024 I’m now a leaf: blow. For these days are crossroads, but Nowhere is labeled. Summer loses heat. She keeps me warm, day and night, But wakes me up cold. David McMurray August 9, 2024 Oleander blooms… Hiroshima mon amour never-ending war deceptive comfort— guarding children at the beach in a rattan chair damselfly kisses a silver underbelly… the reflecting pool Lara Dolphin August 9, 2024 Please find below three independent haiku not intended to be a series. Thank you for your consideration. ~Lara Dolphin frost shimmers then melts into gleaming pocket pools watering the earth cremated remains sprinkled over rose bushes have found their way home birds in scarlet oaks herald longer days singing things won’t fall apart Jack Ratliff August 9, 2024 Thank you for your consideration -Jack Ratliff 1) Counteroffensive The sunflowers march. Their heads bowed and their stems limp— Cloaked in autumn frost. 2) Martyrs Candles flicker low in the chapel’s quiet gloom— sacrifice endures. 3) Summer This season warmed us— But the leaf went brown and curled, And the bird, silent. Vasile Moldovan August 10, 2024 the sun after the cloud – the sunflower field sway slowly looking for the lost one panic among tourists – a rattlesnake follows its way ignoring them all near the bush of grass an ant suddenly stopped to adjust burden Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 I think these have interesting and beautiful images. David John Etchell August 10, 2024 D.J.Etchell where stubbled fields wait cloying mists haunt low hollows slow ploughs brow the earth through barren branches last light caresses softly leaf burial mounds grey snarling seas churn bladderwrack rots on the beach mournful gulls glide high Eric O Owen August 10, 2024 Trudging through the snow up and down the hillside drift A night for cold feet. Wintry night’s portrait Boshi lean into the wind Six feet in the snow. Marek Kozubek August 11, 2024 emptiness around – between silence and silence the heat of summer sunny summer noon – a temple’s shadow filled with a prayer for rain night summer puddle – bare feet of a homeless man immersed in the stars Marek Kozubek Ethan Essick August 11, 2024 19th floor, earthquake sirens blare, my mother screams – tranquil clouds recline Ethan Essick August 11, 2024 meant to write out nineteenth instead of using the numbers, but did it absent-mindedly. Sorry about that. Thompson Emate August 11, 2024 Away from the sun I sit alone with my thoughts Light draws its curtain Serene little friend Walks past me in Summer’s noon Tranquil in feathers Purple flowers field Fragrance pervades Nana’s room Departure in spring Finn Mac Eoin August 12, 2024 Palestinian chick peas on David’s bagel Israel bans hummus Finn Mac Eoin August 12, 2024 I tried to join Men- -sa but they declined the quest due to my low Haik Finn Mac Eoin August 12, 2024 Lame cat walks across QWERTY keyboard creating A Hieroglyphic Haiku ¡¢∞§¶ –≠åß∂ƒ∆ ≈ç√∫˜µ Eric O Owen August 12, 2024 Leafless night summons Old World Sparrows wheel away Footfalls in the snow Eric O Owen August 12, 2024 Strike poems one and two submitted 08/10/2024. Consider the last submission on 08/12/2024. Thanks!. Tevada Dismas Pay-Pey August 12, 2024 High cliff’s apple tree. Lightning, falling, screaming nest. Apples splash — silence. Still emerald pond. Howls of wolves. A deer jumps in Splashing waters red. Red sun, ruby lake. Two cranes swipe with bloodied claws While ladies sing. Thank you for your consideration – Dismas Carl Bellerose August 13, 2024 holiday romance I walk along the white sand infested with crabs Johanna Donovan August 14, 2024 Perched on wires Birds are separate, askew Man’s mirror image Through his prison bars Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall Iron is obscured White clouds battle black On Virgin-blue arena Armageddon waits Justice J Prah August 14, 2024 demonstration ground a child holds a leader’s head on his white t-shirt shape of oasis defying the sun’s strong threat the umbrellas here Danny Blackwell August 15, 2024 New Year’s reunion; on the train with my mother and her Alzheimer’s Shelter from the rain; I run a sakaki leaf across your lips crossing the threshold, she forgets to water them: the chrysanthemums Alan Brayne August 16, 2024 I like the first a lot. It’s very simple and almost factual but under the surface there’s a lot of complexity and feeling. Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 I am reading through some of the entries. I particularly like the first and last. Chrysanthemums have so much symbolism. And now I feel guilt for neglecting my plants. Ogedengbe Tolulope Impact September 13, 2024 on a cold stone floor a candle burns to its end ashes mark the day in the thickened air fireflies stitch the night with light a trail through the fog atop a mountain a monk tears another page in his diary Betsy K. Brown August 15, 2024 I. in our kitchen friend brings a bouquet— one week later, still golden I can hear her laugh II. gardening the cucumber blight bleeds wormholes through thriving vines no salad tonight III. visitor lizard on our wall drinks the drenching summer sun at dusk, he is gone John Sweeder August 16, 2024 August goosebump breezes signal ocean’s upwelling— autumn’s drawing near waning crescent moon smiles on Equator’s dung huts— Maasi sleep soundly childhood memories— a rosary of prized pearls sweet as bay oysters Nancy Brady August 16, 2024 an August evening… cicadas buzz in the trees vibrating their leaves summer vacation– on the top of the Rockies sisters play in snow autumn equinox the Milky Way ribboning across the night sky Nancy Brady, 2024 Richard L. Matta August 17, 2024 chanced upon sketchpad in autumn light the countless pathways forsaken bee balm touch-and-go’s… between feeds the monarch stops and refuels a soul meandering stream a tiny toad on a leaf takes a carefree path Camilla Marx August 17, 2024 Candelabra Lily splash of life like blood stains through fallen acrid ash – stem and leaf and bud George Ordway August 17, 2024 Ekphrastic haiku for three paintings Monet’s House Inviting me in to images not yet seen but to the artist Tidal Marsh Misty summer hues weave litany of visions times past spent dreaming Todd’s Garden Muted colors blend forming a seamless display with a path ahead Venessa Lee-Estevez August 17, 2024 Under arched prisms Kaleidoscope of jeweled strokes God’s contract endures Mantz Yorke August 18, 2024 hands scratched and juice-stained after blackberry picking spiders re-spin webs heavenly blue drapes over fields of sunflowers the buzzing of drones Respite from the heat? No chance. Among the ruins seeds await the rain. Alan Brayne August 19, 2024 Like them all, but especially the first. Mantz Yorke August 19, 2024 Thank you for your kind comment. Joseph Eldredge August 26, 2024 I love these Haikus, sir. They remind me of Robert Frost. The first one especially is remarkable, and reminds me of After Apple Picking Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 I agree with Alan and Joseph. These are lovely, especially the first. Thank you for sharing them here. Mantz Yorke September 1, 2024 Thanks to both you and Joseph for your appreciation. andrew shimield August 18, 2024 in the biting wind a pregnant girl wraps her coat around her belly T.M.A. Day August 19, 2024 Blessed are the sightless Who being but blind believe. Eyes they shall receive. Blessed are the hopeless. Homeless this side of heaven. They are our leaven. Blessed are the broken, Hearts hallowed by human tears. For joy moves the spheres. Stefanie Bucifal August 19, 2024 fall meditations– my hands move the rake until the rake moves my hands water reflections– my face the face of someone with a lotus life dewdrops and sunlight a kind word once in a while– we thrive with little James Kirkpatrick August 20, 2024 taking in the view, bees in purple-petalled rooms; hyacinth hotel *** hibernating bug under tree-bark’s shingle roof; icicle ice picks *** not the way it thinks each beast of burden’s burden ends; Fluffy the collie Michael Edwards August 20, 2024 Michael Edwards A Lovely Flowerstrewn Meadow Ugh! how — how grisly — to walk up on the carcass of this calf, long dead. Sara Kate Egan August 21, 2024 Lurkers ’til lunchtime Speckled sparrows spy from pine Sunflower lady Hummingbird hovers Staring at my teal-green eyes Seeing its same shade Bright blues on deep reds Large jays feed in apple tree Sweet sensory feast Romeissaa Asmaa Younes August 21, 2024 Thank you for this lovely contest, I had fun writing these poems . Poem 1: My Firefly Like a firefly; You bring light to my dark life, Guiding me back home. Poem 2: Mighty White Willow Mighty white willow, Thy noble shade never fails; always generous. Poem 3: Bid Farewell Mellow crispy air, Time for trees to bare their souls, Bid farewell to leaves. Jane Fuller August 22, 2024 Lavender heather an elegant instrument ringing with insects Feathery grasses a ring of spikey thistles divergent neighbours The delicate earth longs to shed its blistered skin grow a harder shell andrew shimield August 24, 2024 on the woodland path bracken bends to catch the wind and then lets it go Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 I’m reading through the entries, and like this one very much. I can picture it in my mind. andrew shimield September 2, 2024 Thanks Natalie Charles P. Duncan August 24, 2024 Silence of darkness a twisting of tangled fates before the world wakes quiet_6/20/24 Sun’s height is today feeling some new kind of way a beautiful storm sol_6/21/24 Fresh candles of pine reaching towards the divine can I grow with you? grow_8/24/24 Thanks for reading! Judy Hawkins August 25, 2024 Outside the headlamp’s small light, claws climb a dim tree: six young eyes gleam back. Nettles sting my shins, but here, too, grows jewel weed: crushed leaves heal the hurt. Just below the peak, ancient trees stand tall, hidden from winter’s harsh winds. Alan Brayne August 25, 2024 To the competition organisers: Both of these haiku were self-published earlier this year (June) in a book of poems, Digging for Water. I have given the titles because they are both ephrastic and based on Japanese prints. Ushibori Flow, friendly water, lantern warming a window, hush, cascading snow Rain at Maekawa so frail the pathway of fading into darkness and remembering Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 Reading through the posts- both of these are nice, but I love the second one because it can relate both to nature and to pathways in the mind. Alan Brayne September 9, 2024 Thank you. Marjolein Rotsteeg August 25, 2024 chilly, cloudless night on the hilltop we gather just to view the moon bird migration starts at last I manage to fold linen crane napkins her first sakura the child’s frenzy when seeing those marshmellow trees Chen-ou Liu August 25, 2024 bonfire flaming red children’s eyes spark at Grandpa telling love stories my shadow and me on the forget-me-not path this graveyard silence the neighbor’s garden fading into moonlit dark a foreclosure sign Kevin Hodgson August 26, 2024 Nibble on the skin, the small stone within the plum begins its dreaming Ragged edges, scratch skin, red where the blood begins; the rose resistance Dirt fingers, like seeds – in a sense, we’re playing God – poking holes in Earth Thank you for considering my poems. Kevin Chris Collinson August 26, 2024 urgent ducks flying in front of the brown burnt hills liquid blue below in a silent arc the diving osprey strikes taut then rises slapping tiny yellow tail the gull spying the fish swoops leaving a feather Rik Schraag August 26, 2024 In reeds entangled Hiding from helicopters Skyclad and sunkissed Claudia Brown August 26, 2024 Claudia’s Poems: 1. The Beauty of Life Is when you laugh at your past Even when it hurts 2. Music can bring peace To the mind, spirit and soul Listen to your song 3. The view of mountains Brought back special memories From years in college Dan C. Iulian August 27, 2024 fully spring cleaning – the housemaid trying to mop her humble shadow the scent of absence in the attic with the moon her shawl forgotten the nights of full moon – I’m reconciled to myself and everybody Joseph Eldredge August 27, 2024 Good morning, all! I am a new member of the Society, and I’m happy to be with you all, here for these hearings. This is my haiku: Crane stilting the lake Lapping the cracked fence, strikes me, Have they broken through? Joseph Eldredge August 27, 2024 Revision: Cranes stilting the lake Lapping the cracked fence, strikes me, Have they broken through? Jeanna Cooper August 27, 2024 Dragonflies hover and land on heron-swept reeds darkened from high tide Wild Mustangs caught lower their heads and nicker gentling cowboys Chincoteague ponies swim the highwater slack tide heads bobbing near boats Mihael de la Montagnes August 27, 2024 fallen forest leaves converse between sloping hills hushed by early snow morning semaphore mirrored beach leaves glassy dew signal sun’s approach colored air ballet whirling wind of gossamer butterfly landings Johnson John August 27, 2024 Spring blooms on reef edge Friends enjoy shallow lagoon Deep blue Siren lures On a flowered branch Two doves sharing warmth of love Squeals a stretched bowstring Jogging in the morn Cries beneath trodden dead leaves I curse my knowledge Julia Wakefield August 27, 2024 Mother’s Day flowers roadside hawker sells enough to feed her children the sky bursts with song angels dart across the sun the martins are back golden spring morning the dog pricks her ears to hear shoelaces tying Scott Beattie August 28, 2024 Powerful water Turquoise river surges clear Purifies sunlight Grey clouds tinged with white pass by with light intentions Raindrops pelt evergreen trees Puffy white clouds soar Crystal clear blue sky canvas Summer is the brush Hannah Xman August 28, 2024 Chipped and broken still, Beauty hides in silent cracks, Strength within them speaks. Wild Woman roams free, Wolf beside her, spirit calls, In the Wild, her home. Soul lost in shadows, Chasing echoes through the dark, Fires fade, cold remains. Hannah August 28, 2024 Chipped and broken still, Beauty hides in silent cracks, Strength within them speaks. Hannah Xman August 28, 2024 Correction: (including last name) Chipped and broken still, Beauty hides in silent cracks, Strength within them speaks. Hannah Xman August 28, 2024 Wild woman runs free, Wolf at her side, spirit calls, In the wild, she’s home. Hannah Xman August 28, 2024 Correction: Wild woman runs free, Wolf at her side, spirit calls, In the wild, her home. Hannah Xman August 28, 2024 Soul lost in shadows, Chasing echoes through the dark, Fires fade, cold remains. Gabriella Bedetti August 28, 2024 waves crash on honeymoon beaches horizons expand *** time enough to listen to a joke senior center *** under a canopy of stars blinking fireflies await the couple’s unfolding story andrew shimield August 29, 2024 on the level plane of a freshly trimmed privet a new sprig rises Lloyd Miller August 29, 2024 The sound of birdsong On the path often trodden Falls now on deaf ears Ten thousand brush strokes Cannot truly match the sight That nature provides At autumn’s approach Each new breath becomes precious Beyond any coin Vivienne August 29, 2024 There are some wonderful Haiku here. Here are my three. March wind howls like wolves Stalking herds of antelope But I am safe inside. Rainbow in the sky. The sunshine split by raindrops. Glorious colour. Mist curls all around Swirling like smoke in the air. All colour has flown. Margaret Coats August 29, 2024 Much appreciate your contributions, Vivienne. Please reply here with your last name, as requested above where it says (boldface and underlined), “Please submit using your first and last name.” Thanks! Gigi Ryan August 29, 2024 Twirling maple seeds Gravity does not hold back April pirouettes Lithe sandpiper hops Deftly dodging sun-glazed waves Pecking for his prey Tears entombed by sweat Moisten fresh dug August earth Of a canine grave. Jen Obritschkewitsch August 29, 2024 Curious weather The clouds roll in like staining But it never rains A garden of stars But sometimes you disappear I wish you’d take me Pink across the sky Somewhere a cardinal chirps Early morning sigh R.L. Maizes August 29, 2024 Thank you for considering these coffee haikus. Keurig (Coffee Haiku #4) Little plastic pods wrecking the environment. They have hot chocolate. Microwave (Coffee Haiku #3) Spaghetti splatter. Odor of ancient lunches. Where I find my cup. Morning (Coffee Haiku #1) How am I supposed to drink water when there’s still coffee in the pot? Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I especially like the second one with the ancient spaghetti sauce, landing in your coffee cup Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 Dear Judges, Thank you for considering my work for the competition. ***** cricket orchestra plays to cicada humming an all-night soirée ***** cotton flowers bloom white fluffy clouds on brown stems a late summer snow ***** wind through bare branches— a final autumn apple falls with a dull thump ***** Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I especially like you’re one about Cottonwood. It presents a very clear visual and very clever satori line. Natalie Wilkinson September 4, 2024 Thank you Pamela! Stacey Cooper August 30, 2024 Poem Title: “The Season of Fall” The leaves turn brown now The air is cool and freshens We start something new Manfred Dietrich August 30, 2024 Ants gather slowly to see what spring sun has brought for their Easter feast. Bull-frog sitting glad catching flies on lily-pad Bull-frog sounds so sad. Dr Williams writes poems on prescription pads he knows that words heal. Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I like the third one, especially. However, I think it’s more of a.senryu than a haiku. Haiku deals only with nature Also, do you know that rhyming is frowned upon in a haiku? Anne Louise Curran August 30, 2024 a brisk summer breeze – the sound of apples dropping from a laden tree faithful apple tree – from Nana’s sunny kitchen the scent of warm pie cherry blossom tree – the whisper of soft petals falling to the ground Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I like all three, but I thought in the first one that it would be more appropriate to say sounds rather than sound Since it’s multiple apple dropping from the tree I like Nanas apple pie Anne Curran August 31, 2024 Thank you for taking the time to comment Pamela. I thought afterwards that to have used a word like ‘thud’ to onomatopoeia the sound of apples falling might have been nice. Anyway, I appreciate your comment, Pamela. And, when I find time I will try to do the same for other poets. Madison Elizabeth Smart August 30, 2024 nothing is unmade a language of resonance radiates presence Peter Free August 31, 2024 those castaway seeds pumpkins growing all over our old compost patch fresh picked peas quick crunch sunrise dewdrops fill each pod pregnant with the day working on Sunday childhood piles in the guestroom snail without a throat Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I like the one about the peas, the best about the pregnant pods. I guess that has to be distinguished from pregnant pause. Sic Peter C Free September 6, 2024 I’m with withdrawing these three poems Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 Hello. I am submitting two more entries for the haiku competition thank you very much for considering my entries purple flower face sheds the drips of morning dew ladybugs shower red, yellow, green, gold float on breezes to the ground autumn leaf parade Kundi Antonieta Joaquina kodia September 1, 2024 Heavy steps in sand Endless dunes beneath the sun Heat scorches the earth Cloudy sky, drops fall Sounds like music whispering Ping ping ping ping ping Golden grasses sway Roar, Serenity broken The sun pours in red Feedback Richard Campbell September 1, 2024 Sunset Haiku 3.jpg Waiting in your smile – The dawn of my tomorrow. Today slips away. Richard Campbell September 1, 2024 There’s a sunset photo that goes with the haiku, but obviously it didn’t get transferred. Portly Bard September 1, 2024 instinctve squawking hunger building lungs to fly purpose spring conceals Jeannette Tien-Wei Law September 1, 2024 Curtains fill like sails Hulls of imagination Skimming whimsy strands *** Afternoon Plunge Sun hammers the hills Pummel punch the summer drum Crash! The cymbals splash *** August petals yearn The heart’s eventide lily Opens to the night E. W. Farnsworth September 1, 2024 On the Blue Himalaya Poppy drenching rain and mist, rich soil, cold and sunshine spawn blue Himalayas Venessa Lee-Estevez September 1, 2024 Through silent branches Illuminating azure Twilight’s offering Paulette Calasibetta September 1, 2024 opaque beryl glass edges smoothed in briny tide ~ treasures from the sea ~~~~~ vibrant autumn leaves romanced by the whirling wind ~ shifting devotion Venessa Lee-Estevez September 1, 2024 I absolutely love the imagery in both of your haikus. Paulette Calasibetta September 1, 2024 Thank you for your lovely comment on my haiku. Best Regards, Paulette John Leidy September 1, 2024 Awakening day comes later, silvery now, leaving frosted glades. When the thunder rolls, the birds just continue on about their bus’ness. Spring’s indigo nights gleam with miniscule diamonds, greater than the sun. Bruce Wise September 1, 2024 In the icy pond, there is no sound of water; and no frog jumps in. About the auto i-dl-ing-in-the-traff-ic, a dragonfly flies. Beneath red yuccas, and a white Adam’s Needle, he stared at pebbles. Linda Marie Hilton September 1, 2024 1) merry bird singing clasping branch: a whole world ’round my teacup rim. 2) green brown fallen leaf cupped catching frost melting slow ladybug drinking 3) lentic puddle floats petals swirling in sunshine tricycle splashes Ethan Essick September 1, 2024 golden morning sun holy splendor bathes my room fear envelops me Katrina Turner September 1, 2024 falling from the tree stopping, birds’ body laid still broken bird – cruel winds Jeannette Tien-Wei Law September 2, 2024 What a beautifully striking image! I appreciate how the sudden caesura in line 2 creates a metrical mirror for the meaning of the poem. The line truly does “stop” itself–how wonderful! In line three, the 3 + 2 syllabic rhythms of the metrical feet recall to me the traditional meter of the juéjù (quatrain) in classical Chinese poetry, from which the haiku evolved as a poetic form. Above all this, thank you for an exceptionally well-crafted poem that lingers in memory. Katrina Turner September 2, 2024 You’re so very welcome! But I should be the one thanking you for commenting on my poem, it really means a lot to me! So, thank you so much! 😀 Katrina Turner September 9, 2024 this Haiku is titled Still Bird Junaid Ahmed Ahangar September 2, 2024 it’s december’s unending snow i wait motionless to gather this small world in my ordinary hands cold hermit forest i woke up in a silent night what are the odds? lost count of snowfalls my neighbor left his gate open and i feel cold in my room. John Savoie September 2, 2024 cracking the old book a prism of dust hovers above the pages Vinod Narayanan September 2, 2024 Like a nightingale— A mother’s lullaby in moonlight, She Rocks an empty cradle. A leaf in autumn— Falls dead, gives us breathing air, We walk on, unseen. Bees before winter— Collect and store, like we hoard wealth. Bees get wax, we get coffins. Katherine Uy September 2, 2024 flames rain from branches delicious warmth on our tongues by tame crackling light shades and hues of hope softly wakes as life begins for hungry bear cubs winter wonderland sun shining, children laughing while I long white’s end Aaman Lamba September 2, 2024 A tranquil moonrise Embracing Lookout Mountain In Laurel Canyon. Foam, flashing white, red, Spirit over the waters, Ten thousand fishes. The pain is my muse, The city blurring through tears Steel, remorse, night rain. Dominique Hilmon September 2, 2024 Eyelevel wasp nest Startles us both. That branch there Was bare last we looked. Caidan Pilarski September 2, 2024 Haiku Contest Submission, 3 separate haikus: butterfly springs forth in mind, dreamy nectar froths in heart and garden river soars on rock with the birds and mid-year heat my spirit dragged on rickety autumn — frail bones befriend the branches fruiting memories past Caidan September 2, 2024 Last haiku, a correction: mem’ries, not memories Miodrag Kojadinović September 2, 2024 __________________ By the old brick wall pear trees great-grandpa planted, mossy wooden bench. __________________ Swooshing from red woods, train hoots at curved viaduct near my parents’ grave. __________________ Talbot Hook September 2, 2024 Resinous bombshell Explodes my hammocking daze: A falling pinecone. ________________________ Cold air grips my bones As I cross a bridge. Even The water shivers. ________________________ My face wheels around To catch the westering sun — Field of sunflowers. Kayla Laswell September 2, 2024 Wagging tail, so cute When you look at me sweetly, I bask in your love. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mornings spent in chair, Warm, occupied and content, Reading in a daze. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Walking with my thoughts, Winding, striding in my mind, When will I prevail? Gloria Eastmond September 2, 2024 Faith, a sanguine moth, fluttering through the gloaming. Lamps reawaken. —————————————- Basic radar glitch: A bat bustling in the sun. Recalibrating. Portly Bard September 3, 2024 birches painting fall barren, barkless, thickened pink art of self defense Paulette Calasibetta September 3, 2024 I am submitting one more haiku : silhouettes of leaves lacy cutwork appliques ~ patterns on canvas Leyelle September 3, 2024 (The haiku titles are in “quotes”) “19” Flowers should bloom now But it snows in the springtime Young girls have white hair “Monsters Steps” This year we will die Winter has not yet shown up But still I shiver “Perennial” Someday my lost youth Will come back to me again Like a fresh blossom Margaret Coats September 4, 2024 Thank you for your haiku, Leyelle. Please give your full name (first and last) as requested above in the section about WHO may enter the competition. You may place your full name in reply to me here. It is not necessary to re-type your entries. Maria Panayi September 3, 2024 round drops of dawn dew delight on delicate thread, fly in tangled web sweet lavender breeze each breath a caressing kiss fragrant mystery a rollercoaster that dips and soars time takes all to the earth’s embrace Maria Panayi September 15, 2024 Dear judges, Please may I make a slight change to haiku number 3. Thank you for your patience it should read, a roller coaster that dips and soars, time takes all to the earth’s embrace Margaret Coats September 15, 2024 Yes! I’ve noted this change, and a number of changes made by other poets. Maria Panayi September 15, 2024 Thank you! Federico C. Peralta September 4, 2024 at the edge of dawn– trading secrets with the stars lizard on the sill a hibiscus falls– the pregnant woman looks for her engagement ring through the hourglass– in a matter of minutes a sand dune appears Nokulunga Mazibuko September 4, 2024 Summers hot fury lingered in the azure sky as autumn leaves fell The winds melody whistled blissfully through the dancing forest trees Autumn left before the wilted leaves touched the ground the cold came swiftly Vandana Parashar September 4, 2024 untended garden without any prejudice the spring springs on it following the breeze through a rusty garden gate a few autumn leaves without permission entering my daughter’s room late September sun Alan Bern September 4, 2024 in the gutter dust a green pencil with bite marks along the body single buzzing wasp twitches on the bottom sheet the next election a different green every single day for the rest of his life Princesse-Joella Lajoie September 4, 2024 Am i scared to start Wondering and worrying I’m scared to finish Ron C. Moss September 5, 2024 home again once more Father’s soggy old shoes steam by the crackling fire sound of coming of rain a blind man hears once again the ripples of light our bedtime story blackbirds sing a lullaby with the starry night Richard Harrow September 5, 2024 like fly-tipped sofas, cows hiding in tall rye-grass lounge under grey clouds Jane Fuller September 5, 2024 Great image of a moment in time that I could see and feel. Daniela Misso September 5, 2024 an autumn evening . . . the sweet sound of a piano coming from downstairs * a nightingale sings ripples of light and shadow on the lace curtains * letter from a friend a golden primrose peeps out from under dry leaves Daniela Misso Dharani Sri September 5, 2024 Empty pocket Empty stomach Hunger filled eyes Cutting old trees Building new house Shelterless birds sheltered humans Barking dogs In street and home For food and love Rik Schraag September 5, 2024 the forest at dawn singing like a theremin siren’s call heeded Victor Arinze September 5, 2024 Across the blue field, my parents’ tombstones glisten– each a heart, breathing. Kathy Gaynor-Henry September 5, 2024 Bats keen and flit out Fanning the autumnal moon Keeping it aloft Withered mums and moms Await springtime’s new cycle One will ride away Pumpkin tendrils grab Thriving in harvest debris Along with the deer Karen Morris-Denby September 6, 2024 clouds slide through sunbeams where whales migrate to rainbows butterfly effect dreams made in dark rooms never find the light of day sunlight breaks all hearts changing seasons now full moon reflects in birds’ eye summer never comes PRABHA K September 6, 2024 Stars of night skies, find Morning at nadir, bring back Lurking dark frightens Margaret Coats September 9, 2024 Prabha K, I’m glad to see your haiku, but we need to have your last name too. See the top of the contest information where it says IMPORTANT. Click the REPLY button below this message to type your full name. Your haiku is fine where it is, with no need to retype it. Thank you! Peter Free September 6, 2024 a quick crunch of peas sunrise dewdrops fill each pod pregnant with the day piles of childhood high where i work in the guestroom snail without a throat golden crunch of leaves chortles from a wheelchair race weight of the world lifts Sonia Patrician September 6, 2024 Burning gems of old Adorn chilling winter skies Brilliant shining stars Soft fur, beating heart Warms both a lap and a soul Summer sun with paws A boisterous boom Spring storm, or a lion’s roar? New life comes again Ravi Kiran September 6, 2024 It is indeed a delight to write classical haiku in the 5-7-5 syllable format and with Kigo (season word). While the kigo is evident in the first two haiku below, in the third it is ‘acorn’ – which is an autumn kigo. autumn riverbed patches of moss holding on to some of the stones one more war coffin the summer a teenager suddenly grew up acorn below ground does it know a sprawling oak lies within its womb Halli Steinberg September 6, 2024 #1 Jacaranda tree Lavender blossoming forth Shower Spring on me! #2 Piles of stacked flat rocks Largest anchors the bottom Brave waves, wind, and rain #3 A flash of lightning. In awe of Mother Nature, I count the seconds… Thank you for this opportunity! Ngo Binh Anh Khoa September 6, 2024 mother’s braided hair the exposed roots of an oak covered in fresh snow what will be will be a world within a dewdrop clinging to a branch resting on the palm of a stone Buddha statue a praying mantis Jeffrey Ferrara September 7, 2024 a deer springs away from the path of an arrow a tree later stopped Jeffrey Ferrara September 7, 2024 the first drop of sap hitting softly the bottom of an old steel pail Jeffrey Ferrara September 7, 2024 the lonely seabirds connecting with the mainland an isle made of fill Camilla Marx September 7, 2024 Town of sandstone spires – jacarandas bury my eroding footprints Camilla September 7, 2024 I’ve seen that this is the second jacaranda haiku in as many days! 🙂 I love Halli Steinberg’s beautifully vivid poem! Deborah H. Doolittle September 7, 2024 at work at my desk a spider darns a web in the window frame daybreak a girl skips across the lawn picking buttercups raindrops caught on the branches of the quince and my umbrella Maura Harrison September 7, 2024 Drought drives the dirt mad, Vine’s fruit autumns and wrinkles. Sad whine is fruitless. Yellow False Foxglove Sits at summer’s edge and lies In Fall’s coming truth. Fall’s first tree to drop Its aged leaves halos the ground, Deeply forgetful. Jason Mackey September 7, 2024 fireflies in the night glowing with a golden light like stars in my sight everlasting spring – maidens on a Grecian urn always dance and sing middle of winter – an old friend and I part ways before a black bridge Afshan Ahmed September 8, 2024 Monsoon rain of mine and his rainfall in sunshine Life at a crossroads Two eyes in prison draw a gritty black rod grid on a cloudy sky On a warm night, the scent of night-blooming jasmine revives the old grief Katherine Muir September 8, 2024 tulips awaken late frost hits the snooze button nature unfriends them Cindy Greene September 8, 2024 I sprint to dinner. warm rain spatters my sweater, leaving cheetah spots like unruly vines, barbed wire wraps the fence top, piercing sky and dreams cleats rip the grass, revealing terrain teeming with bewildered ants John Leidy September 8, 2024 Please remove my submissions of Sept 1 and replace with these revisions: Awakening day comes later, silvery now, leaving frosted glades. When the thunder claps, the birds just continue on about their business. Spring’s indigo nights gleam with minute diamonds, greater than the sun. Ken Dick September 8, 2024 Moon shining down bright Dark woods bathed in brilliant light Beauty sees twilight The rain ceases now Though the grayness will remain Colors will not fade Timothy Wheatly September 8, 2024 Thank you for considering my haiku for publication. morning light strikes fish -ing boat small ripples big SPLASH! dog jumps overboard wind gust.. picking up…. even the scarecrow will pay homage by resting dog gnaws on a dream -sicle sunset while right paw guards large set of twigs Teyah Alniaami September 9, 2024 Thank you to the respective judges for considering my haiku’s! Whispers slash the night, Grotesque truths drip like fresh blood; I drown in your lies. Falsehood consumes me, Gore paints the walls of my mind- Truth’s malformed disguise. Blood paints the silence, Love’s facade now stained with red- Tear-stained hearts collide. Arunachalashiva Ravisankar September 9, 2024 1) september flower no scent but adores roaming bees and butterflies 2) dancing and singing a sky lark on the branch of the cemetery cross 3) deep meditating a monk on river water neck drown for the rain I here by declare these haiku are my own haiku and written after july 2024 -Arunachalashiva Ravisankar Tejendra Sherchan September 9, 2024 the monsoon raindrops held on a wild grass cobweb diamonds on hammock late summer heat walking in the pine forest butterfly fans me somnambulism I turn on my new laptop and shut it down Roxana Terranera September 9, 2024 Haiku 1: Rough clear ocean waters Like a soaring ballerina A whale shows splendor. Haiku 2: Close the warmer months Mayflies rising from ponds, ready Their fleeting lives mourned. Haiku 3: Prestine marks on snow, A striking red fox fix gaze, Aiming on its catch. Angela Quintanilla September 9, 2024 Haiku 1: What a misery My once delicate feathers Nothing but mere shreds Haiku 2: For all of your words That are cruel and unjust I’ll still love the same Haiku 3: Tears will only flow Somewhere where I’m all alone When I let them fall I declare that these haiku are my own haiku and are written after July of 2024 -Angela Quintanilla Rick Johnson September 9, 2024 Unmistakable! Kingfisher’s trusty twitter, Drought, pond life teeters. Deep woods mystery, Puzzling quiet, forecast moot, Cicadas are mute. Summer’s snow stings legs. Wind sifted, sugary sand Fills fleeing footprints. Katrina Turner September 9, 2024 restrained, bound, enchained wings rent and torn – burned to ash fly; I shall never Katrina Turner September 9, 2024 this Haiku is titled Severed Wings Claire Shalhope September 9, 2024 “Thymos” Blood is down your wrist, Elbow deep within my chest, Do you twist your arm? “14,000 ft” Do you remember the mountain? You cut the rope, and I screamed. Alan Brayne September 10, 2024 I’ve already entered two haiku earlier; this one is my third. lengthening shadows fall on the chair in my porch: an early candle Halli Steinberg September 10, 2024 Respected judges and fellow poets, Is there a way to get notified of the winning poems, or perhaps a daily/weekly digest of poems submitted? The poetry is beautiful, and I don’t want to unsubscribe, but my email inbox is becoming crowded (and I don’t want to set up another filter). Suggestions would be appreciated! Warmly, Halli Mike Bryant September 10, 2024 Halli Steinberg, Every entry in this Haiku Contest is in this comment section. Simply scroll up from my reply here and you can read every single entry. Thanks, Mike the Moderator. Margaret Coats September 11, 2024 Dear Halli Steinberg and others interested, The WHEN section near the beginning of this competition post says results will be announced September 29. “Results” means the winning poem and runners-up judged to have composed the best haiku submitted here. If you subscribe, but cannot find the results in your inbox on September 29, come to classicalpoets.org, click on POETRY, and look for the same snow scene picture as above, with the title BEST HAIKU OF 2024. Leila Lahidji September 10, 2024 I was bleeding out I thought my cuts were sewn up- Healing takes its time The leaves left quickly But the tree did not bargain It knew things had changed Leila Lahidji September 10, 2024 I was bleeding out I thought my cuts were sewn up- Healing takes its time Linda Albertson September 10, 2024 pinks whisper of gold bees buzz oblivious as red mites hitch a ride Tracy Davidson September 11, 2024 something in common – hermit thrush and I, our throats full of lonely song Tracy Davidson September 11, 2024 war cemetery moonshadow slowly swallows the names of the dead Tracy Davidson September 11, 2024 a snowy owl’s swoop she startles a woodpecker from his busy beat Jayda Remlinger September 11, 2024 decay striking red turning memories to ghosts soft death for new life branches and empty a coat of silence to wear anticipation ghosts moan through the trees yellow orange and crimson blurry transitions Helen Hanson September 11, 2024 We long for bright dreams where angels’ wings flutter by Behold, butterfly Sunset as promise Red clouds dancing over waves At dawn an omen Seeking attention snowdrops knock against the cold Keep the door open Sam Walker September 11, 2024 hanging the laundry tiny perfect sets of clothes for my unborn son silence on the beach she seems happy holding hands wind tousles her hair jewels on brown skin apples set in golden leaves orchard at evening Cathy Bendix September 11, 2024 Sabaras spiral Soldiers braving brisk breezes Bull finch on alert Nitu Yumnam September 12, 2024 birds at the window holding empty chair he talks to his late father Sara Jean Baker September 12, 2024 a sudden downpour on an unwanted journey brown grass turning green countless tiny moons illuminate the stone path a frozen koi pond humid cricket song and quiet breezes deserve a cat at full length Jan Mennite September 12, 2024 ice-cold stormy sea a pair of otters surface in designer furs Nitu Yumnam September 12, 2024 submerged paper boat the toddler retrieves his tears from the puddle’s edge Jan Mennite September 12, 2024 bees in the snowbell busy with floral treasures that nourish and heal Jan Mennite September 12, 2024 warm sand’s embraces rhythmic seaside alpha waves bestow healing balm Sebastian Chrobak September 12, 2024 the start of spring break all those heavy books stay still deep in the backpack Nitu Yumnam September 12, 2024 hands limp on the bed my mother throws all the pills into the twilight Stuti Sinha September 12, 2024 Fistfuls of oozing sweet flesh slips from sticky hands. Mango stones lay bared. Cracking thunder beats to Kalboishakhi lilting on darkened grey stage. Vibrant brolly tops brush Mumbai’s louring canvas – painting in motion. M. Schwartz September 12, 2024 The sea cloaked in mist as I grieve the loss of you a seagull cries out Catherine Posey September 12, 2024 Grandmother’s lilacs Craft cloister where children And chameleons play. Guy Graybill September 12, 2024 Flowers are wilting. Dry seeds lie scattered beneath. Tomorrow’s glory! Wild geese glide downward. A down-covered flotilla Splashes on the creek. Catherine Posey September 12, 2024 ancient ice expanse quietly drips, drips cold tears of the universe Alan Summers September 12, 2024 the fleeting snowfall how each of us might entwine into its promise Catherine Posey September 12, 2024 Meadow daises bow. Eagles soar, clouds pause, taps play. Rain mingles with tears. Alan Summers September 12, 2024 into the thickness of legerdemain snowdrifts red scarves of robins Alan Summers September 12, 2024 who was there again signing in yellow colours it’s the snow bunting Guy Graybill September 12, 2024 He lived by Walden. So immersed had he become: Seasons were his clock. Shamik Banerjee September 12, 2024 From zinnia’s pink to petunia’s purple – the chameleon Bolting roller skates scare the road-perched crows away – summer vacation Working overtime; prodigious black clouds sew up the last silver rift Shamik Banerjee September 15, 2024 Dear Judges, My second haiku got swapped with another accidentally. Therefore, I am making a fresh submission of the batch. Kindly pardon my mistake and please accept this new submission. Thank you so much. From zinnia’s pink to petunia’s purple – the chameleon While mother’s garden nears vernal blue and yellow, she nears wintry grey Working overtime; prodigious black clouds sew up the last silver rift Lisa Marie Miller September 12, 2024 (Haiku contest entries): Cityscape A.M. Colors bring the day Pink and periwinkle play– All below stays gray Centenary-ing Just one hundred four Garden, girlfriends, gourmet store Why not live some more? A Cluster of Birds A cluster of birds chirping in the tallest tree looked very lovely Liam Maor September 12, 2024 Winter sun bathes me through icy-cold window panes The Comfort of Home Autumn leaves decay yet I only stare in awe at their amber leaves Ravaging wildfires paint the sky red– all will see the death we must face Urszula Marciniak September 12, 2024 her tight city yard just one daisy in the crack of the old sidewalk the blind girl’s dinner the scent of food in the scent of lilac from him the second first date the last golden leaf sparkles in her silver hair Chelsea Bushman September 12, 2024 I appreciate the opportunities to learn from the experienced poets on this website, as well as to participate in this contest. Thank you for extending the invitation to beginners like me. Respectfully submitted, Chelsea Bushman Here, out on a limb Fledgling, trembling, leaps then soars. Courage, then, my heart. Winter’s threat’ning gale Drives perilous waves to shore… Foes attack my land. Fragrant, freshened air Springtime’s efflorescent flair… Precious newborn life. Catalina Fernandez September 12, 2024 bullet pierced the mind The dirt is soft on my skin Here, the lilies sprout Tanu J September 13, 2024 I lose a fair child in dense dark woods and I weep for the child was me Margaret Coats September 13, 2024 Very glad to see your haiku! Please enter the competition with your full name. If you forgot, just place your full name at the REPLY box after your poems. Thanks! Diana Woodcock September 13, 2024 birds on migration reaching my arms up to them I become all flame with each falling leaf dead father’s sigh of relief free now of raking river still flowing heron soaring above it some things never change Ivan Georgiev September 13, 2024 newly leafed forest the magnificent bareness of a dying tree Edward Cody Huddleston September 13, 2024 contrails intersect just over the horizon where winter deepens the faded sunrise in our family photo just dust in Mom’s eyes funeral bouquet putting a dandelion between the roses Hla Yin Mon September 13, 2024 I equanimity petal by petal she drops the rose letting go II eugenia sprouts waiting for the wars to end day by day older III endless monsoon rains what else could I do but pray for the swept aways Brandon Hensley September 13, 2024 Dewdrops spark the blades; humid morning sparkling. Rich in the moment. Waves go in and out, the great cosmic breath of life. Welcome this moment. Haiku gods hold court, settling syllabic spats. “Twas six!” “No, seven!” zineb oriyane-rass September 13, 2024 Rain of September, emanating petrichor cat seeking shelter Mother and daughter same tale, over and over… A bamboo hairbrush Eyes brimming with tears – reverberating thunder… At last, looking up Tejendra Sherchan September 13, 2024 the monsoon raindrops held on a wild grass cobweb- diamonds on hammock late summer heat- walking in the pine forest butterfly fans me somnambulism- I turn on my new laptop and shut it down Maria Tirenescu September 13, 2024 Toddler in the park – a snowflake on the eyelash another in the palm The apple blossoms recalling of grandparents – I write a haiku the evening concert – big waves breaking on the shore full of broken stones Benjamin Cannicott Shavitz September 13, 2024 September Sunset: With a sinking gleam, Summer’s sun admits it’s done, Now a fading dream. Desert: Only sand and dread. Sunset looms in bloody red. Buzzards overhead. November: The leaves are falling, Bloody red, then flat and dead. The dark is calling. Tanja Soulas September 13, 2024 One fallen leaf alone hanging on propeller drone bird view happiness Ladybug, pink flower wiped by sudden monsoon softly veiled lady Crystalline raindrop gently drifting from beyond transient wonder Rachelle Constan September 13, 2024 Black snake slithers up dark tree bark, seeking bird eggs, ignoring me. Cricket’s concert says it’s cold. I open windows, warm up to its song. The orchid smiles as rain mists its face. No tears in today’s shower. Murray Eiland September 13, 2024 Dry dust invading, Omni ant tracks everywhere Nature’s small footprints Needles tremble, sing, Echoes of ancient songs past Lost in autumn’s breath Burls cradle secrets— Sprouted growth from knobby stumps, Knots of life untapped Bruce Keahi September 13, 2024 Serenading leaves Brooklet sings a lullaby Summers’s choir whispers Consuming hunger Obliteration, struggle Butterfly’s freedom! Cherished blossoms fall Delicate sanctuary Spring nestled above Bruce Keahi September 15, 2024 I am an absolute novice of haiku poetry, or an kind of poetry. I only began studying it more intently within the past few days. I don’t know if it was Basho’s intent when he wrote The Old Pond, but I saw/experienced a deeper understanding in the plain and simple capture of the moment. Very Zen. I am Native Hawaiian, and we use a similar principle in our poetry, story-telling and mele (songs) called kaona. I don’t know if my work conforms to traditional haikus since I employ kaona, but it has been a fun and enlightening exercise. Thank you for this opportunity to share. Kit Hughsen September 14, 2024 Hard prairie rainfall Golden rays pierce the black sky Please cue the songbirds Bright red maple morn The Crimson King is aging Deciduous chum Super blue blood moon All the heavenly glory See what else is on Glauco Saba September 14, 2024 #1 “Poppies delight me…” your innocence vanishes within your blushing #2 where is the cricket which used to sing “Summertime” all along the night? #3 here comes my evening… no worry, for the fireflies lighten the footpath Carl Bellerose September 14, 2024 shaking maracas in the pale yellow moonlight dancing with the stars Gordana Kurtovic September 14, 2024 #1 in the spring dawn an elderberry bush blooms the smell of childhood #2 the end of summer I put a drop of the sea under my skin #3 heatwaves harvest in the vineyard ahead of time Melanie Phoenix September 14, 2024 I hear you call from bright sky, young one, learning what it means to be hawk. *** Birdsong tiptoes through thick gray fog and testifies hope rises again. *** This old tree whose roots weave with mine in the deep earth breathes enduring joy. Benjamin Bläsi September 14, 2024 what remains from the rain clouds deep in the forest: mist and mushroom smells heavy, humid sky— the song of a soaring lark barely stirs the air a lone Roman snail crosses the Way of St. James— dripping summer rain Monica Kakkar September 14, 2024 Dear Mr. Rimer and Dr. Coats, Thank you for the opportunity to submit three haiku with seasonal words, kigo. ***** 01 silver at sunup echoes by the sacred well— a sweep of Peepul 02 a staccato gnaws canisters in the courtyard . . . tapioca snow 03 a cold spell white outs canopy of conifers . . . first flush Darjeeling ***** 01 All summer kigo: Peepul (Ficus religiosa) 02 All winter kigo: tapioca snow 03 All winter kigo: cold spell [World Kigo Database] ***** Thank you for your consideration. Best wishes. Sincerely, Monica Kakkar (she/her/hers) Bradley Kemp September 14, 2024 Autumn breeze sweeps by— a child races fallen leaves, learning how to fly Winter wind commands— chimes ring out in crisp cadence, frosted notes take flight Winter snow falls soft— a sly fox treads silent trails, white world hides its tracks Jonathan Bear September 14, 2024 The rains, finally are here. Reaching for the sky the plants celebrate Debris from the storm covers our path. Another reason not to fight. Suddenly right there a deer outside my window my heart skips a beat Emylou Infante September 14, 2024 Pale round moon sailing the vast cloudless winter sky— snowdrop buds peeking. Dark grey clouds looming, slow murky waters rising— kids swimming, laughing. Blinding blazing sun, scorched fields and cracked earth waiting— typhoons blossoming. Cindy G. September 14, 2024 I just want to say thank you so much for organizing this contest! I have had so much fun reading through everyone’s delightful haiku. I submitted my entries a while ago and have been reveling in the talent as people are submitting.. Margaret Coats September 15, 2024 Thank you, Cindy! I very much appreciate the high quality of so many haiku, the interaction of writers in comments to one another, and the grateful appreciation you and others express for this competition. Although it will close soon, entries remain visible indefinitely. Be sure to check back on September 29 for announcement of the winner in a new post that day, along with a list of runners-up chosen by Dr. Rimer and me. Sarah Joseph September 14, 2024 Once strong father’s arms desert willow drops its leaves now frail in winter pairs of sunbirds flit amorous and musical lonely cat watches moonless summer night in stillness, two things certain— loneliness and God Koichi Kazama September 14, 2024 maple leaves set alight a lone path in the graveyard at autumn sunset mirage of rainbows flickers over winter clouds on a bus window a leaf and a worm lying wet on the wayside after a spring storm Katie Tencza September 14, 2024 Cricket-chirps spouting from lone, hidden nooks converge – envelop like night Brittle clattering as patio-blown leaves sweep away solstice warmth A feathered white wisp wafts over beaming rose-heads only at wind’s whim Karan S September 15, 2024 The sky, on fire, Man blithely wraps in desire And condemns his child. Ma’s verdant coat’s swiped by just eight billion bairns. She now wears grunge grey. The flood of sun rays wash away all those yesterdays morn’s new hopes float by. Dr. José Luis Solís López September 15, 2024 Haiku 1 Bouquet of roses. Say the old great grandmother what am I living for Haiku 2 The willow blossoms. From the teeth of the caiman drops of water fall Haiku 3 On the way home the light of the cocuyos, the overcast sky Margaret Coats September 15, 2024 Last call for beauty-FULL NAMES to go with your haiku, if you entered the contest without them! Enough hours left to claim your entries. Thanks! Alexis Liftee September 15, 2024 Haiku 1 Spring time, breeze calls me walking by pink rose bushels petals waving hi Haiku 2 Autumn afternoon whistler walking by fish ponds to old tunes, they splash Haiku 3 Dreary winter night moon weaves in and out of clouds whistling wind at sea Cezar Florescu September 15, 2024 Remembrance Sunday… on the unknown hero’s cross a few paper cranes * deepening autumn… the people in the hospice talking about spring * old railway station… the fragrance of linden trees filling the wagons Cezar Florescu September 15, 2024 old railway station… the fragrance of linden trees filling the wagons Cezar Florescu September 15, 2024 Remembrance Sunday… on the unknown hero’s cross a few paper cranes Cezar Florescu September 15, 2024 deepening autumn… the people in the hospice talking about spring Lakshmi Iyer September 15, 2024 Hello Trying my hand to write a classical 5-7-5 haiku with kigo silent summer breeze a blind boy laughs as he breaks his birthday balloons rainy autumn day mother manages to walk post leg surgery intense summer heat the leather bag starts to peel its sticky odour Roohallah Ghasemi September 15, 2024 1) spring afternoon the city have hypnozed thousands_ eyed cherries 2) summer night beneath the stary sky I have no name 3) moonlight crickets gnaw the night knit the moon Sonali Tiwari September 15, 2024 In winter, a sheet of snow was seen on the mountain Fog was seen everywhere. Birds are sitting in the tree to avoid the raindrops. Wet birds shiver. The whole world wakes up when the sun rises and goes to sleep when the sun sets. Robert Hornford September 15, 2024 Best wishes all, my three for consideration Construction season Where forests once stood Cultivated concrete blooms Construction season Cracks Sun’s touch, cracks garden Jagged fissures of torn soil Rain soothes earthy wounds Awaiting Heavy vines dangle Tomatoes now ripening Raccoons awaiting John Egan September 15, 2024 Rocket scientist Calculates his wedding vow Ignition Launch kiss imaan wallenburg September 15, 2024 Breathless, cold beauty, Light flickers like a heartbeat, Your love, a waning moon. Tayyiba Jadoon September 15, 2024 Haiku 1: Hours stretch, then snap back Clock hands blur like fading stars, Threads entangle, day and night Haiku 2: Moonlight sculpts the sky Silver veins in endless dark, Night bleeds into dawn. Haiku 3: Falling autumn leaves Crimson whispers on the breeze, Summer slips away. Angela Petsis September 15, 2024 Chirping chickadees rouse me from my Sunday sleep with rapturous song A sliver of moon floats in silver summer skies sailing through night Along the lakeshore silence disturbed by a breeze breaks the water’s peace Natalie Myers September 15, 2024 Title: Basketball It soars through the air, The crowd roars like a lion. A buzzer beater Haniya Ashiq September 15, 2024 Thank you for considering my poem The mud beneath me, Calmness stirs inside my soul. Earth swallows me whole. Radhika Soni September 15, 2024 Tiny feet splashing A rainbow in the puddle – Wonder in his eyes Dark clouds streak the sky; A Rain Lily, bright and still The sole sign of hope Cherry blossoms wake Have long been in a slumber – Outstretched rosy arms James Presley September 15, 2024 scrimshaw made from spark lightning spiders the fissures of a fractured night spider constructs a God’s eye delicate as breath more complex than death standing smug and louche the dandelion strikes a pose on my well coiffed lawn Jon C. Holt September 15, 2024 On the shore they learn To breathe underwater past The lines in the sand Li Xiao September 15, 2024 crescent moon… mentally arguing with my sleepless wife Li Xiao September 15, 2024 Halloween eve wife rubs dirt of the Dead Sea Elena Asch September 15, 2024 Indian summer I admire the shapes of wine bottles Rachelle Constan September 15, 2024 Withdrawing my previous submission and resubmitting w/ edits. #1 Black snake slithers up dark tree bark, seeking bird eggs. The wind holds its breath. #2 Cricket’s concert says it’s cold. The breeze agrees—my window stays open. #3 Orchid smiles but does not bow; royal as rain now misting its face. Valentina Ranaldi-Adams September 15, 2024 burgeoning springtime . . . poets desire to sow the seeds of enduring change Li Xiao September 15, 2024 the cry of a crane… the sharp adam’s apple of a man looking at the sky Elena Asch September 15, 2024 the first frosts slightly pointed facial features Elena Asch September 15, 2024 “The Seasons” I know by heart how the snow falls E.C. Traganas September 15, 2024 full September moon a copper gong hums in the symphony of night footprints near the door a brass knocker cloaked in snow just a strolling cat Circling hands pluck at bedsheets tracing lines, ending stories returning to sleep Cato Galen September 15, 2024 We hide from the dark Fearing fated, endless night And rise with the sun Tears hide in raindrops A reminder that heartache Is so natural Soothing coos of doves A new day dawns, and with it: Possibility. Meera September 15, 2024 Vividly fuzzy Memory of someone who Otherwise unknown. Rose, color word task Touch me not,seldom listen Conflicts never end. Sylke Laine September 15, 2024 How fifty changed me? Watching robins take a bath: Friday night delight. —- I pull in the oars to honor river’s silence. Mergansers don’t care. —- First snow blankets peaks. Leaves and needles blanket trails. Autumn blankets souls. Anna Miller September 15, 2024 “Harmful algal blooms” the sign warns. Precarious, you perch above, glad. “You don’t know me.” True enough—so many barriers. Yourself, for instance. I crash through the gauze between consciousness and more. Oh. Life. There you are. Navya September 15, 2024 Colorless You were a painter And I, your canvas. But now I rest colorless. Ekta Adhikari September 15, 2024 Teta leaves home to find Too busy wiping away tears like windshield To build a new one. Prayed for the rain much The crops are now fully satisfied Enjoying bodies swallowed by rivers. The bird flies away singing From my room I watch her mocking Caged person with grilled windows.
Roy Eugene Peterson July 31, 2024 Blossom placed in box. Jasmine scent will not decay. Gold in cloisonné. I learned to warble. Birdies join me in a song. I must be cuckoo! Birds sing in bushes While I am picking berries. Jamming in the spring.
Patricia Allred August 1, 2024 Truly beaytiful Haikus, so well crafted! Your first Haiku is my favorite. Terrific line..Gold in cloisonné? Awesome.
Keith Anderson Simmonds August 14, 2024 The renewed confinement… my grandma peeps at a bird soaring in the wind
Keith Anderson Simmonds August 14, 2024 Dread and destruction sweep through the Caribbean… Beryl’s blind fury
Keith Anderson Simmonds August 14, 2024 The aggressor trapped in delusions of grandeur … a reign of terror
Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 This is clever your grandma is her own jailer, looking out the window to the free world
Peter C Free September 2, 2024 Love this haiku My only suggestion is that you drop the leading, ‘The’. I’d hate you to miss out on a technicality because it rant 5/7/5
Maria Tirenescu September 13, 2024 The evening concert – big waves breaking on the shore full of broken stones
Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I like them all, but especially each of the last two they are very clever with a very clever satori line.
Sherry Caayupan September 1, 2024 By stars enchant Beautifully falling- And fell over a bloke’s head! You are my past He is my present- In the future, he furts! The night sings lullabies Only to keep me from- Your nagging mouth!
Michael Pappafava September 9, 2024 Our routine small talk takes an unexpected turn. Summers first cuckoo! The wind through the reeds. During our afternoon walk, static on the line. Indian summer. Growing on a pumpkin patch — the shades of autumn.
Refika Dedić September 15, 2024 beginning of autumn – restless lake washes the morning the taste of morning tea sun rays through an open window . autumn is getting closer different flowers in an unknown world a comforting haiku . .
Emily C. A. Snyder September 15, 2024 Hello! I’m happy to submit the following haikus. My many thanks, Emily C. A. Snyder 1. five red petals fall stain Demeter’s sobbing snow; pomegranate Spring 2. thread the | | midnight maze minotaur moan || || hero ‘s(w)ings can I get a………………………………….clue? 3. six-eyed Seraphim shut the Eden gate to man; let the women eat
Emily C. A. Snyder September 15, 2024 LOL – looks like the formatting of the second one didn’t quite come through. But that’s alright. Thank you for this opportunity! – Emily C. A. Snyder
Ed Ahern August 1, 2024 Thank you for considering these three haiku for the 2024 Haiku competition. Regards, Ed Ahern winter holdover cruising slowly through our rooms the first fly of spring. the shading maple balding even in summer never reawoke subject to censure but the musk of burning leaves is autumn’s censer
Pamela Ruggiero August 2, 2024 Three very nice haikus. I especially like the first one about the fly. I’ve never figured out how flies no one want to come out and where their eggs go so that they hatch in the spring. They usually problem in the summer mostly
Hannah August 28, 2024 subject to censure but the musk of burning leaves is autumn’s censer – I really like this one.
Pamela Rea August 31, 2024 I especially like the first one. It has a very clever Satori line. Although I am never partial to flies, they do service for all of the creatures in the world by eating the rotting flesh before it eats us.
Barbara Anna Gaiardoni August 1, 2024 Respected judges, thank you for your time. Regards, Barbara Anna Gaiardoni always on tiptoes exuviae of insects in a field of wheat grasshopper kebabs capital letters twinkling with the beat of heart a green popsicle even on a rainy day my ace in the hole
Pamela Ruggiero August 2, 2024 I especially like the first haiku of yours. But they’re all really good. I only have one entered, and I don’t know if it is as good as the rest of you guys.
Shari LeKane August 1, 2024 Lapis azul sky rainbow in the falling leaves stars intensify Journey cool and dry chilly night to winter freeze vegetations die Sunsets with a sigh season ends with golden ease leaving winter’s try
Pamela Ruggiero August 2, 2024 I really like that third haiku. I find it interesting that a lot of people are talking about winter in here it is summer. But, I just wrote a poem about that that I’ll be submitting soon. Good job
Peter Venable August 1, 2024 A feathery storm: A cawcophony of crows Murders autumn hush. The moon sheens the view Over the bay’s tidal crests— I am swept away. Starless ocean night. On the skyline—fuel ship burns? Crimson moon blazes.
Carter August 1, 2024 Between the cypress And the thrush of Pelican wings, Eternity speaks. The old coyote Under the solstice moonlight Looks like Ezra Pound. The smell of sage brush And salt soaked mist from the surf; Warm tobacco drifts.
Margaret Coats August 1, 2024 Carter, please provide both first and last name, as requested in the paragraph above marked IMPORTANT, right after the one telling WHO may enter the contest. Thank you for your haiku!
wendy lee klenetsky August 1, 2024 “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!” that’s what all of the books say then I guess I’m NUTS. CHOCOLATES I ate chocolates all of my 70 years Now diabetic. PARTY SURPRISE Met at a party neither one wanted to go Wed 50+ years.
Jan August 22, 2024 Wendy, You made me laugh; thank you! Then you scared me; I love chocolate and eat too much of it. Then I felt really happy for you, for your 50+ years marriage. Best wishes for the competition. Jan
Scharlie Meeuws August 1, 2024 Winds in my plum tree Took all its perfumed blossoms Their scent now in dreams Spiders in April Immobile sitting on stones Sun worshippers too? Summer skies are fun Fluffy clouds graze in the wind White sheep on blue fields
čas August 2, 2024 neúprosný čas v pavučinách spomienok hľadám myšlienky lúka v rozkvete vôňa čerstvého dažďa zhlboka dýcham bútľavá vŕba uložené tajomstvá hlboko v duši Eva Drobna, Slovakia
Margaret Coats August 5, 2024 Eva Drobna, thanks for your haiku in Slovak. Please either translate them into English, or submit others written in English. We are happy to see occasional dual language entries, but we judge only those written in English. Appreciate your efforts!
Gene Fendt August 1, 2024 Signs from the Times (July 13, 2021) The Times is finding poetry everywhere. Is this true haiku? “These things happen and you feel like you’re alone, but people can relate.” Counting syllables is all it takes to make it. Basho! Issa! Weep!
Euphrates Moss August 1, 2024 The turn of the page Is like briskly walking through A door to a room Chaos to chaos Move from one to the other Order to order How many great men Would rather not have done the Things that made them great?
Matthew Wood August 1, 2024 A peace lily, frost- fringed: an old man’s hand shielding his match from the wind.
Keith Burkholder August 1, 2024 Summer > > It is a new time, > Life comes alive and well here, > Embrace it with strength
Kevin Gilbert August 1, 2024 Haiku #5 Upon the fabric of Sol’s Green Couch, we built life in the sky’s embrace. Haiku #6 To some, to be numb is a blessing. I say no. Painlessness is death. Haiku #7 This poet of woes I find him droll, composing pains he does not know.
Md Sadek Hossain Asif August 1, 2024 Cherry blossoms fall Pink petals dance on the breeze Spring’s fleeting beauty Moonlight on water Ripples break the reflection Stars swim in the lake Northern lights shimmer, a dance of colors above— nature’s silent hymn.
John Paul Fournier August 1, 2024 A marble sinking amidst a rising silence in vast, dark waters. Dire straits break the skin. Roses and Violets in bloom; stemming from the ground. Nothing is formless, standing and swirling around. Nothing is deathless. Thank you for considering my work.
Pamela Ruggiero August 1, 2024 careless ugly moth the light attracts your dark eyes cat’s pink tongue tastes you
Grace Beckish August 1, 2024 Goldenrods ablaze Can you hear the ashes too? Let me burn tonight. Blue cotton nightgown. Stars mark steps after living. Metaphysics fan? Candy in glass jars Marching like small tin soldiers. Rain sheets, silver walls.
Ann McLean August 1, 2024 Thank you for the invitation Wild fires scorch the earth The black ash will fuel new life. The waste land renewed. Spring bursts from the sky Waking earth’s sleeping beauty, With the kiss of life. Slow the fall descends In golden leaves of glory. Life will rise again.
Kathy Bahr August 1, 2024 Kathy Bahr chorus starts to sing time for all of us to breath silence of the leafs
Brianna Camacho August 1, 2024 Thinning of the veil October’s golden flicker— Nightlights guide the dead
Sierra Williams August 2, 2024 Clouds blocking the sun In stillness she waits for song A hummingbird’s breath
Mary H Sayler August 2, 2024 Squirrels strip red seeds from magnolia pods – again! There go the blossoms. … From the roof’s edge, rain falls in strings of silver beads – dancer’s costume. Bling! … Pumpkin orange moon perched alone on a tree branch – nothing rhymes with you.
Martin Rizley August 2, 2024 Moonrise in the hills Floods the shadow filled valley With a spectral glow. The summer sizzles. Heat waves rise from the baked earth, Waiting for a breeze. Gnats dance in the air. The still pond gleams in the sun, Warmed by its embrace.
Osho Tunde August 2, 2024 Shivering Bodies in jackets August break Day begins Behind window Cock crows Thunder strikes Wild wind Rainfall
A.M. Juster August 2, 2024 Loosestrife, cornflowers Dew drying on shoots of grass Mourning in advance
James A. Tweedie August 2, 2024 Gold and crimson rain Leaves bare thin-fingered branches Windows to the sky Summer Olympics. Steamy rain in gay Paree. Slip-sliding cycles. Summer in London. Winter in South Africa. On the Equator?
Sharon Mueller August 2, 2024 POLITICIANS I ALWAYS DISTRUST A MAN WHO DOESN’T HAVE A LOYAL DOG OR CAT
Paul A. Freeman August 2, 2024 Ravens taking flight, flee the Tower of London. The walls tumble down. Oppressive July, mugged by volatile August. Smell the thunderstorms. Comet detritus lighting up the midnight sky entertains the apes.
Michael Miller August 2, 2024 barren tree is filled winter wing woven monarchs black and gold at dawn trout surface gulp air on summer river running the warm mist rises the conflicted sky whose drifting clouds hide the sun lined with silver glow
Mandy Beattie August 2, 2024 Mandy Beattie Classical Poets, Thank you for the wonderful opportunity. Blessings. Wood Wide Web’s Morse code: Linguists listen; learn to speak the language of trees Under crackling leaves a hibernating hedgehog uncurls and unfurls Gaia nurtures all We’re litmus among lichen She recharges us
Lorelyn De la Cruz Arevalo August 7, 2024 brown caterpillar inching up the mountain trail i pause to breathe in
Nolo Segundo August 2, 2024 reluctant leaves fall from the tree showering an old man walking puffy summer clouds float across eternity so high birds can’t fly the old cemetery abandoned by the living waits eternity
Linda Watson Owen August 2, 2024 Magnolias tremble…. Flesh-soft petal wings flutter on winds of wild wishes. *** A cricket chirps through thunder blusters. Flashes dare not sear his night-song. *** From window watches, a sigh flies on sea breezes to a lover’s soul.
Lexie Rose Kunz August 2, 2024 All grasses have blooms That wave winged hands, enticing Visitors to dance. Small cries from a mouth The size of a cheerio Drift in with the dawn. Hydrothermal springs Frothing orange-gold. Geysers Vivid blue steam swirls.
Galin Elias Franklin August 2, 2024 Birds twitter away… The cold and clang of church bells Command this silence Messalonskee Stream Laced with browning pine needles… Can’t believe your gone A light rain subsides… Out from the reeds, a heron Taking stilted flight
Galin Elias Franklin August 2, 2024 Birds twitter away… The cold and clang of church bells Command this silence Messalonskee Stream Laced with browning pine needles… Can’t believe you’re gone A light rain subsides… Out from the reeds, a heron Taking stilted flight
Scott Gold August 2, 2024 Thanks for putting on this haiku contest. Here are some for your consideration. S.D. Gold Breaker takes a break to watch a tail-lit comet not unlike his own Needles long are leaves a cardinal rests within red as hate in bones As the day’s light droops slow with it falls again the eyelids of the world
rp elkins August 3, 2024 Everyone loves haiku, eh? Thanks to SCP for allowing the immediate readings, great stuff! Here’s my three: Pale apple blossoms assaulted by southern gale, no apples this fall. Below the riffle red Royal Wulff emerges, A rainbow rises. A tear shed in grief refracts white light to rainbow, fractal future joy.
Lucia Haase August 3, 2024 even in summer when the bright yellow finch sings i long for its song mischievous young pup testing my patience daily yet the bond strengthens Autumn eve, sunset wandering the woodland path without a lantern
Kathy Bahr August 3, 2024 December shakes down Stern winter chill throws shivers December crowns past
Cristian Matei August 3, 2024 the autumn deepens – the shadows gently gliding within more shadows orphanage courtyard – a trio of snow angels as if holding hands snowing quietly – in the hands of the orphan the parents’ picture
Pamela Ruggiero August 9, 2024 I noticed that you have two haiku about orphan. Have you experienced about being an orphan or knowing orphans? I thought these were all very good entries to the contest. Good luck in it.
Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 The last one is very sad and lovely. Thank you for sharing these here.
Skye Campbell August 4, 2024 Cool gray tidal sand Slowly glows golden in the Tequila sunrise. Flaxen hair tumbles. Cataracts in gold silence Only sunlight sees. Stiff cracks split cold glass Breaking wintry calm under Furry moccasins.
Monika Cooper August 4, 2024 on these lonely roads all the traffic coming is wind in the treetops tall old wagon wheels spin sacred geometries from late summer light cane chairs and table left empty under trees – where falling leaves mingle
Ernesto P. Santiago August 4, 2024 swift drift of jasmine this she feels on her tired face a caress whisper Ernesto P. Santiago
Mark Arvid White August 4, 2024 Thank you for the opportunity. St. Stephen’s Day dawns — bloodied moose antlers fallen on riverbed stones island cattle ranch — the massive Kodiak bear chews on cow parsnip a murder of crows devours the spawned-out sockeye her thousand children
Alvin B. Cruz August 5, 2024 waves unearthing shells deeply buried in the sand — those words left unsaid
Alan Brayne August 16, 2024 Great haiku. My personal favourite so far. Simple, but I could feel the sea air.
Nina August 5, 2024 This is a collection meant to be read individually or collectively. The leaves fall slowly the slight breeze tickles my face winter is coming こんな感じを Konna kanji wo (This kind of feeling) 初めて感じした Hajimete kanji shita (I felt for the first time) 愛と思う Ai to omou (I think it’s love) He entered my life, So swift, yet, I loved him so. Now? I’m a widow
Margaret Coats August 5, 2024 Nina, thanks for your haiku. Please provide your last name as requested above in the very first section on WHO may enter the contest. You can do it by replying to me here; there’s no need to retype your poem collection. Thank you.
Andrew August 6, 2024 neighbor’s lawnmower heralds the scent of mown grass through open windows stop for a second on a light, airy morning after snow: hear still the violet snaps her lithe limbs toward the sun as the bee studies
Margaret Coats August 8, 2024 Andrew, please provide your last name as requested above under WHO may enter the competition. You can give it as a reply to me here–no need to re-type your haiku. Thanks!
Manasa Reddy Chichili September 4, 2024 refreshing myself refreshing nature bloom all cherry blossoms unfamiliar roads unknown fake destination mysterious end The morning spring dew falling petals in cool breeze cherry blossoms path
Ethan Essick August 6, 2024 laughs dissolve in drink jokes devolve into venom – summer night turns cold
Manasa Reddy Chichili September 4, 2024 refreshing myself refreshing nature bloom all cherry blossoms unfamiliar roads unknown fake destination mysterious end The morning spring dew falling petals in cool breeze cherry blossoms path
leo August 6, 2024 orange blossoms bloom the lingering scent of cold fog covers my eyes rain quiets down slowly the wind softly brushes past frogs croak, sleep descends sky darkens, above the crowd huddle together and rain falls softly
Margaret Coats August 8, 2024 Thanks for your haiku, Leo, and please provide your last name along with them. You may do that in reply to me here; no need to re-enter your poems.
Lily Tadevosyan August 6, 2024 fig tree sings sweetest, fickle fuzz roots seeping through our summer postcard
Daniel B. Pickett August 6, 2024 Parched and dying land begs stoic Mother Nature to weep precious tears.
Lorelyn De la Cruz Arevalo August 7, 2024 cascading marvel of orange bougainvilleas … heavy summer rain
Lorelyn De la Cruz Arevalo August 7, 2024 early morning walk on toasted bread a black ant steps on the bright sun
Rohini Sunderam August 7, 2024 1) The lake clear and still Autumn ripples, geese fly south. The lake; still again. 2) Little lamp of clay: A bright flame to banish night Glow! Now autumn ends. 3) Dot. Dash. Firefly Your Morse Code in the night sky, Summer makes me cry.
Christopher G Sahar August 7, 2024 “Longing for Autumn ” Eventide’s ochre Suffuses autumnal air, Bare-boned flagstones mute. “School” Little kids babble, As shepherds guide their tethers Close to curbs concrete. Poems written by Christopher G Sahar
Colin Ian Jeffery August 9, 2024 She is harmony, joy and soulmate > > Radiant flower never fading > > Beauty enthralling desire. > > > > Colin Ian Jeffery > > > > > > > > Lover, wife and mother > > Strength and purpose > > Companion on life’s journey. > > > > Colin Ian Jeffery > > > > > > > > When truth calls out > > Like mighty trumpet blast > > We rally to the sound. > > > > Colin Ian Jeffery > > > > > >
Sohaib Aboona August 9, 2024 I’m now a leaf: blow. For these days are crossroads, but Nowhere is labeled. Summer loses heat. She keeps me warm, day and night, But wakes me up cold.
David McMurray August 9, 2024 Oleander blooms… Hiroshima mon amour never-ending war deceptive comfort— guarding children at the beach in a rattan chair damselfly kisses a silver underbelly… the reflecting pool
Lara Dolphin August 9, 2024 Please find below three independent haiku not intended to be a series. Thank you for your consideration. ~Lara Dolphin frost shimmers then melts into gleaming pocket pools watering the earth cremated remains sprinkled over rose bushes have found their way home birds in scarlet oaks herald longer days singing things won’t fall apart
Jack Ratliff August 9, 2024 Thank you for your consideration -Jack Ratliff 1) Counteroffensive The sunflowers march. Their heads bowed and their stems limp— Cloaked in autumn frost. 2) Martyrs Candles flicker low in the chapel’s quiet gloom— sacrifice endures. 3) Summer This season warmed us— But the leaf went brown and curled, And the bird, silent.
Vasile Moldovan August 10, 2024 the sun after the cloud – the sunflower field sway slowly looking for the lost one panic among tourists – a rattlesnake follows its way ignoring them all near the bush of grass an ant suddenly stopped to adjust burden
David John Etchell August 10, 2024 D.J.Etchell where stubbled fields wait cloying mists haunt low hollows slow ploughs brow the earth through barren branches last light caresses softly leaf burial mounds grey snarling seas churn bladderwrack rots on the beach mournful gulls glide high
Eric O Owen August 10, 2024 Trudging through the snow up and down the hillside drift A night for cold feet. Wintry night’s portrait Boshi lean into the wind Six feet in the snow.
Marek Kozubek August 11, 2024 emptiness around – between silence and silence the heat of summer sunny summer noon – a temple’s shadow filled with a prayer for rain night summer puddle – bare feet of a homeless man immersed in the stars Marek Kozubek
Ethan Essick August 11, 2024 19th floor, earthquake sirens blare, my mother screams – tranquil clouds recline
Ethan Essick August 11, 2024 meant to write out nineteenth instead of using the numbers, but did it absent-mindedly. Sorry about that.
Thompson Emate August 11, 2024 Away from the sun I sit alone with my thoughts Light draws its curtain Serene little friend Walks past me in Summer’s noon Tranquil in feathers Purple flowers field Fragrance pervades Nana’s room Departure in spring
Finn Mac Eoin August 12, 2024 I tried to join Men- -sa but they declined the quest due to my low Haik
Finn Mac Eoin August 12, 2024 Lame cat walks across QWERTY keyboard creating A Hieroglyphic Haiku ¡¢∞§¶ –≠åß∂ƒ∆ ≈ç√∫˜µ
Eric O Owen August 12, 2024 Leafless night summons Old World Sparrows wheel away Footfalls in the snow
Eric O Owen August 12, 2024 Strike poems one and two submitted 08/10/2024. Consider the last submission on 08/12/2024. Thanks!.
Tevada Dismas Pay-Pey August 12, 2024 High cliff’s apple tree. Lightning, falling, screaming nest. Apples splash — silence. Still emerald pond. Howls of wolves. A deer jumps in Splashing waters red. Red sun, ruby lake. Two cranes swipe with bloodied claws While ladies sing. Thank you for your consideration – Dismas
Johanna Donovan August 14, 2024 Perched on wires Birds are separate, askew Man’s mirror image Through his prison bars Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall Iron is obscured White clouds battle black On Virgin-blue arena Armageddon waits
Justice J Prah August 14, 2024 demonstration ground a child holds a leader’s head on his white t-shirt shape of oasis defying the sun’s strong threat the umbrellas here
Danny Blackwell August 15, 2024 New Year’s reunion; on the train with my mother and her Alzheimer’s Shelter from the rain; I run a sakaki leaf across your lips crossing the threshold, she forgets to water them: the chrysanthemums
Alan Brayne August 16, 2024 I like the first a lot. It’s very simple and almost factual but under the surface there’s a lot of complexity and feeling.
Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 I am reading through some of the entries. I particularly like the first and last. Chrysanthemums have so much symbolism. And now I feel guilt for neglecting my plants.
Ogedengbe Tolulope Impact September 13, 2024 on a cold stone floor a candle burns to its end ashes mark the day in the thickened air fireflies stitch the night with light a trail through the fog atop a mountain a monk tears another page in his diary
Betsy K. Brown August 15, 2024 I. in our kitchen friend brings a bouquet— one week later, still golden I can hear her laugh II. gardening the cucumber blight bleeds wormholes through thriving vines no salad tonight III. visitor lizard on our wall drinks the drenching summer sun at dusk, he is gone
John Sweeder August 16, 2024 August goosebump breezes signal ocean’s upwelling— autumn’s drawing near waning crescent moon smiles on Equator’s dung huts— Maasi sleep soundly childhood memories— a rosary of prized pearls sweet as bay oysters
Nancy Brady August 16, 2024 an August evening… cicadas buzz in the trees vibrating their leaves summer vacation– on the top of the Rockies sisters play in snow autumn equinox the Milky Way ribboning across the night sky Nancy Brady, 2024
Richard L. Matta August 17, 2024 chanced upon sketchpad in autumn light the countless pathways forsaken bee balm touch-and-go’s… between feeds the monarch stops and refuels a soul meandering stream a tiny toad on a leaf takes a carefree path
Camilla Marx August 17, 2024 Candelabra Lily splash of life like blood stains through fallen acrid ash – stem and leaf and bud
George Ordway August 17, 2024 Ekphrastic haiku for three paintings Monet’s House Inviting me in to images not yet seen but to the artist Tidal Marsh Misty summer hues weave litany of visions times past spent dreaming Todd’s Garden Muted colors blend forming a seamless display with a path ahead
Venessa Lee-Estevez August 17, 2024 Under arched prisms Kaleidoscope of jeweled strokes God’s contract endures
Mantz Yorke August 18, 2024 hands scratched and juice-stained after blackberry picking spiders re-spin webs heavenly blue drapes over fields of sunflowers the buzzing of drones Respite from the heat? No chance. Among the ruins seeds await the rain.
Joseph Eldredge August 26, 2024 I love these Haikus, sir. They remind me of Robert Frost. The first one especially is remarkable, and reminds me of After Apple Picking
Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 I agree with Alan and Joseph. These are lovely, especially the first. Thank you for sharing them here.
T.M.A. Day August 19, 2024 Blessed are the sightless Who being but blind believe. Eyes they shall receive. Blessed are the hopeless. Homeless this side of heaven. They are our leaven. Blessed are the broken, Hearts hallowed by human tears. For joy moves the spheres.
Stefanie Bucifal August 19, 2024 fall meditations– my hands move the rake until the rake moves my hands water reflections– my face the face of someone with a lotus life dewdrops and sunlight a kind word once in a while– we thrive with little
James Kirkpatrick August 20, 2024 taking in the view, bees in purple-petalled rooms; hyacinth hotel *** hibernating bug under tree-bark’s shingle roof; icicle ice picks *** not the way it thinks each beast of burden’s burden ends; Fluffy the collie
Michael Edwards August 20, 2024 Michael Edwards A Lovely Flowerstrewn Meadow Ugh! how — how grisly — to walk up on the carcass of this calf, long dead.
Sara Kate Egan August 21, 2024 Lurkers ’til lunchtime Speckled sparrows spy from pine Sunflower lady Hummingbird hovers Staring at my teal-green eyes Seeing its same shade Bright blues on deep reds Large jays feed in apple tree Sweet sensory feast
Romeissaa Asmaa Younes August 21, 2024 Thank you for this lovely contest, I had fun writing these poems . Poem 1: My Firefly Like a firefly; You bring light to my dark life, Guiding me back home. Poem 2: Mighty White Willow Mighty white willow, Thy noble shade never fails; always generous. Poem 3: Bid Farewell Mellow crispy air, Time for trees to bare their souls, Bid farewell to leaves.
Jane Fuller August 22, 2024 Lavender heather an elegant instrument ringing with insects Feathery grasses a ring of spikey thistles divergent neighbours The delicate earth longs to shed its blistered skin grow a harder shell
andrew shimield August 24, 2024 on the woodland path bracken bends to catch the wind and then lets it go
Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 I’m reading through the entries, and like this one very much. I can picture it in my mind.
Charles P. Duncan August 24, 2024 Silence of darkness a twisting of tangled fates before the world wakes quiet_6/20/24 Sun’s height is today feeling some new kind of way a beautiful storm sol_6/21/24 Fresh candles of pine reaching towards the divine can I grow with you? grow_8/24/24 Thanks for reading!
Judy Hawkins August 25, 2024 Outside the headlamp’s small light, claws climb a dim tree: six young eyes gleam back. Nettles sting my shins, but here, too, grows jewel weed: crushed leaves heal the hurt. Just below the peak, ancient trees stand tall, hidden from winter’s harsh winds.
Alan Brayne August 25, 2024 To the competition organisers: Both of these haiku were self-published earlier this year (June) in a book of poems, Digging for Water. I have given the titles because they are both ephrastic and based on Japanese prints. Ushibori Flow, friendly water, lantern warming a window, hush, cascading snow Rain at Maekawa so frail the pathway of fading into darkness and remembering
Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 Reading through the posts- both of these are nice, but I love the second one because it can relate both to nature and to pathways in the mind.
Marjolein Rotsteeg August 25, 2024 chilly, cloudless night on the hilltop we gather just to view the moon bird migration starts at last I manage to fold linen crane napkins her first sakura the child’s frenzy when seeing those marshmellow trees
Chen-ou Liu August 25, 2024 bonfire flaming red children’s eyes spark at Grandpa telling love stories my shadow and me on the forget-me-not path this graveyard silence the neighbor’s garden fading into moonlit dark a foreclosure sign
Kevin Hodgson August 26, 2024 Nibble on the skin, the small stone within the plum begins its dreaming Ragged edges, scratch skin, red where the blood begins; the rose resistance Dirt fingers, like seeds – in a sense, we’re playing God – poking holes in Earth Thank you for considering my poems. Kevin
Chris Collinson August 26, 2024 urgent ducks flying in front of the brown burnt hills liquid blue below in a silent arc the diving osprey strikes taut then rises slapping tiny yellow tail the gull spying the fish swoops leaving a feather
Claudia Brown August 26, 2024 Claudia’s Poems: 1. The Beauty of Life Is when you laugh at your past Even when it hurts 2. Music can bring peace To the mind, spirit and soul Listen to your song 3. The view of mountains Brought back special memories From years in college
Dan C. Iulian August 27, 2024 fully spring cleaning – the housemaid trying to mop her humble shadow the scent of absence in the attic with the moon her shawl forgotten the nights of full moon – I’m reconciled to myself and everybody
Joseph Eldredge August 27, 2024 Good morning, all! I am a new member of the Society, and I’m happy to be with you all, here for these hearings. This is my haiku: Crane stilting the lake Lapping the cracked fence, strikes me, Have they broken through?
Joseph Eldredge August 27, 2024 Revision: Cranes stilting the lake Lapping the cracked fence, strikes me, Have they broken through?
Jeanna Cooper August 27, 2024 Dragonflies hover and land on heron-swept reeds darkened from high tide Wild Mustangs caught lower their heads and nicker gentling cowboys Chincoteague ponies swim the highwater slack tide heads bobbing near boats
Mihael de la Montagnes August 27, 2024 fallen forest leaves converse between sloping hills hushed by early snow morning semaphore mirrored beach leaves glassy dew signal sun’s approach colored air ballet whirling wind of gossamer butterfly landings
Johnson John August 27, 2024 Spring blooms on reef edge Friends enjoy shallow lagoon Deep blue Siren lures On a flowered branch Two doves sharing warmth of love Squeals a stretched bowstring Jogging in the morn Cries beneath trodden dead leaves I curse my knowledge
Julia Wakefield August 27, 2024 Mother’s Day flowers roadside hawker sells enough to feed her children the sky bursts with song angels dart across the sun the martins are back golden spring morning the dog pricks her ears to hear shoelaces tying
Scott Beattie August 28, 2024 Powerful water Turquoise river surges clear Purifies sunlight Grey clouds tinged with white pass by with light intentions Raindrops pelt evergreen trees Puffy white clouds soar Crystal clear blue sky canvas Summer is the brush
Hannah Xman August 28, 2024 Chipped and broken still, Beauty hides in silent cracks, Strength within them speaks. Wild Woman roams free, Wolf beside her, spirit calls, In the Wild, her home. Soul lost in shadows, Chasing echoes through the dark, Fires fade, cold remains.
Hannah August 28, 2024 Chipped and broken still, Beauty hides in silent cracks, Strength within them speaks.
Hannah Xman August 28, 2024 Correction: (including last name) Chipped and broken still, Beauty hides in silent cracks, Strength within them speaks.
Hannah Xman August 28, 2024 Wild woman runs free, Wolf at her side, spirit calls, In the wild, she’s home.
Hannah Xman August 28, 2024 Correction: Wild woman runs free, Wolf at her side, spirit calls, In the wild, her home.
Hannah Xman August 28, 2024 Soul lost in shadows, Chasing echoes through the dark, Fires fade, cold remains.
Gabriella Bedetti August 28, 2024 waves crash on honeymoon beaches horizons expand *** time enough to listen to a joke senior center *** under a canopy of stars blinking fireflies await the couple’s unfolding story
Lloyd Miller August 29, 2024 The sound of birdsong On the path often trodden Falls now on deaf ears Ten thousand brush strokes Cannot truly match the sight That nature provides At autumn’s approach Each new breath becomes precious Beyond any coin
Vivienne August 29, 2024 There are some wonderful Haiku here. Here are my three. March wind howls like wolves Stalking herds of antelope But I am safe inside. Rainbow in the sky. The sunshine split by raindrops. Glorious colour. Mist curls all around Swirling like smoke in the air. All colour has flown.
Margaret Coats August 29, 2024 Much appreciate your contributions, Vivienne. Please reply here with your last name, as requested above where it says (boldface and underlined), “Please submit using your first and last name.” Thanks!
Gigi Ryan August 29, 2024 Twirling maple seeds Gravity does not hold back April pirouettes Lithe sandpiper hops Deftly dodging sun-glazed waves Pecking for his prey Tears entombed by sweat Moisten fresh dug August earth Of a canine grave.
Jen Obritschkewitsch August 29, 2024 Curious weather The clouds roll in like staining But it never rains A garden of stars But sometimes you disappear I wish you’d take me Pink across the sky Somewhere a cardinal chirps Early morning sigh
R.L. Maizes August 29, 2024 Thank you for considering these coffee haikus. Keurig (Coffee Haiku #4) Little plastic pods wrecking the environment. They have hot chocolate. Microwave (Coffee Haiku #3) Spaghetti splatter. Odor of ancient lunches. Where I find my cup. Morning (Coffee Haiku #1) How am I supposed to drink water when there’s still coffee in the pot?
Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I especially like the second one with the ancient spaghetti sauce, landing in your coffee cup
Natalie Wilkinson August 29, 2024 Dear Judges, Thank you for considering my work for the competition. ***** cricket orchestra plays to cicada humming an all-night soirée ***** cotton flowers bloom white fluffy clouds on brown stems a late summer snow ***** wind through bare branches— a final autumn apple falls with a dull thump *****
Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I especially like you’re one about Cottonwood. It presents a very clear visual and very clever satori line.
Stacey Cooper August 30, 2024 Poem Title: “The Season of Fall” The leaves turn brown now The air is cool and freshens We start something new
Manfred Dietrich August 30, 2024 Ants gather slowly to see what spring sun has brought for their Easter feast. Bull-frog sitting glad catching flies on lily-pad Bull-frog sounds so sad. Dr Williams writes poems on prescription pads he knows that words heal.
Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I like the third one, especially. However, I think it’s more of a.senryu than a haiku. Haiku deals only with nature Also, do you know that rhyming is frowned upon in a haiku?
Anne Louise Curran August 30, 2024 a brisk summer breeze – the sound of apples dropping from a laden tree faithful apple tree – from Nana’s sunny kitchen the scent of warm pie cherry blossom tree – the whisper of soft petals falling to the ground
Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I like all three, but I thought in the first one that it would be more appropriate to say sounds rather than sound Since it’s multiple apple dropping from the tree I like Nanas apple pie
Anne Curran August 31, 2024 Thank you for taking the time to comment Pamela. I thought afterwards that to have used a word like ‘thud’ to onomatopoeia the sound of apples falling might have been nice. Anyway, I appreciate your comment, Pamela. And, when I find time I will try to do the same for other poets.
Peter Free August 31, 2024 those castaway seeds pumpkins growing all over our old compost patch fresh picked peas quick crunch sunrise dewdrops fill each pod pregnant with the day working on Sunday childhood piles in the guestroom snail without a throat
Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 I like the one about the peas, the best about the pregnant pods. I guess that has to be distinguished from pregnant pause. Sic
Pamela Ruggiero August 31, 2024 Hello. I am submitting two more entries for the haiku competition thank you very much for considering my entries purple flower face sheds the drips of morning dew ladybugs shower red, yellow, green, gold float on breezes to the ground autumn leaf parade
Kundi Antonieta Joaquina kodia September 1, 2024 Heavy steps in sand Endless dunes beneath the sun Heat scorches the earth Cloudy sky, drops fall Sounds like music whispering Ping ping ping ping ping Golden grasses sway Roar, Serenity broken The sun pours in red Feedback
Richard Campbell September 1, 2024 Sunset Haiku 3.jpg Waiting in your smile – The dawn of my tomorrow. Today slips away.
Richard Campbell September 1, 2024 There’s a sunset photo that goes with the haiku, but obviously it didn’t get transferred.
Portly Bard September 1, 2024 instinctve squawking hunger building lungs to fly purpose spring conceals
Jeannette Tien-Wei Law September 1, 2024 Curtains fill like sails Hulls of imagination Skimming whimsy strands *** Afternoon Plunge Sun hammers the hills Pummel punch the summer drum Crash! The cymbals splash *** August petals yearn The heart’s eventide lily Opens to the night
E. W. Farnsworth September 1, 2024 On the Blue Himalaya Poppy drenching rain and mist, rich soil, cold and sunshine spawn blue Himalayas
Paulette Calasibetta September 1, 2024 opaque beryl glass edges smoothed in briny tide ~ treasures from the sea ~~~~~ vibrant autumn leaves romanced by the whirling wind ~ shifting devotion
Paulette Calasibetta September 1, 2024 Thank you for your lovely comment on my haiku. Best Regards, Paulette
John Leidy September 1, 2024 Awakening day comes later, silvery now, leaving frosted glades. When the thunder rolls, the birds just continue on about their bus’ness. Spring’s indigo nights gleam with miniscule diamonds, greater than the sun.
Bruce Wise September 1, 2024 In the icy pond, there is no sound of water; and no frog jumps in. About the auto i-dl-ing-in-the-traff-ic, a dragonfly flies. Beneath red yuccas, and a white Adam’s Needle, he stared at pebbles.
Linda Marie Hilton September 1, 2024 1) merry bird singing clasping branch: a whole world ’round my teacup rim. 2) green brown fallen leaf cupped catching frost melting slow ladybug drinking 3) lentic puddle floats petals swirling in sunshine tricycle splashes
Katrina Turner September 1, 2024 falling from the tree stopping, birds’ body laid still broken bird – cruel winds
Jeannette Tien-Wei Law September 2, 2024 What a beautifully striking image! I appreciate how the sudden caesura in line 2 creates a metrical mirror for the meaning of the poem. The line truly does “stop” itself–how wonderful! In line three, the 3 + 2 syllabic rhythms of the metrical feet recall to me the traditional meter of the juéjù (quatrain) in classical Chinese poetry, from which the haiku evolved as a poetic form. Above all this, thank you for an exceptionally well-crafted poem that lingers in memory.
Katrina Turner September 2, 2024 You’re so very welcome! But I should be the one thanking you for commenting on my poem, it really means a lot to me! So, thank you so much! 😀
Junaid Ahmed Ahangar September 2, 2024 it’s december’s unending snow i wait motionless to gather this small world in my ordinary hands cold hermit forest i woke up in a silent night what are the odds? lost count of snowfalls my neighbor left his gate open and i feel cold in my room.
Vinod Narayanan September 2, 2024 Like a nightingale— A mother’s lullaby in moonlight, She Rocks an empty cradle. A leaf in autumn— Falls dead, gives us breathing air, We walk on, unseen. Bees before winter— Collect and store, like we hoard wealth. Bees get wax, we get coffins.
Katherine Uy September 2, 2024 flames rain from branches delicious warmth on our tongues by tame crackling light shades and hues of hope softly wakes as life begins for hungry bear cubs winter wonderland sun shining, children laughing while I long white’s end
Aaman Lamba September 2, 2024 A tranquil moonrise Embracing Lookout Mountain In Laurel Canyon. Foam, flashing white, red, Spirit over the waters, Ten thousand fishes. The pain is my muse, The city blurring through tears Steel, remorse, night rain.
Dominique Hilmon September 2, 2024 Eyelevel wasp nest Startles us both. That branch there Was bare last we looked.
Caidan Pilarski September 2, 2024 Haiku Contest Submission, 3 separate haikus: butterfly springs forth in mind, dreamy nectar froths in heart and garden river soars on rock with the birds and mid-year heat my spirit dragged on rickety autumn — frail bones befriend the branches fruiting memories past
Miodrag Kojadinović September 2, 2024 __________________ By the old brick wall pear trees great-grandpa planted, mossy wooden bench. __________________ Swooshing from red woods, train hoots at curved viaduct near my parents’ grave. __________________
Talbot Hook September 2, 2024 Resinous bombshell Explodes my hammocking daze: A falling pinecone. ________________________ Cold air grips my bones As I cross a bridge. Even The water shivers. ________________________ My face wheels around To catch the westering sun — Field of sunflowers.
Kayla Laswell September 2, 2024 Wagging tail, so cute When you look at me sweetly, I bask in your love. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mornings spent in chair, Warm, occupied and content, Reading in a daze. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Walking with my thoughts, Winding, striding in my mind, When will I prevail?
Gloria Eastmond September 2, 2024 Faith, a sanguine moth, fluttering through the gloaming. Lamps reawaken. —————————————- Basic radar glitch: A bat bustling in the sun. Recalibrating.
Portly Bard September 3, 2024 birches painting fall barren, barkless, thickened pink art of self defense
Paulette Calasibetta September 3, 2024 I am submitting one more haiku : silhouettes of leaves lacy cutwork appliques ~ patterns on canvas
Leyelle September 3, 2024 (The haiku titles are in “quotes”) “19” Flowers should bloom now But it snows in the springtime Young girls have white hair “Monsters Steps” This year we will die Winter has not yet shown up But still I shiver “Perennial” Someday my lost youth Will come back to me again Like a fresh blossom
Margaret Coats September 4, 2024 Thank you for your haiku, Leyelle. Please give your full name (first and last) as requested above in the section about WHO may enter the competition. You may place your full name in reply to me here. It is not necessary to re-type your entries.
Maria Panayi September 3, 2024 round drops of dawn dew delight on delicate thread, fly in tangled web sweet lavender breeze each breath a caressing kiss fragrant mystery a rollercoaster that dips and soars time takes all to the earth’s embrace
Maria Panayi September 15, 2024 Dear judges, Please may I make a slight change to haiku number 3. Thank you for your patience it should read, a roller coaster that dips and soars, time takes all to the earth’s embrace
Margaret Coats September 15, 2024 Yes! I’ve noted this change, and a number of changes made by other poets.
Federico C. Peralta September 4, 2024 at the edge of dawn– trading secrets with the stars lizard on the sill a hibiscus falls– the pregnant woman looks for her engagement ring through the hourglass– in a matter of minutes a sand dune appears
Nokulunga Mazibuko September 4, 2024 Summers hot fury lingered in the azure sky as autumn leaves fell The winds melody whistled blissfully through the dancing forest trees Autumn left before the wilted leaves touched the ground the cold came swiftly
Vandana Parashar September 4, 2024 untended garden without any prejudice the spring springs on it following the breeze through a rusty garden gate a few autumn leaves without permission entering my daughter’s room late September sun
Alan Bern September 4, 2024 in the gutter dust a green pencil with bite marks along the body single buzzing wasp twitches on the bottom sheet the next election a different green every single day for the rest of his life
Princesse-Joella Lajoie September 4, 2024 Am i scared to start Wondering and worrying I’m scared to finish
Ron C. Moss September 5, 2024 home again once more Father’s soggy old shoes steam by the crackling fire sound of coming of rain a blind man hears once again the ripples of light our bedtime story blackbirds sing a lullaby with the starry night
Richard Harrow September 5, 2024 like fly-tipped sofas, cows hiding in tall rye-grass lounge under grey clouds
Daniela Misso September 5, 2024 an autumn evening . . . the sweet sound of a piano coming from downstairs * a nightingale sings ripples of light and shadow on the lace curtains * letter from a friend a golden primrose peeps out from under dry leaves Daniela Misso
Dharani Sri September 5, 2024 Empty pocket Empty stomach Hunger filled eyes Cutting old trees Building new house Shelterless birds sheltered humans Barking dogs In street and home For food and love
Victor Arinze September 5, 2024 Across the blue field, my parents’ tombstones glisten– each a heart, breathing.
Kathy Gaynor-Henry September 5, 2024 Bats keen and flit out Fanning the autumnal moon Keeping it aloft Withered mums and moms Await springtime’s new cycle One will ride away Pumpkin tendrils grab Thriving in harvest debris Along with the deer
Karen Morris-Denby September 6, 2024 clouds slide through sunbeams where whales migrate to rainbows butterfly effect dreams made in dark rooms never find the light of day sunlight breaks all hearts changing seasons now full moon reflects in birds’ eye summer never comes
PRABHA K September 6, 2024 Stars of night skies, find Morning at nadir, bring back Lurking dark frightens
Margaret Coats September 9, 2024 Prabha K, I’m glad to see your haiku, but we need to have your last name too. See the top of the contest information where it says IMPORTANT. Click the REPLY button below this message to type your full name. Your haiku is fine where it is, with no need to retype it. Thank you!
Peter Free September 6, 2024 a quick crunch of peas sunrise dewdrops fill each pod pregnant with the day piles of childhood high where i work in the guestroom snail without a throat golden crunch of leaves chortles from a wheelchair race weight of the world lifts
Sonia Patrician September 6, 2024 Burning gems of old Adorn chilling winter skies Brilliant shining stars Soft fur, beating heart Warms both a lap and a soul Summer sun with paws A boisterous boom Spring storm, or a lion’s roar? New life comes again
Ravi Kiran September 6, 2024 It is indeed a delight to write classical haiku in the 5-7-5 syllable format and with Kigo (season word). While the kigo is evident in the first two haiku below, in the third it is ‘acorn’ – which is an autumn kigo. autumn riverbed patches of moss holding on to some of the stones one more war coffin the summer a teenager suddenly grew up acorn below ground does it know a sprawling oak lies within its womb
Halli Steinberg September 6, 2024 #1 Jacaranda tree Lavender blossoming forth Shower Spring on me! #2 Piles of stacked flat rocks Largest anchors the bottom Brave waves, wind, and rain #3 A flash of lightning. In awe of Mother Nature, I count the seconds… Thank you for this opportunity!
Ngo Binh Anh Khoa September 6, 2024 mother’s braided hair the exposed roots of an oak covered in fresh snow what will be will be a world within a dewdrop clinging to a branch resting on the palm of a stone Buddha statue a praying mantis
Jeffrey Ferrara September 7, 2024 the first drop of sap hitting softly the bottom of an old steel pail
Jeffrey Ferrara September 7, 2024 the lonely seabirds connecting with the mainland an isle made of fill
Camilla September 7, 2024 I’ve seen that this is the second jacaranda haiku in as many days! 🙂 I love Halli Steinberg’s beautifully vivid poem!
Deborah H. Doolittle September 7, 2024 at work at my desk a spider darns a web in the window frame daybreak a girl skips across the lawn picking buttercups raindrops caught on the branches of the quince and my umbrella
Maura Harrison September 7, 2024 Drought drives the dirt mad, Vine’s fruit autumns and wrinkles. Sad whine is fruitless. Yellow False Foxglove Sits at summer’s edge and lies In Fall’s coming truth. Fall’s first tree to drop Its aged leaves halos the ground, Deeply forgetful.
Jason Mackey September 7, 2024 fireflies in the night glowing with a golden light like stars in my sight everlasting spring – maidens on a Grecian urn always dance and sing middle of winter – an old friend and I part ways before a black bridge
Afshan Ahmed September 8, 2024 Monsoon rain of mine and his rainfall in sunshine Life at a crossroads Two eyes in prison draw a gritty black rod grid on a cloudy sky On a warm night, the scent of night-blooming jasmine revives the old grief
Katherine Muir September 8, 2024 tulips awaken late frost hits the snooze button nature unfriends them
Cindy Greene September 8, 2024 I sprint to dinner. warm rain spatters my sweater, leaving cheetah spots like unruly vines, barbed wire wraps the fence top, piercing sky and dreams cleats rip the grass, revealing terrain teeming with bewildered ants
John Leidy September 8, 2024 Please remove my submissions of Sept 1 and replace with these revisions: Awakening day comes later, silvery now, leaving frosted glades. When the thunder claps, the birds just continue on about their business. Spring’s indigo nights gleam with minute diamonds, greater than the sun.
Ken Dick September 8, 2024 Moon shining down bright Dark woods bathed in brilliant light Beauty sees twilight The rain ceases now Though the grayness will remain Colors will not fade
Timothy Wheatly September 8, 2024 Thank you for considering my haiku for publication. morning light strikes fish -ing boat small ripples big SPLASH! dog jumps overboard wind gust.. picking up…. even the scarecrow will pay homage by resting dog gnaws on a dream -sicle sunset while right paw guards large set of twigs
Teyah Alniaami September 9, 2024 Thank you to the respective judges for considering my haiku’s! Whispers slash the night, Grotesque truths drip like fresh blood; I drown in your lies. Falsehood consumes me, Gore paints the walls of my mind- Truth’s malformed disguise. Blood paints the silence, Love’s facade now stained with red- Tear-stained hearts collide.
Arunachalashiva Ravisankar September 9, 2024 1) september flower no scent but adores roaming bees and butterflies 2) dancing and singing a sky lark on the branch of the cemetery cross 3) deep meditating a monk on river water neck drown for the rain I here by declare these haiku are my own haiku and written after july 2024 -Arunachalashiva Ravisankar
Tejendra Sherchan September 9, 2024 the monsoon raindrops held on a wild grass cobweb diamonds on hammock late summer heat walking in the pine forest butterfly fans me somnambulism I turn on my new laptop and shut it down
Roxana Terranera September 9, 2024 Haiku 1: Rough clear ocean waters Like a soaring ballerina A whale shows splendor. Haiku 2: Close the warmer months Mayflies rising from ponds, ready Their fleeting lives mourned. Haiku 3: Prestine marks on snow, A striking red fox fix gaze, Aiming on its catch.
Angela Quintanilla September 9, 2024 Haiku 1: What a misery My once delicate feathers Nothing but mere shreds Haiku 2: For all of your words That are cruel and unjust I’ll still love the same Haiku 3: Tears will only flow Somewhere where I’m all alone When I let them fall I declare that these haiku are my own haiku and are written after July of 2024 -Angela Quintanilla
Rick Johnson September 9, 2024 Unmistakable! Kingfisher’s trusty twitter, Drought, pond life teeters. Deep woods mystery, Puzzling quiet, forecast moot, Cicadas are mute. Summer’s snow stings legs. Wind sifted, sugary sand Fills fleeing footprints.
Katrina Turner September 9, 2024 restrained, bound, enchained wings rent and torn – burned to ash fly; I shall never
Claire Shalhope September 9, 2024 “Thymos” Blood is down your wrist, Elbow deep within my chest, Do you twist your arm? “14,000 ft” Do you remember the mountain? You cut the rope, and I screamed.
Alan Brayne September 10, 2024 I’ve already entered two haiku earlier; this one is my third. lengthening shadows fall on the chair in my porch: an early candle
Halli Steinberg September 10, 2024 Respected judges and fellow poets, Is there a way to get notified of the winning poems, or perhaps a daily/weekly digest of poems submitted? The poetry is beautiful, and I don’t want to unsubscribe, but my email inbox is becoming crowded (and I don’t want to set up another filter). Suggestions would be appreciated! Warmly, Halli
Mike Bryant September 10, 2024 Halli Steinberg, Every entry in this Haiku Contest is in this comment section. Simply scroll up from my reply here and you can read every single entry. Thanks, Mike the Moderator.
Margaret Coats September 11, 2024 Dear Halli Steinberg and others interested, The WHEN section near the beginning of this competition post says results will be announced September 29. “Results” means the winning poem and runners-up judged to have composed the best haiku submitted here. If you subscribe, but cannot find the results in your inbox on September 29, come to classicalpoets.org, click on POETRY, and look for the same snow scene picture as above, with the title BEST HAIKU OF 2024.
Leila Lahidji September 10, 2024 I was bleeding out I thought my cuts were sewn up- Healing takes its time The leaves left quickly But the tree did not bargain It knew things had changed
Leila Lahidji September 10, 2024 I was bleeding out I thought my cuts were sewn up- Healing takes its time
Linda Albertson September 10, 2024 pinks whisper of gold bees buzz oblivious as red mites hitch a ride
Tracy Davidson September 11, 2024 something in common – hermit thrush and I, our throats full of lonely song
Jayda Remlinger September 11, 2024 decay striking red turning memories to ghosts soft death for new life branches and empty a coat of silence to wear anticipation ghosts moan through the trees yellow orange and crimson blurry transitions
Helen Hanson September 11, 2024 We long for bright dreams where angels’ wings flutter by Behold, butterfly Sunset as promise Red clouds dancing over waves At dawn an omen Seeking attention snowdrops knock against the cold Keep the door open
Sam Walker September 11, 2024 hanging the laundry tiny perfect sets of clothes for my unborn son silence on the beach she seems happy holding hands wind tousles her hair jewels on brown skin apples set in golden leaves orchard at evening
Sara Jean Baker September 12, 2024 a sudden downpour on an unwanted journey brown grass turning green countless tiny moons illuminate the stone path a frozen koi pond humid cricket song and quiet breezes deserve a cat at full length
Nitu Yumnam September 12, 2024 submerged paper boat the toddler retrieves his tears from the puddle’s edge
Sebastian Chrobak September 12, 2024 the start of spring break all those heavy books stay still deep in the backpack
Nitu Yumnam September 12, 2024 hands limp on the bed my mother throws all the pills into the twilight
Stuti Sinha September 12, 2024 Fistfuls of oozing sweet flesh slips from sticky hands. Mango stones lay bared. Cracking thunder beats to Kalboishakhi lilting on darkened grey stage. Vibrant brolly tops brush Mumbai’s louring canvas – painting in motion.
M. Schwartz September 12, 2024 The sea cloaked in mist as I grieve the loss of you a seagull cries out
Catherine Posey September 12, 2024 Grandmother’s lilacs Craft cloister where children And chameleons play.
Guy Graybill September 12, 2024 Flowers are wilting. Dry seeds lie scattered beneath. Tomorrow’s glory! Wild geese glide downward. A down-covered flotilla Splashes on the creek.
Catherine Posey September 12, 2024 ancient ice expanse quietly drips, drips cold tears of the universe
Catherine Posey September 12, 2024 Meadow daises bow. Eagles soar, clouds pause, taps play. Rain mingles with tears.
Guy Graybill September 12, 2024 He lived by Walden. So immersed had he become: Seasons were his clock.
Shamik Banerjee September 12, 2024 From zinnia’s pink to petunia’s purple – the chameleon Bolting roller skates scare the road-perched crows away – summer vacation Working overtime; prodigious black clouds sew up the last silver rift
Shamik Banerjee September 15, 2024 Dear Judges, My second haiku got swapped with another accidentally. Therefore, I am making a fresh submission of the batch. Kindly pardon my mistake and please accept this new submission. Thank you so much. From zinnia’s pink to petunia’s purple – the chameleon While mother’s garden nears vernal blue and yellow, she nears wintry grey Working overtime; prodigious black clouds sew up the last silver rift
Lisa Marie Miller September 12, 2024 (Haiku contest entries): Cityscape A.M. Colors bring the day Pink and periwinkle play– All below stays gray Centenary-ing Just one hundred four Garden, girlfriends, gourmet store Why not live some more? A Cluster of Birds A cluster of birds chirping in the tallest tree looked very lovely
Liam Maor September 12, 2024 Winter sun bathes me through icy-cold window panes The Comfort of Home Autumn leaves decay yet I only stare in awe at their amber leaves Ravaging wildfires paint the sky red– all will see the death we must face
Urszula Marciniak September 12, 2024 her tight city yard just one daisy in the crack of the old sidewalk the blind girl’s dinner the scent of food in the scent of lilac from him the second first date the last golden leaf sparkles in her silver hair
Chelsea Bushman September 12, 2024 I appreciate the opportunities to learn from the experienced poets on this website, as well as to participate in this contest. Thank you for extending the invitation to beginners like me. Respectfully submitted, Chelsea Bushman Here, out on a limb Fledgling, trembling, leaps then soars. Courage, then, my heart. Winter’s threat’ning gale Drives perilous waves to shore… Foes attack my land. Fragrant, freshened air Springtime’s efflorescent flair… Precious newborn life.
Catalina Fernandez September 12, 2024 bullet pierced the mind The dirt is soft on my skin Here, the lilies sprout
Margaret Coats September 13, 2024 Very glad to see your haiku! Please enter the competition with your full name. If you forgot, just place your full name at the REPLY box after your poems. Thanks!
Diana Woodcock September 13, 2024 birds on migration reaching my arms up to them I become all flame with each falling leaf dead father’s sigh of relief free now of raking river still flowing heron soaring above it some things never change
Edward Cody Huddleston September 13, 2024 contrails intersect just over the horizon where winter deepens the faded sunrise in our family photo just dust in Mom’s eyes funeral bouquet putting a dandelion between the roses
Hla Yin Mon September 13, 2024 I equanimity petal by petal she drops the rose letting go II eugenia sprouts waiting for the wars to end day by day older III endless monsoon rains what else could I do but pray for the swept aways
Brandon Hensley September 13, 2024 Dewdrops spark the blades; humid morning sparkling. Rich in the moment. Waves go in and out, the great cosmic breath of life. Welcome this moment. Haiku gods hold court, settling syllabic spats. “Twas six!” “No, seven!”
zineb oriyane-rass September 13, 2024 Rain of September, emanating petrichor cat seeking shelter Mother and daughter same tale, over and over… A bamboo hairbrush Eyes brimming with tears – reverberating thunder… At last, looking up
Tejendra Sherchan September 13, 2024 the monsoon raindrops held on a wild grass cobweb- diamonds on hammock late summer heat- walking in the pine forest butterfly fans me somnambulism- I turn on my new laptop and shut it down
Maria Tirenescu September 13, 2024 Toddler in the park – a snowflake on the eyelash another in the palm The apple blossoms recalling of grandparents – I write a haiku the evening concert – big waves breaking on the shore full of broken stones
Benjamin Cannicott Shavitz September 13, 2024 September Sunset: With a sinking gleam, Summer’s sun admits it’s done, Now a fading dream. Desert: Only sand and dread. Sunset looms in bloody red. Buzzards overhead. November: The leaves are falling, Bloody red, then flat and dead. The dark is calling.
Tanja Soulas September 13, 2024 One fallen leaf alone hanging on propeller drone bird view happiness Ladybug, pink flower wiped by sudden monsoon softly veiled lady Crystalline raindrop gently drifting from beyond transient wonder
Rachelle Constan September 13, 2024 Black snake slithers up dark tree bark, seeking bird eggs, ignoring me. Cricket’s concert says it’s cold. I open windows, warm up to its song. The orchid smiles as rain mists its face. No tears in today’s shower.
Murray Eiland September 13, 2024 Dry dust invading, Omni ant tracks everywhere Nature’s small footprints Needles tremble, sing, Echoes of ancient songs past Lost in autumn’s breath Burls cradle secrets— Sprouted growth from knobby stumps, Knots of life untapped
Bruce Keahi September 13, 2024 Serenading leaves Brooklet sings a lullaby Summers’s choir whispers Consuming hunger Obliteration, struggle Butterfly’s freedom! Cherished blossoms fall Delicate sanctuary Spring nestled above
Bruce Keahi September 15, 2024 I am an absolute novice of haiku poetry, or an kind of poetry. I only began studying it more intently within the past few days. I don’t know if it was Basho’s intent when he wrote The Old Pond, but I saw/experienced a deeper understanding in the plain and simple capture of the moment. Very Zen. I am Native Hawaiian, and we use a similar principle in our poetry, story-telling and mele (songs) called kaona. I don’t know if my work conforms to traditional haikus since I employ kaona, but it has been a fun and enlightening exercise. Thank you for this opportunity to share.
Kit Hughsen September 14, 2024 Hard prairie rainfall Golden rays pierce the black sky Please cue the songbirds Bright red maple morn The Crimson King is aging Deciduous chum Super blue blood moon All the heavenly glory See what else is on
Glauco Saba September 14, 2024 #1 “Poppies delight me…” your innocence vanishes within your blushing #2 where is the cricket which used to sing “Summertime” all along the night? #3 here comes my evening… no worry, for the fireflies lighten the footpath
Carl Bellerose September 14, 2024 shaking maracas in the pale yellow moonlight dancing with the stars
Gordana Kurtovic September 14, 2024 #1 in the spring dawn an elderberry bush blooms the smell of childhood #2 the end of summer I put a drop of the sea under my skin #3 heatwaves harvest in the vineyard ahead of time
Melanie Phoenix September 14, 2024 I hear you call from bright sky, young one, learning what it means to be hawk. *** Birdsong tiptoes through thick gray fog and testifies hope rises again. *** This old tree whose roots weave with mine in the deep earth breathes enduring joy.
Benjamin Bläsi September 14, 2024 what remains from the rain clouds deep in the forest: mist and mushroom smells heavy, humid sky— the song of a soaring lark barely stirs the air a lone Roman snail crosses the Way of St. James— dripping summer rain
Monica Kakkar September 14, 2024 Dear Mr. Rimer and Dr. Coats, Thank you for the opportunity to submit three haiku with seasonal words, kigo. ***** 01 silver at sunup echoes by the sacred well— a sweep of Peepul 02 a staccato gnaws canisters in the courtyard . . . tapioca snow 03 a cold spell white outs canopy of conifers . . . first flush Darjeeling ***** 01 All summer kigo: Peepul (Ficus religiosa) 02 All winter kigo: tapioca snow 03 All winter kigo: cold spell [World Kigo Database] ***** Thank you for your consideration. Best wishes. Sincerely, Monica Kakkar (she/her/hers)
Bradley Kemp September 14, 2024 Autumn breeze sweeps by— a child races fallen leaves, learning how to fly Winter wind commands— chimes ring out in crisp cadence, frosted notes take flight Winter snow falls soft— a sly fox treads silent trails, white world hides its tracks
Jonathan Bear September 14, 2024 The rains, finally are here. Reaching for the sky the plants celebrate Debris from the storm covers our path. Another reason not to fight. Suddenly right there a deer outside my window my heart skips a beat
Emylou Infante September 14, 2024 Pale round moon sailing the vast cloudless winter sky— snowdrop buds peeking. Dark grey clouds looming, slow murky waters rising— kids swimming, laughing. Blinding blazing sun, scorched fields and cracked earth waiting— typhoons blossoming.
Cindy G. September 14, 2024 I just want to say thank you so much for organizing this contest! I have had so much fun reading through everyone’s delightful haiku. I submitted my entries a while ago and have been reveling in the talent as people are submitting..
Margaret Coats September 15, 2024 Thank you, Cindy! I very much appreciate the high quality of so many haiku, the interaction of writers in comments to one another, and the grateful appreciation you and others express for this competition. Although it will close soon, entries remain visible indefinitely. Be sure to check back on September 29 for announcement of the winner in a new post that day, along with a list of runners-up chosen by Dr. Rimer and me.
Sarah Joseph September 14, 2024 Once strong father’s arms desert willow drops its leaves now frail in winter pairs of sunbirds flit amorous and musical lonely cat watches moonless summer night in stillness, two things certain— loneliness and God
Koichi Kazama September 14, 2024 maple leaves set alight a lone path in the graveyard at autumn sunset mirage of rainbows flickers over winter clouds on a bus window a leaf and a worm lying wet on the wayside after a spring storm
Katie Tencza September 14, 2024 Cricket-chirps spouting from lone, hidden nooks converge – envelop like night Brittle clattering as patio-blown leaves sweep away solstice warmth A feathered white wisp wafts over beaming rose-heads only at wind’s whim
Karan S September 15, 2024 The sky, on fire, Man blithely wraps in desire And condemns his child. Ma’s verdant coat’s swiped by just eight billion bairns. She now wears grunge grey. The flood of sun rays wash away all those yesterdays morn’s new hopes float by.
Dr. José Luis Solís López September 15, 2024 Haiku 1 Bouquet of roses. Say the old great grandmother what am I living for Haiku 2 The willow blossoms. From the teeth of the caiman drops of water fall Haiku 3 On the way home the light of the cocuyos, the overcast sky
Margaret Coats September 15, 2024 Last call for beauty-FULL NAMES to go with your haiku, if you entered the contest without them! Enough hours left to claim your entries. Thanks!
Alexis Liftee September 15, 2024 Haiku 1 Spring time, breeze calls me walking by pink rose bushels petals waving hi Haiku 2 Autumn afternoon whistler walking by fish ponds to old tunes, they splash Haiku 3 Dreary winter night moon weaves in and out of clouds whistling wind at sea
Cezar Florescu September 15, 2024 Remembrance Sunday… on the unknown hero’s cross a few paper cranes * deepening autumn… the people in the hospice talking about spring * old railway station… the fragrance of linden trees filling the wagons
Cezar Florescu September 15, 2024 old railway station… the fragrance of linden trees filling the wagons
Lakshmi Iyer September 15, 2024 Hello Trying my hand to write a classical 5-7-5 haiku with kigo silent summer breeze a blind boy laughs as he breaks his birthday balloons rainy autumn day mother manages to walk post leg surgery intense summer heat the leather bag starts to peel its sticky odour
Roohallah Ghasemi September 15, 2024 1) spring afternoon the city have hypnozed thousands_ eyed cherries 2) summer night beneath the stary sky I have no name 3) moonlight crickets gnaw the night knit the moon
Sonali Tiwari September 15, 2024 In winter, a sheet of snow was seen on the mountain Fog was seen everywhere. Birds are sitting in the tree to avoid the raindrops. Wet birds shiver. The whole world wakes up when the sun rises and goes to sleep when the sun sets.
Robert Hornford September 15, 2024 Best wishes all, my three for consideration Construction season Where forests once stood Cultivated concrete blooms Construction season Cracks Sun’s touch, cracks garden Jagged fissures of torn soil Rain soothes earthy wounds Awaiting Heavy vines dangle Tomatoes now ripening Raccoons awaiting
imaan wallenburg September 15, 2024 Breathless, cold beauty, Light flickers like a heartbeat, Your love, a waning moon.
Tayyiba Jadoon September 15, 2024 Haiku 1: Hours stretch, then snap back Clock hands blur like fading stars, Threads entangle, day and night Haiku 2: Moonlight sculpts the sky Silver veins in endless dark, Night bleeds into dawn. Haiku 3: Falling autumn leaves Crimson whispers on the breeze, Summer slips away.
Angela Petsis September 15, 2024 Chirping chickadees rouse me from my Sunday sleep with rapturous song A sliver of moon floats in silver summer skies sailing through night Along the lakeshore silence disturbed by a breeze breaks the water’s peace
Natalie Myers September 15, 2024 Title: Basketball It soars through the air, The crowd roars like a lion. A buzzer beater
Haniya Ashiq September 15, 2024 Thank you for considering my poem The mud beneath me, Calmness stirs inside my soul. Earth swallows me whole.
Radhika Soni September 15, 2024 Tiny feet splashing A rainbow in the puddle – Wonder in his eyes Dark clouds streak the sky; A Rain Lily, bright and still The sole sign of hope Cherry blossoms wake Have long been in a slumber – Outstretched rosy arms
James Presley September 15, 2024 scrimshaw made from spark lightning spiders the fissures of a fractured night spider constructs a God’s eye delicate as breath more complex than death standing smug and louche the dandelion strikes a pose on my well coiffed lawn
Jon C. Holt September 15, 2024 On the shore they learn To breathe underwater past The lines in the sand
Rachelle Constan September 15, 2024 Withdrawing my previous submission and resubmitting w/ edits. #1 Black snake slithers up dark tree bark, seeking bird eggs. The wind holds its breath. #2 Cricket’s concert says it’s cold. The breeze agrees—my window stays open. #3 Orchid smiles but does not bow; royal as rain now misting its face.
Valentina Ranaldi-Adams September 15, 2024 burgeoning springtime . . . poets desire to sow the seeds of enduring change
E.C. Traganas September 15, 2024 full September moon a copper gong hums in the symphony of night footprints near the door a brass knocker cloaked in snow just a strolling cat Circling hands pluck at bedsheets tracing lines, ending stories returning to sleep
Cato Galen September 15, 2024 We hide from the dark Fearing fated, endless night And rise with the sun Tears hide in raindrops A reminder that heartache Is so natural Soothing coos of doves A new day dawns, and with it: Possibility.
Meera September 15, 2024 Vividly fuzzy Memory of someone who Otherwise unknown. Rose, color word task Touch me not,seldom listen Conflicts never end.
Sylke Laine September 15, 2024 How fifty changed me? Watching robins take a bath: Friday night delight. —- I pull in the oars to honor river’s silence. Mergansers don’t care. —- First snow blankets peaks. Leaves and needles blanket trails. Autumn blankets souls.
Anna Miller September 15, 2024 “Harmful algal blooms” the sign warns. Precarious, you perch above, glad. “You don’t know me.” True enough—so many barriers. Yourself, for instance. I crash through the gauze between consciousness and more. Oh. Life. There you are.
Ekta Adhikari September 15, 2024 Teta leaves home to find Too busy wiping away tears like windshield To build a new one. Prayed for the rain much The crops are now fully satisfied Enjoying bodies swallowed by rivers. The bird flies away singing From my room I watch her mocking Caged person with grilled windows.
