painting by HiroshigeThe Society of Classical Poets 2025 Haiku Competition The Society June 21, 2025 Haiku and Senryu, Poetry, Poetry Contests 161 Comments . 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 in the last twelve months and therefore are not a repeat submission from a previous year. Poems written using artificial intelligence (AI) are not allowed. Please submit using your first and last name, as we may find it difficult to distinguish between contestants who have similar first names. . PRIZE $200 . 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 August 15, 2025, 6 pm EST (New York time). Results to be announced August 28, 2025. Please check back on August 28 or after to view the “Best Haiku of 2025” selected from this competition. . HOW Post your entries in the Comments below. . WHAT Each competitor may post in the comments below 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 Once entries are posted, they can be revised or withdrawn ONLY by making another Comment.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 2024 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*** 161 Responses Rousseaux June 22, 2025 With the water’s pace pilgrims slowly make their way to the warm spring’s call Life’s winding path like this curving mountain road seeking peaceful rest Path’s summit reached warm comfort in a tea cup green calm now finds you Reply John Tiong Chung Hoo June 28, 2025 summer solstice on the historic river poets, tears and dumplings on the radio — war on the table a couple’s new wedding letter Chinese New Year do In the red packet money and his love letter Reply John Tiong Chung Hoo June 28, 2025 summer solstice on the historic river poets, tears and dumplings on the radio — war on the table a couple’s new wedding letter Chinese New Year do In the red packet money and his proposal Joanne Gram June 28, 2025 Joanne Gram Steps in the driveway Crisp autumn oak leaf passing me at my window Reply Bhupin Butaney July 1, 2025 cast from a garden as faint shadows on this earth longing to return a leaf folds and bends to the pressure of rain drops finding their way home Reply Fred McIlmoyle July 1, 2025 Sunlit dreamy days Float through golden summer haze Into memory Musky amber scents Swirl in sultry wistful air Infusing my mind White virgin snowdrops Winter’s gems whisper to me Immortality Reply Randy Brooks June 22, 2025 warm campfire coffee one end of the wooden bench covered with wet moss • fingertips over scales of a fossil lizard who remembers me? • Labor Day picnic a checkered tablecloth spread under a parked jet • Reply Eric O Owen June 22, 2025 Eric Owen Never have I been where hot springs peep through the soil Even in winter Verdant rolling hills Geothermal salty ash I wish I were there I made my peace with steely shapeless wandering Hot spring under foot Reply Jackie Chou June 22, 2025 summer butterfly an automated email from classmates dot com spotted rose petals discovering acne scars on his school photo the fading glitter around an unread poem a snail’s silver slime Reply Haim Schlesinger June 23, 2025 Today’s not like old In each era we’re told The truth? Now is gold! — Aged, father time In future still far will chime Meanwhile, you’re fine — I just don’t know how It has all vanished somehow And when was it now? Reply fred schueler June 23, 2025 I’m working on translating all my March poems about birds into haiku, and here are three of them: Lank-winged as Ravens Snow-flurried pairs of Crows Claim their landscape share. Sunny and springlike, Snow almost gone from the fields – Starlings’ sudden song. A springtime Redtail Upright on a flat-topped pole Scans Cattails for prey. Reply Muralidharan Parthasarathy June 23, 2025 She was narcissist I was chauvinist for her storm in the tea cup He is playing guitar strings vibrate his notations feathers play thin air “Goodbye”, she exited “I am not your care giver” Umbrella nodded Reply Boryana Boteva June 23, 2025 yellow tulips among the bomb survivors stains of blue blooming chestnuts white and pink mixture forgetting myself storks kissed by frogs a never ending story at the old lake Reply Subir Ningthouja June 23, 2025 monsoon evening a bulbul flutters its wings to the breeze’s rhythm —– first monsoon rainfall the river and clouds unite in throes of passion —– autumn evening the candle sheds waxy tears a flame on its head —– Reply Paul Chambers June 23, 2025 hiss of meadow grass a water strider drifting across the horse trough the scent of diesel where the tractor crossed the lane drifting willow seed derelict farmhouse a cloud of bats emptying into the half-light Reply Alan Summers June 23, 2025 to err is divine as if a wink in its eye an elm tree squirrel Reply Barbara Anna Gaiardoni June 23, 2025 unceasing rustling of leaves in the autumn breeze . . . our search for housing a rainbow appears – in touch with expatriates all over the world golden eagle nest a small miracle on top of that mountain there Reply Ram Krishna Singh June 23, 2025 vultures waiting for the remains of sacrifice on the temple tree knocking emptiness I cross the valleys within now stand at stone gate on the river’s bank his soul is lighted for peace- lantern in the sky Reply Beata E. Olszewska June 23, 2025 Truth is uncovered Wolves have gone away to feast Men are abandoned Sad dandelion Met his certain destiny Be gone with the wind Sometime long ago When birds were first in this world People still had dreams Reply Alan Peat June 23, 2025 facing an ocean alone on the promenade grief comes on in waves sheep in pouring rain hard against a drystone wall huddling together Reply Paul A. Freeman June 23, 2025 A lone oasis, beckoning parched travellers. Water wrought from sand. Carved by millennia. Under the Saharan sand a desert rose blooms. Above the yellow of undulating sand dunes – infinite blueness. Reply Katy B Cook June 23, 2025 Before time began Water formed a thought of life We bob in the waves Before time began Ripples in a Spring puddle An ancient mirror Before time began Not in galaxies far off I meditate still Reply Michael Pappafava June 23, 2025 meeting the in-laws — the magpies in the yard at their best behaviour the silent treatment — brooding thunder rolling in on june beetle wings making a big fuss about the smallest of things — singing cicadas Reply Micutiu Sorin June 23, 2025 still pond at twilight a small frog contemplates on a drifting leaf * sunlight and shadow white lily gently drifting across mirrored calm * warm June afternoon beneath the golden sunlight a frog claims its throne Reply Anne-Marie Labelle June 23, 2025 heatwave on the land if I am the main problem how can I help her? Reply Srija Chakraborty June 23, 2025 Approaching twilight The dust from the cattle hooves Beckoning banshee Glistening like pearls Adorned with water droplets Purple lotuses A wood-fired oven Pepperoni and four cheese Gossip aplenty Reply Oliver Mackie June 23, 2025 Storm clouds glowering Dark foreboding shadows loom Cut by bright rainbow Reply Monika Cooper June 23, 2025 you forget they’re there – the sacred spaces among the inspired words a raw green rainfall and in the yellow kitchen the chicken sizzles myriad flowers for one tablespoon honey! but she likes her work Reply Adele Robins June 23, 2025 Like a beard of ice Preparing for a sun shave Frost begins to weep Reply Adele Robins June 23, 2025 Solstice signals change The seasonal shift complete Shadow and light play Reply Joseph Mason June 24, 2025 Mammoth taunting fly Bogeyman ensconced in rye Unplayable lie Unplayable lie: “Even gals can be a guy” Venus and Marseille Wisdom ever die? Rivers leave when passing by? Infant willows cry? Reply Jack McAuley June 24, 2025 The steep cost of life Even while the world burns down The birds sing in spring God makes no mistakes A spring bird with a clipped wing Plans hidden in song She opens her eyes To forests once out of sight Gentleness of life Reply Jack McAuley June 24, 2025 First green leaves unfold— eyes awaken to the wood, soft hum of spring rain. Beneath plum blossoms— a swallow, one wing broken, hides dreams in its song. Ash falls like petals— while wildfire scorches the earth, the nightingale sings. Reply Jack McAuley June 24, 2025 Spring light in her hands, yet she saw only the dusk— gold in a pine box. Ash falls like petals— while wildfire scorches the earth, the nightingale sings. Beneath plum blossoms— a swallow, one wing broken, hides dreams in its song. Reply Eric O Owen June 24, 2025 Hello poets. If I may? My name is Eric. I have been reading and silently critiquing haiku by some aspiring poets on this site, and while I enjoy their imagination and various ways of expressing their surroundings in the most difficult task of fitting it all into three lines and seventeen syllables, I have noticed that a dependence on definite articles (mainly “the”) to deliver the cutaway line often breaks from the poem’s rhythm and loses its intended effect. Please keep trying to deliver those lines differently without the definite article, and sometimes a splicing comma that also tends to break from a poem’s rhythm. I hope this helps. You may respond if you have questions, and I will answer. Reply Roy Eugene Peterson June 24, 2025 Capital letter or lower case to begin? Reply Peter C Free July 4, 2025 Hi Roy Most often haiku start each line with a lower case letter Peter James Sale June 24, 2025 I am so sorry: I don’t write haikus, ever; Please stop all this, now! Reply ABB July 1, 2025 Though you have zero chance of winning, James, this is a very funny anti-haiku. Reply James Sale July 2, 2025 Damn, ABB!!! I’d set my sights on winning this one: is it really so bad? I’ll have to stick to terza rima then! James A. Tweedie June 24, 2025 Softly falling snow Makes my back lawn disappear. Abracadabra! Wintry wisps of fog Skim the surface of the lake Lifetimes passing by End of life draws near. Winter sunset, final breath. Will there be a spring? Reply Jeffrey Ferrara June 24, 2025 a small kettle pond left behind by the glacier blinking in the dawn — a raft of otters tied together in the kelp we watch holding hands — the lone erratic so much softer than bedrock a cloud on the ridge Reply David R. Solheim June 24, 2025 Mercury below Zero, chimney smoke stripes sky Heeling sundogs flare. Near my feet hoppers Spring out of the grass buzzing Like a rattlesnake. Red-capped cranes stroll Trilling each other like two Baritone crickets. Reply Margaret Coats June 28, 2025 Thank you, David. These three stand as your entries for the contest, and I believe the moderator has removed the others. Reply Kathabela Wilson June 24, 2025 in dawn’s early light our boat makes it into shore now swept out again astro poetry a haiku fit between words the world opens wide 25 years in this garden together bright orange poppies Reply M.D. Skeen June 24, 2025 cold water rises tree roots grasp at sifting soil the bank collapses ripening peaches partially covered by leaves basking in sunshine a pretty spring dress essential equipment for twirling in the rain Reply M.D. Skeen June 24, 2025 cold water rises tree roots grasp at shifting soil the bank collapses Reply Marilyn Ashbaugh June 24, 2025 sheets off the clothesline . . . carrying the scented breeze inside for a nap autumn solitude a dark-roasted chicken rests in the dutch oven calling us all home a flock of birds moves as one deepening autumn Reply Adele Robins June 24, 2025 Frozen winter light Sparkling like diamond gems Priceless until spring Reply Tom Shaw June 25, 2025 A ghastly gale slams Against a crumbled castle… Still no surrender. Sifting ashen soils, Between the black, wild-fired wood, Grows a wry green wisp. Fallen from its grace, Blossom gathers in the drains— Flooding closes roads. Reply Moseph Jason June 25, 2025 Midnight Sale review: Monkeys take over our zoo Drinking from the loo Free Verse and Haiku Yellow snow beneath my shoe Boogers in the stew Reply Mitra Javadpour June 25, 2025 ‘Are you lost?’ He asks ‘No,’ head shakes, moves through the mist She is very lost Golden leaf drifts down I could catch it but instead Let it fall and rot Moth caught in a web I could save it but tread on To the flower field Reply Diane Descoteaux June 25, 2025 only phlox and me – suddenly an honeybee buzzes between us an old Texan died of hemorrhagic fever – last October moon long live the shower! the koi fish on my left calf with its open mouth Reply Joe Kleponis June 25, 2025 wind through a cornfield a sighing across the land a scarecrow dances a raging storm of leaves on a windy afternoon- an endless cycle a flowered chalice offering this spring morning – a golden tulip Reply Adam Sedia June 26, 2025 Humid night swelters. Distant lightning flashes white. No sound of thunder. Darkness of storm clouds; A gust shakes blooming pear trees. White petals rain down. Snow blankets the path, Silent beneath clear starlight. Crunch! I leave footprints. Reply Helen Saleyi June 26, 2025 My darling Sunny. Sunshine that warms up my world. Oh, I love you so. My baby so sweet. My sun, so tender, so warm. So much love to give. Gentle summer breeze. Birds sing and vibrant blooms sway. With each breath you take. Reply Joan Enoch June 26, 2025 Color mandalas Rest for your weary being Enjoy life again Nature everywhere In the heart of the colors Purity unleashed Mandala is the Geometric universe A Buddhist symbol Reply Joan Leotta June 26, 2025 morning dewdrops dry as sun sizzles…petals glisten with my sweat asphalt on my street melts in afternoon strong heat sticks to tires, shoes, feet water trickles from our hose after watering robin stops to drink Reply Harvey Jenkins June 26, 2025 sun dog fills the sky our pet’s let outside to play with his own shadow Creeping Bellflower the slow spread of decaying yellow aspen leaves slung like a hammock the heavy farmyard’s clothesline kisses the hard ground Reply Mari Felices June 26, 2025 on the gloomy night the moon is hiding its light crickets sing with pride a lonesome sparrow severe rain ruptures her nest quivering with fear on the way back home smells rotten egg in the train man raises his hand Reply Eloise Pengelly June 26, 2025 Through the window, birds Red apple skins shrivelled old Unpicked tree, birds eat Reply Eloise Pengelly June 27, 2025 heat wobbles off roof two girls bounce up red balloon rising rising pop Reply Barrie Levine June 26, 2025 scent of summer rain rolling up all the windows in dad’s jalopy Reply Jack McAuley June 27, 2025 Spring light in her palms, yet she sees only the dusk— a coffin’s gilt edge. Ash falls like petals— wildfire splits the old oak’s spine; the nightingale sings. Beneath plum blossoms, a swallow with one wing limp hides its dreams in song. Reply Margaret Coats June 28, 2025 Thanks, Jack McAuley, for the haiku you’ve posted. In order for any of them to be considered for recognition in judging, you will need to select the three you want to be competition entries, and withdraw the others in a further comment. Reply Fortunato Salazar June 27, 2025 Poor Aegisthus. One job & done. Had it in his grasp; dude lost the axe. Reply John Rux-Burton June 27, 2025 When the whale leapt I saw stars twinkle answers Though the splash was gone Reply Greg Nelson June 27, 2025 Very vocative. A thoughtful look at something ordinary. Excellent! Reply Tushar Gandhi June 28, 2025 spring foraging course they say Dandelion flowers do not attract bees a squirrel’s new home my unused table drawer first monsoon showers I follow a dog to a panoramic view Snowshoeing at dawn Reply beryl June 28, 2025 Hello, I still don’t understand whether haikus should be related to Hiroshige’s print. Could you please clarify this for me? Reply Margaret Coats June 28, 2025 Hello, Beryl. Your haiku does NOT need to be related to the Hiroshige print. All you need is any 5-7-5 haiku of your own composition during the past twelve months. You may submit three to be considered for the prize. Please use first and last name on the comment where you submit. Thanks! Reply Christine Beryl June 28, 2025 Thank you Margaret for these clarifications. John Hawkhead June 28, 2025 in a church ruin where the roof has given way snow as a blessing periwinkle dusk I loiter in the garden my parents tended stumble-step pebbles a horizon-skimming moon ripples the neap-tide Reply Rupa Anand June 29, 2025 garden stone Buddha — the compassion in his eyes salty tears in mine Reply Oliver Mackie June 29, 2025 thunder rolls its bass hot summer days give thier way to evening rain dark speck in the sky red kite soaring on thermals looking for her lunch Reply Daniela Misso June 29, 2025 sleet on the window on his ninetieth birthday flickering candles * din of cicadas curtains blowing to and fro in the evening breeze * a pregnant woman holds her belly with her hands snow on the gutters Daniela Misso Reply Tomislav Maretic June 29, 2025 emu in the Milky Way always in the same place – the longest night Reply Snigdha Agrawal June 30, 2025 bow-tie neatly pinned his love pre-tied and fastened all through the season’s —- broken hornet’s nest sting in his words failed to upset used to deeper pain —- monsoon bonanza through the screen of fogginess a haiku took shape Reply Harrison Heng June 30, 2025 Winter has arrived The lake starts icing over Intrusive thoughts win I open the door Heat envelops me quickly I like air con more colourful rainbow it’s not the same anymore why is it a flag Reply Sydney Liu June 30, 2025 The snow sprinkles down The slipp-ery ice is covered I fall to the ground Serene, quiet, night The moon exposes the dark “Crack!” What was that sound? The clouds float away The bright sun dries the old trees Disaster awaits Reply Donal Wu June 30, 2025 Canadian goose Honking uncontrollably My new alarm clock The lake is frozen The trees bare and without leaves Where did the fish go? The green grass rustles The river beside gurgles Tiny rabbits appear Reply Venus Mayhew June 30, 2025 Jesus came to us, Teaching of rebirth and love. We crucified him. Hot night, college ground, No one here to make a sound. Cicadas screaming. They tell us of hope, Just let the ancient trees rot. That hope is not mine. Reply Darrell Lindsey June 30, 2025 lazy afternoon… whistling through a blade of grass on my umpteenth try Reply David R. Solheim June 30, 2025 Goldfinches gather On the weeping willow crown Enchanting their charms. At sunrise a flock of Of geese fly into my dreams Rude drivers wheeling. Roadside chunk of tread Shining the ditch like raven’s Wings ready to fly. Reply Scharlie Meeuws July 1, 2025 Lilies scent the air A hidden birdsong echoes The truth of summer The plum tree bares fruit Sweetness and Color unite In constant prayers My eighty two years Sailing still in calm waters Breathe among the frogs Reply Linda Arnott July 1, 2025 a pink lotus pond in solitary beauty as the sun rises headless camellia darkness thunder lightning rain a samurai wind the sunflowers smile through a window of blue skies a sip of sunshine Reply Sara Wenger July 1, 2025 fall mountains ablaze apples hang like bells from trees a farmer looks up crescent moon, your squint tilts in the night sky eking out eternal light a finite number of stars, an impossible string of pearls to count Reply Eric O Owen July 1, 2025 Hello again, poets. It’s Eric, still reading your work. And again, if you will allow, I wish to share an observation with you and hopefully provide an additional layer for using your wonderful talents in poetry. Every haiku that I have read has included a form of “cutaway line” as its ending. Some were successful and some not so much. Perhaps the following will help: Try approaching the “cutaway line” using one of its synonyms, namely the “epiphany,” as your last line to accomplish the same goal. Thanks for letting me share. Reply wendy lee klenetsky July 1, 2025 Met at a party “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!” neither one wanted to go that’s what all of the books say Wed 51 years Then I guess I’m “NUTS!” Reply Don Reese July 1, 2025 vaulting young squirrels, flapping bats, and gliding birds— we soar by watching a soft, late spring rain, four red umbrellas waiting for the light to change teeth bared, spine exposed, umber fur in the gutter shocks me walking past Reply Vasile Moldovan July 1, 2025 New wedding season – even the full moon is wearing a veil of bride The moon behind clouds – the dog sniffles all around for the lost shadow The old clock tower – a flock of crows fighting for a place on the cross Reply Emily Meng July 1, 2025 1. Pink little blossom, swaying in the gentle breeze, tells of fruit to come. 2. Old and enduring, white light shines on dusty road – pilgrims and the moon. 3. White bobber plunges, Hook floats among rock and weed; red fishes dart – hide. Reply Murray Eiland July 1, 2025 Childhood’s vibrant spark, Shifts like shadows on the wall, Springing of the soul. Bird songs in morning, Death’s mourning interrupted— Selfish hearts in grief. In shadows we walk, Finding joy in fractured light— Life’s dark jest unfolds. Reply Wieslaw Karlinski July 2, 2025 just after the storm a sound of water drowns out late evening church bell on the way to school in the pocket there’s still left— grandma’s apple pie another full moon brightens all the countryside lushy cotton field Reply Alan Summers July 2, 2025 day of utmost blue clouds drift across each other to figure things out Reply Jenna Tedesco July 2, 2025 June Surprise Move, darling daughter. Swim to the sound of my voice Singing you lovesongs. My Daughter, Baby My daughter, baby: My longing, mother-hunger for you Has made you so sweet. Ripening The tree ripened to Autumn as my baby Ripened into real. Reply Ian Richardson July 2, 2025 afternoon shower suddenly chokes the warm sun umbrella closeness ahh spring ohh my spring how great is a new spring day! Mmm, etcetera grey winter drizzle draining the houses of life an unwelcome guest Reply Lakshman Bulusu July 2, 2025 early morning dew welcoming rays woo the pearls my daydreams melt warm Mt.Everest thoughts chase away my winter blues solitude’s splendor yonder distant hills setting sun meets rising moon evening rendezvous Reply Isabel Chenot July 3, 2025 1. Fog We bulge out of half- viscous day. Fade on its blear iris. Scale to grey. 2. hoary mustard A bright weed by the road, its moth snare netting dark — and breath snags, star-meshed. 3. roadside mustard Mind, tangled on the nodes of nebulae — moth weed that lures remembrance. Reply oliver July 9, 2025 YES! both thumbs up oliver July 9, 2025 YES! and again YES! Reply oliver July 9, 2025 YES! Reply Dave Earnhardt July 3, 2025 Crickets still chanting on Thanksgiving blind with hope— joy in the sorrows! * An eagle fallen weather-worn along this road— just a newspaper. * Trout kisses rise up across the pond reflecting sky of puckered clouds. Reply oliver July 9, 2025 YES! you get it!! Reply Zvonko Jurcevic July 3, 2025 summer afternoon – resting on the sea surface seagulls and the sun little night music – Mozart in the canopy cricket on the leaf an old octopuss slides down the rock to the sea – a morning sunrise Reply Itay Felker July 3, 2025 bodacious goddess dew in sun’s glittering gaze Spring flows to the drain deserts myrrh rises above the crust of a dune Mary in a spoon Haiku is a sham Unlike Epic’s fertile ford A seasonal brook Reply oliver July 9, 2025 the last of the three – reflection on poetry . . . yeah! it REALLY works!! Reply Barrie Levine July 3, 2025 joining in prayer for my grandmother’s long life her grieving village Reply Joanna Raja Sekar July 4, 2025 cardinal returns, hops along the picket fence, little blur of fire – coarse beneath my hands splintering bark, bustling leaves truth, an oak with roots – petals in the grass these lazy lilacs, spilling their cursive secrets Reply Peter C Free July 4, 2025 spring wind song playing the time between you and us stick :: stick insect dance a distant laughter handfuls of childhood moss takes the rest of the tree two parallel skies stomping at the edge of the storm toddlers rainbow splash Reply John Savoie July 4, 2025 the pine I planted thirty seven years ago whispers me to sleep Reply Edward Fisher July 5, 2025 Enigma of earth— Archetype & miracle Playing in the sun Over the eons Imprinted in fossil rock The dream of a bird Under the vegetable eye Of the winter moon An orchard of snow Reply Wim Meeuws July 5, 2025 the oak tree grows on my son helped me planting it fifty years have passed Reply Ron C. Moss July 5, 2025 reincarnation . . . the late gardner’s seed packets ready for planting the armchair hero he turns down the TV sound to stop the missiles captured red starfish in a little boy’s bucket— the distant static Reply Goran Gatalica July 5, 2025 hunting the pheasants. . . intimate relationship with the food I eat treasured memories— becoming vermilion-tinged the closest cranes fragile ceasefire— a battlefield becoming an ice skating rink Reply Siniša Avramov July 5, 2025 Morning wind – a scar on my knee, no memory of the game A dog without leash sniffs a trail beside the road – utterly still A torn sugar sack – grains spill into stillness, one by one by one Reply Guy Graybill July 5, 2025 Hello: I’m confused. I sent three haiku entries by this comment section; but they only place anything appears is in some other section, not associated with the contest? I’ll send this, then try to come into this comment section elsewhere and send my haiku section once more. Yes, I’m utterly confused. GUY GRAYBILL Reply Mike Bryant, Moderator July 5, 2025 Judges, Mr. Graybill placed his haiku on the “examples” post… Here are his entries: My three haiku selections: Love stories abound, ‘Tho destined to end sadly, As all loves must end! We are ever lost…. We’ll never find the river! Ahhh! There’s the fog bank! Poem rejected. An invalid count was found. Seppuku’s my fate! Reply Margaret Coats July 6, 2025 Thank you, Guy Graybill, for these haiku. Hope you are no longer confused, thanks to Mike Bryant’s explanation. And thank you, Mike, for scanning comments, noticing entries posted in the wrong place, and setting things right! Reply William Winslow July 5, 2025 shuffling ankle-deep through the fallen prophets of a maple grove the end of summer – a toy pail and shovel left behind in the dunes in a fallow field waiting for familiar hands – father’s wheelbarrow Reply Jessica Tommasi July 5, 2025 on the cusp of spring – the return of the osprey forsythia blooms gliding through the reeds a water beetle pauses – stillness in the flow tinkling in the breeze crystal bell whispers coolness – summer’s gentle song Reply Terrie Henrich July 5, 2025 let’s pick blueberries then call Oma for the streusel recipe from ashes you rise ignore the trolls, lacy Queen who call you a weed but your deadly roots i’d love you purple lythrum summer’s femme fatale Reply Mike Johansson July 5, 2025 Home beneath the clouds, Silver ferns sway in the breeze Tui calls me home Mist lifts from the sea The pohutukawa burns On a salt-kissed shore I miss moana I pine for the whenua Aotearoa Reply Irene Andersen July 5, 2025 A red garden bench Is dotted with windfall limes Colours in Winter Reply Chris Lipscombe July 5, 2025 Autumn nights grow cold While travellers sip their tea — Red moon, aeroplane. Red-hot pokers stand Proud against the horizon — The winter hills wait. Tulips push their tips Past their earthen carapace — Spring is here to stay. Reply Carl Bellerose July 6, 2025 morning reflection joining her hands in prayer a moth rests its wings Reply Ashley Horton July 6, 2025 Warning sirens blare Continuing to look down As birds fly away Earlier this time Branches against the window Calmness with the storm Ducklings cross the road Beauty meets fragility Slippery wet leaves Reply John Savoie July 6, 2025 nicely done, Carl well lineated, natural, uncluttered, spare Reply Diane Smither July 6, 2025 On my window-sill a cycladic figurine. reveals existential knowledge with threads of connection. 5,000 years ago as i wash my dishes. Reply Judith McNeil July 6, 2025 Pohutukawa Water like paint in relief Framed in a Landscape Reply David Marriott July 7, 2025 I remember you Sunlight formica kitchen Brown knitted tie, shorts Ionisation Elevates mundanity On a solar wind Post apocalypse Amongst devastation ruins The cat enjoys the sun Reply David Nickless July 7, 2025 Before the sunrise, the waking world bares itself with a warming face. Stars in the cold night; lights shining across dark tides from so far away. A flight of starlings dances on the swirling winds like dry autumn leaves. Reply Howard Osborne July 7, 2025 BREEZE The breeze passes by Unnoticed, except by some Yet is still a voice LUNAR VIEW A blue horizon As seen from the darker side And still there are tides AUTUMN THOUGHTS Leaves fall and settle All in red and golden brown Yet in peaceful rest Reply BDW July 7, 2025 Learn about the pines from the pines, and from the spine, learn about the spine. On the paved concrete, the screech of the cicadas sinks into my head. In Kyoto too, cuckoos long for Kyoto, kyoo-kyoo, and cuckoos. Reply JOHN PAPIA July 7, 2025 from winter to spring velvet snow turns to water flowers on the hill old men laughing loud speak of times long long ago mind over matter a river flows free at the end the ocean waits I will not forget Reply Alison Ivey July 7, 2025 Grey skies in July Garden waterlogged and drab Then a daffodil. Melancholy day Wistfully recollecting Fragrance of daphne. Reply Kyle Brogmus July 7, 2025 Haiku 0 for my Rose (11012024) by Kyle Brogmus In crunchy leaves jump surrounded by death we laugh within the Fall grace Reply Mahathier Dama July 7, 2025 rain’s deafening din. scorching sun, dry wind, abate. drip, again it comes. dark clouds horizon. ants scavenge, stash, shelter, wait. pale lilac shrouds land. sky darkens, wind howls. volcano spews, earth devours. sky lightens, wind calms. Reply Julie Davey July 8, 2025 The Crunch of the Frost A Girl is flushed with Cold The Horse waits for Day Reply Sheila Barksdale July 8, 2025 this winter acre of deep furrows, hare-hurtle heart-hurtle, faster clumsy hash of oars watching riverbank whiskers halt their dainty dip scrabbling musty air a porch mosquito inspects old Sears catalogues Reply Dylan Stover July 8, 2025 Dendrobium white bedside in the filtered light a cup of ice chips reasons I stay here… the geography of blood in a rabbit’s ears Ozymandias! rising from the horse’s dung freshly sprouted grass Reply Sophia Meindl July 8, 2025 A silent whisper A voice lost in the deep sea Deafening silence. Reply Jill Garrett July 8, 2025 Veridian splendor In the wilds, turquoise the sea Face up to the sun Drizzle, pour and pelt Winter rain – a bleak outlook We are warm inside Paradise, this view of gentle slopes and hues, I know not all is lost Reply Sonia Grant July 8, 2025 Pregnant ewes grazing Grass shivers, southerly breeze Spring biding her time Stones grind underfoot Driftwood litters onyx sand Muddy sea claims all Coriander sprawls Pluck slender stems, pick a bunch Gardener’s delight Reply Bogdana July 9, 2025 1. outburst of my pain lava of such volcano in an overdose 2. pasive fugitive blocked in body , free in mind mixture of beings 3. blurred channel of view bad signal from the critics any dream time stopped Bogdana Găgeanu Reply Alizetta Dawson July 9, 2025 Mess on the clean floor, a breeze moves crumbs in sunlight- things I’m not sorry for! Reply Alvin Cruz July 10, 2025 the first day of spring I also dance to the tune of the snake charmer familiar sadness somewhere I hear the echo of yesterday’s rain trying to fathom what goes on under the sun drooping sunflowers Reply Barrie Levine July 10, 2025 open air café . . . watching lovers hand-in-hand on Champs-Élysées Reply H.M.Elsenpeter July 10, 2025 rose petals fall down my sense is to still smell them knowing there is some blue sky and white clouds beauty I see from below imagine the view up high my spring has sprung now I am more than done to go dance into eternity Reply Michael Henry Lee July 11, 2025 raging winter wind turning one frost bitten cheek and then the other Reply Michael Henry Lee July 11, 2025 fast approaching storm squeezing a thunder shirt over the dog’s head Reply Michael Henry Lee July 11, 2025 first day of the year twenty twenty six fills up with appointments Reply Sherri Ali July 11, 2025 Tiny, crushed sparrow Her wings still trying to fly On wind from cruel cars Reply Vera Kochanowsky July 11, 2025 after the rainstorm ant armies, in single file, march into my house red leaves and yellow falling on the woodland path slow me on my way ripened heads of wheat nod in the late summer sun heavy with wisdom Reply Carl Brennan July 11, 2025 Spring light composing sonnets on blond fur, my cat beheads a March hare My cat dines neatly on dragonfly al fresco– earthly Paradise My young cat riding on my shoulders through autumn– cooler than a Muse Reply Rick Johnson July 12, 2025 A fading gold finch Ravages the coneflower. She trusts the outcome. Reply Tim Huff July 12, 2025 Quietly peeks out Little creature of the night Shy bashful gecko ***** Perfect crescent moon Big swing hanging in night sky Stars dance around it ***** Top of old pine tree Mocking bird announces day Sweet song of new hope Reply Ravi Kiran July 12, 2025 long after she’s gone the memories mother left in her cabinet lending their fragrance to the wind in a desert notes of an old flute coloring the space between the concrete towers all the shades of spring Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Rousseaux June 22, 2025 With the water’s pace pilgrims slowly make their way to the warm spring’s call Life’s winding path like this curving mountain road seeking peaceful rest Path’s summit reached warm comfort in a tea cup green calm now finds you Reply
John Tiong Chung Hoo June 28, 2025 summer solstice on the historic river poets, tears and dumplings on the radio — war on the table a couple’s new wedding letter Chinese New Year do In the red packet money and his love letter Reply
John Tiong Chung Hoo June 28, 2025 summer solstice on the historic river poets, tears and dumplings on the radio — war on the table a couple’s new wedding letter Chinese New Year do In the red packet money and his proposal
Joanne Gram June 28, 2025 Joanne Gram Steps in the driveway Crisp autumn oak leaf passing me at my window Reply
Bhupin Butaney July 1, 2025 cast from a garden as faint shadows on this earth longing to return a leaf folds and bends to the pressure of rain drops finding their way home Reply
Fred McIlmoyle July 1, 2025 Sunlit dreamy days Float through golden summer haze Into memory Musky amber scents Swirl in sultry wistful air Infusing my mind White virgin snowdrops Winter’s gems whisper to me Immortality Reply
Randy Brooks June 22, 2025 warm campfire coffee one end of the wooden bench covered with wet moss • fingertips over scales of a fossil lizard who remembers me? • Labor Day picnic a checkered tablecloth spread under a parked jet • Reply
Eric O Owen June 22, 2025 Eric Owen Never have I been where hot springs peep through the soil Even in winter Verdant rolling hills Geothermal salty ash I wish I were there I made my peace with steely shapeless wandering Hot spring under foot Reply
Jackie Chou June 22, 2025 summer butterfly an automated email from classmates dot com spotted rose petals discovering acne scars on his school photo the fading glitter around an unread poem a snail’s silver slime Reply
Haim Schlesinger June 23, 2025 Today’s not like old In each era we’re told The truth? Now is gold! — Aged, father time In future still far will chime Meanwhile, you’re fine — I just don’t know how It has all vanished somehow And when was it now? Reply
fred schueler June 23, 2025 I’m working on translating all my March poems about birds into haiku, and here are three of them: Lank-winged as Ravens Snow-flurried pairs of Crows Claim their landscape share. Sunny and springlike, Snow almost gone from the fields – Starlings’ sudden song. A springtime Redtail Upright on a flat-topped pole Scans Cattails for prey. Reply
Muralidharan Parthasarathy June 23, 2025 She was narcissist I was chauvinist for her storm in the tea cup He is playing guitar strings vibrate his notations feathers play thin air “Goodbye”, she exited “I am not your care giver” Umbrella nodded Reply
Boryana Boteva June 23, 2025 yellow tulips among the bomb survivors stains of blue blooming chestnuts white and pink mixture forgetting myself storks kissed by frogs a never ending story at the old lake Reply
Subir Ningthouja June 23, 2025 monsoon evening a bulbul flutters its wings to the breeze’s rhythm —– first monsoon rainfall the river and clouds unite in throes of passion —– autumn evening the candle sheds waxy tears a flame on its head —– Reply
Paul Chambers June 23, 2025 hiss of meadow grass a water strider drifting across the horse trough the scent of diesel where the tractor crossed the lane drifting willow seed derelict farmhouse a cloud of bats emptying into the half-light Reply
Barbara Anna Gaiardoni June 23, 2025 unceasing rustling of leaves in the autumn breeze . . . our search for housing a rainbow appears – in touch with expatriates all over the world golden eagle nest a small miracle on top of that mountain there Reply
Ram Krishna Singh June 23, 2025 vultures waiting for the remains of sacrifice on the temple tree knocking emptiness I cross the valleys within now stand at stone gate on the river’s bank his soul is lighted for peace- lantern in the sky Reply
Beata E. Olszewska June 23, 2025 Truth is uncovered Wolves have gone away to feast Men are abandoned Sad dandelion Met his certain destiny Be gone with the wind Sometime long ago When birds were first in this world People still had dreams Reply
Alan Peat June 23, 2025 facing an ocean alone on the promenade grief comes on in waves sheep in pouring rain hard against a drystone wall huddling together Reply
Paul A. Freeman June 23, 2025 A lone oasis, beckoning parched travellers. Water wrought from sand. Carved by millennia. Under the Saharan sand a desert rose blooms. Above the yellow of undulating sand dunes – infinite blueness. Reply
Katy B Cook June 23, 2025 Before time began Water formed a thought of life We bob in the waves Before time began Ripples in a Spring puddle An ancient mirror Before time began Not in galaxies far off I meditate still Reply
Michael Pappafava June 23, 2025 meeting the in-laws — the magpies in the yard at their best behaviour the silent treatment — brooding thunder rolling in on june beetle wings making a big fuss about the smallest of things — singing cicadas Reply
Micutiu Sorin June 23, 2025 still pond at twilight a small frog contemplates on a drifting leaf * sunlight and shadow white lily gently drifting across mirrored calm * warm June afternoon beneath the golden sunlight a frog claims its throne Reply
Anne-Marie Labelle June 23, 2025 heatwave on the land if I am the main problem how can I help her? Reply
Srija Chakraborty June 23, 2025 Approaching twilight The dust from the cattle hooves Beckoning banshee Glistening like pearls Adorned with water droplets Purple lotuses A wood-fired oven Pepperoni and four cheese Gossip aplenty Reply
Oliver Mackie June 23, 2025 Storm clouds glowering Dark foreboding shadows loom Cut by bright rainbow Reply
Monika Cooper June 23, 2025 you forget they’re there – the sacred spaces among the inspired words a raw green rainfall and in the yellow kitchen the chicken sizzles myriad flowers for one tablespoon honey! but she likes her work Reply
Adele Robins June 23, 2025 Solstice signals change The seasonal shift complete Shadow and light play Reply
Joseph Mason June 24, 2025 Mammoth taunting fly Bogeyman ensconced in rye Unplayable lie Unplayable lie: “Even gals can be a guy” Venus and Marseille Wisdom ever die? Rivers leave when passing by? Infant willows cry? Reply
Jack McAuley June 24, 2025 The steep cost of life Even while the world burns down The birds sing in spring God makes no mistakes A spring bird with a clipped wing Plans hidden in song She opens her eyes To forests once out of sight Gentleness of life Reply
Jack McAuley June 24, 2025 First green leaves unfold— eyes awaken to the wood, soft hum of spring rain. Beneath plum blossoms— a swallow, one wing broken, hides dreams in its song. Ash falls like petals— while wildfire scorches the earth, the nightingale sings. Reply
Jack McAuley June 24, 2025 Spring light in her hands, yet she saw only the dusk— gold in a pine box. Ash falls like petals— while wildfire scorches the earth, the nightingale sings. Beneath plum blossoms— a swallow, one wing broken, hides dreams in its song. Reply
Eric O Owen June 24, 2025 Hello poets. If I may? My name is Eric. I have been reading and silently critiquing haiku by some aspiring poets on this site, and while I enjoy their imagination and various ways of expressing their surroundings in the most difficult task of fitting it all into three lines and seventeen syllables, I have noticed that a dependence on definite articles (mainly “the”) to deliver the cutaway line often breaks from the poem’s rhythm and loses its intended effect. Please keep trying to deliver those lines differently without the definite article, and sometimes a splicing comma that also tends to break from a poem’s rhythm. I hope this helps. You may respond if you have questions, and I will answer. Reply
ABB July 1, 2025 Though you have zero chance of winning, James, this is a very funny anti-haiku. Reply
James Sale July 2, 2025 Damn, ABB!!! I’d set my sights on winning this one: is it really so bad? I’ll have to stick to terza rima then!
James A. Tweedie June 24, 2025 Softly falling snow Makes my back lawn disappear. Abracadabra! Wintry wisps of fog Skim the surface of the lake Lifetimes passing by End of life draws near. Winter sunset, final breath. Will there be a spring? Reply
Jeffrey Ferrara June 24, 2025 a small kettle pond left behind by the glacier blinking in the dawn — a raft of otters tied together in the kelp we watch holding hands — the lone erratic so much softer than bedrock a cloud on the ridge Reply
David R. Solheim June 24, 2025 Mercury below Zero, chimney smoke stripes sky Heeling sundogs flare. Near my feet hoppers Spring out of the grass buzzing Like a rattlesnake. Red-capped cranes stroll Trilling each other like two Baritone crickets. Reply
Margaret Coats June 28, 2025 Thank you, David. These three stand as your entries for the contest, and I believe the moderator has removed the others. Reply
Kathabela Wilson June 24, 2025 in dawn’s early light our boat makes it into shore now swept out again astro poetry a haiku fit between words the world opens wide 25 years in this garden together bright orange poppies Reply
M.D. Skeen June 24, 2025 cold water rises tree roots grasp at sifting soil the bank collapses ripening peaches partially covered by leaves basking in sunshine a pretty spring dress essential equipment for twirling in the rain Reply
Marilyn Ashbaugh June 24, 2025 sheets off the clothesline . . . carrying the scented breeze inside for a nap autumn solitude a dark-roasted chicken rests in the dutch oven calling us all home a flock of birds moves as one deepening autumn Reply
Adele Robins June 24, 2025 Frozen winter light Sparkling like diamond gems Priceless until spring Reply
Tom Shaw June 25, 2025 A ghastly gale slams Against a crumbled castle… Still no surrender. Sifting ashen soils, Between the black, wild-fired wood, Grows a wry green wisp. Fallen from its grace, Blossom gathers in the drains— Flooding closes roads. Reply
Moseph Jason June 25, 2025 Midnight Sale review: Monkeys take over our zoo Drinking from the loo Free Verse and Haiku Yellow snow beneath my shoe Boogers in the stew Reply
Mitra Javadpour June 25, 2025 ‘Are you lost?’ He asks ‘No,’ head shakes, moves through the mist She is very lost Golden leaf drifts down I could catch it but instead Let it fall and rot Moth caught in a web I could save it but tread on To the flower field Reply
Diane Descoteaux June 25, 2025 only phlox and me – suddenly an honeybee buzzes between us an old Texan died of hemorrhagic fever – last October moon long live the shower! the koi fish on my left calf with its open mouth Reply
Joe Kleponis June 25, 2025 wind through a cornfield a sighing across the land a scarecrow dances a raging storm of leaves on a windy afternoon- an endless cycle a flowered chalice offering this spring morning – a golden tulip Reply
Adam Sedia June 26, 2025 Humid night swelters. Distant lightning flashes white. No sound of thunder. Darkness of storm clouds; A gust shakes blooming pear trees. White petals rain down. Snow blankets the path, Silent beneath clear starlight. Crunch! I leave footprints. Reply
Helen Saleyi June 26, 2025 My darling Sunny. Sunshine that warms up my world. Oh, I love you so. My baby so sweet. My sun, so tender, so warm. So much love to give. Gentle summer breeze. Birds sing and vibrant blooms sway. With each breath you take. Reply
Joan Enoch June 26, 2025 Color mandalas Rest for your weary being Enjoy life again Nature everywhere In the heart of the colors Purity unleashed Mandala is the Geometric universe A Buddhist symbol Reply
Joan Leotta June 26, 2025 morning dewdrops dry as sun sizzles…petals glisten with my sweat asphalt on my street melts in afternoon strong heat sticks to tires, shoes, feet water trickles from our hose after watering robin stops to drink Reply
Harvey Jenkins June 26, 2025 sun dog fills the sky our pet’s let outside to play with his own shadow Creeping Bellflower the slow spread of decaying yellow aspen leaves slung like a hammock the heavy farmyard’s clothesline kisses the hard ground Reply
Mari Felices June 26, 2025 on the gloomy night the moon is hiding its light crickets sing with pride a lonesome sparrow severe rain ruptures her nest quivering with fear on the way back home smells rotten egg in the train man raises his hand Reply
Eloise Pengelly June 26, 2025 Through the window, birds Red apple skins shrivelled old Unpicked tree, birds eat Reply
Eloise Pengelly June 27, 2025 heat wobbles off roof two girls bounce up red balloon rising rising pop Reply
Jack McAuley June 27, 2025 Spring light in her palms, yet she sees only the dusk— a coffin’s gilt edge. Ash falls like petals— wildfire splits the old oak’s spine; the nightingale sings. Beneath plum blossoms, a swallow with one wing limp hides its dreams in song. Reply
Margaret Coats June 28, 2025 Thanks, Jack McAuley, for the haiku you’ve posted. In order for any of them to be considered for recognition in judging, you will need to select the three you want to be competition entries, and withdraw the others in a further comment. Reply
Fortunato Salazar June 27, 2025 Poor Aegisthus. One job & done. Had it in his grasp; dude lost the axe. Reply
John Rux-Burton June 27, 2025 When the whale leapt I saw stars twinkle answers Though the splash was gone Reply
Tushar Gandhi June 28, 2025 spring foraging course they say Dandelion flowers do not attract bees a squirrel’s new home my unused table drawer first monsoon showers I follow a dog to a panoramic view Snowshoeing at dawn Reply
beryl June 28, 2025 Hello, I still don’t understand whether haikus should be related to Hiroshige’s print. Could you please clarify this for me? Reply
Margaret Coats June 28, 2025 Hello, Beryl. Your haiku does NOT need to be related to the Hiroshige print. All you need is any 5-7-5 haiku of your own composition during the past twelve months. You may submit three to be considered for the prize. Please use first and last name on the comment where you submit. Thanks! Reply
John Hawkhead June 28, 2025 in a church ruin where the roof has given way snow as a blessing periwinkle dusk I loiter in the garden my parents tended stumble-step pebbles a horizon-skimming moon ripples the neap-tide Reply
Oliver Mackie June 29, 2025 thunder rolls its bass hot summer days give thier way to evening rain dark speck in the sky red kite soaring on thermals looking for her lunch Reply
Daniela Misso June 29, 2025 sleet on the window on his ninetieth birthday flickering candles * din of cicadas curtains blowing to and fro in the evening breeze * a pregnant woman holds her belly with her hands snow on the gutters Daniela Misso Reply
Tomislav Maretic June 29, 2025 emu in the Milky Way always in the same place – the longest night Reply
Snigdha Agrawal June 30, 2025 bow-tie neatly pinned his love pre-tied and fastened all through the season’s —- broken hornet’s nest sting in his words failed to upset used to deeper pain —- monsoon bonanza through the screen of fogginess a haiku took shape Reply
Harrison Heng June 30, 2025 Winter has arrived The lake starts icing over Intrusive thoughts win I open the door Heat envelops me quickly I like air con more colourful rainbow it’s not the same anymore why is it a flag Reply
Sydney Liu June 30, 2025 The snow sprinkles down The slipp-ery ice is covered I fall to the ground Serene, quiet, night The moon exposes the dark “Crack!” What was that sound? The clouds float away The bright sun dries the old trees Disaster awaits Reply
Donal Wu June 30, 2025 Canadian goose Honking uncontrollably My new alarm clock The lake is frozen The trees bare and without leaves Where did the fish go? The green grass rustles The river beside gurgles Tiny rabbits appear Reply
Venus Mayhew June 30, 2025 Jesus came to us, Teaching of rebirth and love. We crucified him. Hot night, college ground, No one here to make a sound. Cicadas screaming. They tell us of hope, Just let the ancient trees rot. That hope is not mine. Reply
Darrell Lindsey June 30, 2025 lazy afternoon… whistling through a blade of grass on my umpteenth try Reply
David R. Solheim June 30, 2025 Goldfinches gather On the weeping willow crown Enchanting their charms. At sunrise a flock of Of geese fly into my dreams Rude drivers wheeling. Roadside chunk of tread Shining the ditch like raven’s Wings ready to fly. Reply
Scharlie Meeuws July 1, 2025 Lilies scent the air A hidden birdsong echoes The truth of summer The plum tree bares fruit Sweetness and Color unite In constant prayers My eighty two years Sailing still in calm waters Breathe among the frogs Reply
Linda Arnott July 1, 2025 a pink lotus pond in solitary beauty as the sun rises headless camellia darkness thunder lightning rain a samurai wind the sunflowers smile through a window of blue skies a sip of sunshine Reply
Sara Wenger July 1, 2025 fall mountains ablaze apples hang like bells from trees a farmer looks up crescent moon, your squint tilts in the night sky eking out eternal light a finite number of stars, an impossible string of pearls to count Reply
Eric O Owen July 1, 2025 Hello again, poets. It’s Eric, still reading your work. And again, if you will allow, I wish to share an observation with you and hopefully provide an additional layer for using your wonderful talents in poetry. Every haiku that I have read has included a form of “cutaway line” as its ending. Some were successful and some not so much. Perhaps the following will help: Try approaching the “cutaway line” using one of its synonyms, namely the “epiphany,” as your last line to accomplish the same goal. Thanks for letting me share. Reply
wendy lee klenetsky July 1, 2025 Met at a party “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!” neither one wanted to go that’s what all of the books say Wed 51 years Then I guess I’m “NUTS!” Reply
Don Reese July 1, 2025 vaulting young squirrels, flapping bats, and gliding birds— we soar by watching a soft, late spring rain, four red umbrellas waiting for the light to change teeth bared, spine exposed, umber fur in the gutter shocks me walking past Reply
Vasile Moldovan July 1, 2025 New wedding season – even the full moon is wearing a veil of bride The moon behind clouds – the dog sniffles all around for the lost shadow The old clock tower – a flock of crows fighting for a place on the cross Reply
Emily Meng July 1, 2025 1. Pink little blossom, swaying in the gentle breeze, tells of fruit to come. 2. Old and enduring, white light shines on dusty road – pilgrims and the moon. 3. White bobber plunges, Hook floats among rock and weed; red fishes dart – hide. Reply
Murray Eiland July 1, 2025 Childhood’s vibrant spark, Shifts like shadows on the wall, Springing of the soul. Bird songs in morning, Death’s mourning interrupted— Selfish hearts in grief. In shadows we walk, Finding joy in fractured light— Life’s dark jest unfolds. Reply
Wieslaw Karlinski July 2, 2025 just after the storm a sound of water drowns out late evening church bell on the way to school in the pocket there’s still left— grandma’s apple pie another full moon brightens all the countryside lushy cotton field Reply
Alan Summers July 2, 2025 day of utmost blue clouds drift across each other to figure things out Reply
Jenna Tedesco July 2, 2025 June Surprise Move, darling daughter. Swim to the sound of my voice Singing you lovesongs. My Daughter, Baby My daughter, baby: My longing, mother-hunger for you Has made you so sweet. Ripening The tree ripened to Autumn as my baby Ripened into real. Reply
Ian Richardson July 2, 2025 afternoon shower suddenly chokes the warm sun umbrella closeness ahh spring ohh my spring how great is a new spring day! Mmm, etcetera grey winter drizzle draining the houses of life an unwelcome guest Reply
Lakshman Bulusu July 2, 2025 early morning dew welcoming rays woo the pearls my daydreams melt warm Mt.Everest thoughts chase away my winter blues solitude’s splendor yonder distant hills setting sun meets rising moon evening rendezvous Reply
Isabel Chenot July 3, 2025 1. Fog We bulge out of half- viscous day. Fade on its blear iris. Scale to grey. 2. hoary mustard A bright weed by the road, its moth snare netting dark — and breath snags, star-meshed. 3. roadside mustard Mind, tangled on the nodes of nebulae — moth weed that lures remembrance. Reply
Dave Earnhardt July 3, 2025 Crickets still chanting on Thanksgiving blind with hope— joy in the sorrows! * An eagle fallen weather-worn along this road— just a newspaper. * Trout kisses rise up across the pond reflecting sky of puckered clouds. Reply
Zvonko Jurcevic July 3, 2025 summer afternoon – resting on the sea surface seagulls and the sun little night music – Mozart in the canopy cricket on the leaf an old octopuss slides down the rock to the sea – a morning sunrise Reply
Itay Felker July 3, 2025 bodacious goddess dew in sun’s glittering gaze Spring flows to the drain deserts myrrh rises above the crust of a dune Mary in a spoon Haiku is a sham Unlike Epic’s fertile ford A seasonal brook Reply
Barrie Levine July 3, 2025 joining in prayer for my grandmother’s long life her grieving village Reply
Joanna Raja Sekar July 4, 2025 cardinal returns, hops along the picket fence, little blur of fire – coarse beneath my hands splintering bark, bustling leaves truth, an oak with roots – petals in the grass these lazy lilacs, spilling their cursive secrets Reply
Peter C Free July 4, 2025 spring wind song playing the time between you and us stick :: stick insect dance a distant laughter handfuls of childhood moss takes the rest of the tree two parallel skies stomping at the edge of the storm toddlers rainbow splash Reply
Edward Fisher July 5, 2025 Enigma of earth— Archetype & miracle Playing in the sun Over the eons Imprinted in fossil rock The dream of a bird Under the vegetable eye Of the winter moon An orchard of snow Reply
Wim Meeuws July 5, 2025 the oak tree grows on my son helped me planting it fifty years have passed Reply
Ron C. Moss July 5, 2025 reincarnation . . . the late gardner’s seed packets ready for planting the armchair hero he turns down the TV sound to stop the missiles captured red starfish in a little boy’s bucket— the distant static Reply
Goran Gatalica July 5, 2025 hunting the pheasants. . . intimate relationship with the food I eat treasured memories— becoming vermilion-tinged the closest cranes fragile ceasefire— a battlefield becoming an ice skating rink Reply
Siniša Avramov July 5, 2025 Morning wind – a scar on my knee, no memory of the game A dog without leash sniffs a trail beside the road – utterly still A torn sugar sack – grains spill into stillness, one by one by one Reply
Guy Graybill July 5, 2025 Hello: I’m confused. I sent three haiku entries by this comment section; but they only place anything appears is in some other section, not associated with the contest? I’ll send this, then try to come into this comment section elsewhere and send my haiku section once more. Yes, I’m utterly confused. GUY GRAYBILL Reply
Mike Bryant, Moderator July 5, 2025 Judges, Mr. Graybill placed his haiku on the “examples” post… Here are his entries: My three haiku selections: Love stories abound, ‘Tho destined to end sadly, As all loves must end! We are ever lost…. We’ll never find the river! Ahhh! There’s the fog bank! Poem rejected. An invalid count was found. Seppuku’s my fate! Reply
Margaret Coats July 6, 2025 Thank you, Guy Graybill, for these haiku. Hope you are no longer confused, thanks to Mike Bryant’s explanation. And thank you, Mike, for scanning comments, noticing entries posted in the wrong place, and setting things right! Reply
William Winslow July 5, 2025 shuffling ankle-deep through the fallen prophets of a maple grove the end of summer – a toy pail and shovel left behind in the dunes in a fallow field waiting for familiar hands – father’s wheelbarrow Reply
Jessica Tommasi July 5, 2025 on the cusp of spring – the return of the osprey forsythia blooms gliding through the reeds a water beetle pauses – stillness in the flow tinkling in the breeze crystal bell whispers coolness – summer’s gentle song Reply
Terrie Henrich July 5, 2025 let’s pick blueberries then call Oma for the streusel recipe from ashes you rise ignore the trolls, lacy Queen who call you a weed but your deadly roots i’d love you purple lythrum summer’s femme fatale Reply
Mike Johansson July 5, 2025 Home beneath the clouds, Silver ferns sway in the breeze Tui calls me home Mist lifts from the sea The pohutukawa burns On a salt-kissed shore I miss moana I pine for the whenua Aotearoa Reply
Chris Lipscombe July 5, 2025 Autumn nights grow cold While travellers sip their tea — Red moon, aeroplane. Red-hot pokers stand Proud against the horizon — The winter hills wait. Tulips push their tips Past their earthen carapace — Spring is here to stay. Reply
Carl Bellerose July 6, 2025 morning reflection joining her hands in prayer a moth rests its wings Reply
Ashley Horton July 6, 2025 Warning sirens blare Continuing to look down As birds fly away Earlier this time Branches against the window Calmness with the storm Ducklings cross the road Beauty meets fragility Slippery wet leaves Reply
Diane Smither July 6, 2025 On my window-sill a cycladic figurine. reveals existential knowledge with threads of connection. 5,000 years ago as i wash my dishes. Reply
David Marriott July 7, 2025 I remember you Sunlight formica kitchen Brown knitted tie, shorts Ionisation Elevates mundanity On a solar wind Post apocalypse Amongst devastation ruins The cat enjoys the sun Reply
David Nickless July 7, 2025 Before the sunrise, the waking world bares itself with a warming face. Stars in the cold night; lights shining across dark tides from so far away. A flight of starlings dances on the swirling winds like dry autumn leaves. Reply
Howard Osborne July 7, 2025 BREEZE The breeze passes by Unnoticed, except by some Yet is still a voice LUNAR VIEW A blue horizon As seen from the darker side And still there are tides AUTUMN THOUGHTS Leaves fall and settle All in red and golden brown Yet in peaceful rest Reply
BDW July 7, 2025 Learn about the pines from the pines, and from the spine, learn about the spine. On the paved concrete, the screech of the cicadas sinks into my head. In Kyoto too, cuckoos long for Kyoto, kyoo-kyoo, and cuckoos. Reply
JOHN PAPIA July 7, 2025 from winter to spring velvet snow turns to water flowers on the hill old men laughing loud speak of times long long ago mind over matter a river flows free at the end the ocean waits I will not forget Reply
Alison Ivey July 7, 2025 Grey skies in July Garden waterlogged and drab Then a daffodil. Melancholy day Wistfully recollecting Fragrance of daphne. Reply
Kyle Brogmus July 7, 2025 Haiku 0 for my Rose (11012024) by Kyle Brogmus In crunchy leaves jump surrounded by death we laugh within the Fall grace Reply
Mahathier Dama July 7, 2025 rain’s deafening din. scorching sun, dry wind, abate. drip, again it comes. dark clouds horizon. ants scavenge, stash, shelter, wait. pale lilac shrouds land. sky darkens, wind howls. volcano spews, earth devours. sky lightens, wind calms. Reply
Julie Davey July 8, 2025 The Crunch of the Frost A Girl is flushed with Cold The Horse waits for Day Reply
Sheila Barksdale July 8, 2025 this winter acre of deep furrows, hare-hurtle heart-hurtle, faster clumsy hash of oars watching riverbank whiskers halt their dainty dip scrabbling musty air a porch mosquito inspects old Sears catalogues Reply
Dylan Stover July 8, 2025 Dendrobium white bedside in the filtered light a cup of ice chips reasons I stay here… the geography of blood in a rabbit’s ears Ozymandias! rising from the horse’s dung freshly sprouted grass Reply
Jill Garrett July 8, 2025 Veridian splendor In the wilds, turquoise the sea Face up to the sun Drizzle, pour and pelt Winter rain – a bleak outlook We are warm inside Paradise, this view of gentle slopes and hues, I know not all is lost Reply
Sonia Grant July 8, 2025 Pregnant ewes grazing Grass shivers, southerly breeze Spring biding her time Stones grind underfoot Driftwood litters onyx sand Muddy sea claims all Coriander sprawls Pluck slender stems, pick a bunch Gardener’s delight Reply
Bogdana July 9, 2025 1. outburst of my pain lava of such volcano in an overdose 2. pasive fugitive blocked in body , free in mind mixture of beings 3. blurred channel of view bad signal from the critics any dream time stopped Bogdana Găgeanu Reply
Alizetta Dawson July 9, 2025 Mess on the clean floor, a breeze moves crumbs in sunlight- things I’m not sorry for! Reply
Alvin Cruz July 10, 2025 the first day of spring I also dance to the tune of the snake charmer familiar sadness somewhere I hear the echo of yesterday’s rain trying to fathom what goes on under the sun drooping sunflowers Reply
H.M.Elsenpeter July 10, 2025 rose petals fall down my sense is to still smell them knowing there is some blue sky and white clouds beauty I see from below imagine the view up high my spring has sprung now I am more than done to go dance into eternity Reply
Michael Henry Lee July 11, 2025 raging winter wind turning one frost bitten cheek and then the other Reply
Michael Henry Lee July 11, 2025 fast approaching storm squeezing a thunder shirt over the dog’s head Reply
Michael Henry Lee July 11, 2025 first day of the year twenty twenty six fills up with appointments Reply
Sherri Ali July 11, 2025 Tiny, crushed sparrow Her wings still trying to fly On wind from cruel cars Reply
Vera Kochanowsky July 11, 2025 after the rainstorm ant armies, in single file, march into my house red leaves and yellow falling on the woodland path slow me on my way ripened heads of wheat nod in the late summer sun heavy with wisdom Reply
Carl Brennan July 11, 2025 Spring light composing sonnets on blond fur, my cat beheads a March hare My cat dines neatly on dragonfly al fresco– earthly Paradise My young cat riding on my shoulders through autumn– cooler than a Muse Reply
Tim Huff July 12, 2025 Quietly peeks out Little creature of the night Shy bashful gecko ***** Perfect crescent moon Big swing hanging in night sky Stars dance around it ***** Top of old pine tree Mocking bird announces day Sweet song of new hope Reply
Ravi Kiran July 12, 2025 long after she’s gone the memories mother left in her cabinet lending their fragrance to the wind in a desert notes of an old flute coloring the space between the concrete towers all the shades of spring Reply
