painting by HiroshigeThe Society of Classical Poets 2025 Haiku Competition The Society June 21, 2025 Haiku and Senryu, Poetry, Poetry Contests 644 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. NOTE: THE HAIKU CONTEST HAS ENDED! No more entries, the comments have been closed! Thanks to all who entered! . 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 Once entries are posted, they can be revised or withdrawn ONLY by making another Comment.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*** 644 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 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 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 Kevin Parker July 18, 2025 Two hearts enfold each other: origami of love, union, fate, life. Federico C. Peralta August 12, 2025 a pregnant spider swaying in the highest branch– the breath of morning the old cherry tree blossoming in profusion– little girl blushing a missed encounter– sighing through the narra leaves the wind of summer Felicity Owoses August 12, 2025 Felicity !Owoses A Falling Leaf The Tree’s Despair, Nature’s Quilt There She Bud Again Joanne Gram June 28, 2025 Joanne Gram Steps in the driveway Crisp autumn oak leaf passing me at my window Shofiqure Rahman July 13, 2025 stillness in the pond a dragonfly splits the light without making sound first frost on the grass the morning sun slowly lifts a veil from the earth abandoned temple moss climbs the forgotten gods green reclaiming stone. 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 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 Michael Shoemaker July 26, 2025 casting light tackle high into the wind above crashing sounds of surf ocean winds’ fingers trace playful shapes in the sand stirring gulls and tears Hunter’s supermoon somehow we forgot what we mean to each other Ali Aldawood August 4, 2025 Birds are yet to see Through Shrubs home for pedes to be Leap of faith unsought Haze-Slogged mind and tired Of weary words, uninspired The sky cried today Sky’s elocution Moonless nights and scorching suns Found calm in your storm Aiman showkat bhat July 28, 2025 Title: The Sound I always wonder why it beated like that, now I know why it bled… Wallace kaufman August 1, 2025 sixteen million years these white waves meet black cliffs. My friend lies near death Old trees, old darkness summer nap on cool mosses Trees are drinking light it’s his song, whose choice? “Video” or “Figaro” wren’s familiar voice Diyora August 3, 2025 1. Late summer dusk dragonfly at dusk— its wings catch the last warm light, gone before I speak 2. First snowfall hush of first snowfall— lantern’s glow on empty road, footsteps far away 3. New moon bare branches shiver— somewhere a new moon rises, no one to see it Margaret Coats August 8, 2025 Diyora, please place your last name in reply here, to assure your haiku are entered in the contest. Thank you! Amie August 3, 2025 Bare trees do not speak. The sky forgets your first name. Even crows have gone. Snow swallows the path the one you once walked with hope, now lost in the drift. No fire, no sound here. Just your breath against the glass, clouding what once was. Margaret Coats August 8, 2025 Amie, please place your last name in reply here, to assure your haiku are entered correctly. Thank you! Michelle Visser August 5, 2025 summer thunderstorm jumping in new puddles then footprints to the door chickadees return five spotted eggs in the nest until the jays come waves erase the beach starting anew highlighting a single starfish Bela Janostikova August 6, 2025 Bela J. August 6, 2025 the old Turkish rug – footprints over its patterns lead far off this world autumn cherry trees mist veiling the bare twigs the coolness of touch Rowena Gianan August 7, 2025 Sweet bird sing a song With horizon’s color hues Paints blissful morning I see ants’ long line I look at the clouds and run Heavy rain pours down Trees are magical Singing, dancing and alive Paradise delight Penelope D'Souza August 8, 2025 Hot green chillies grow, In cold northern hemisphere, Climate feeds longing. Rhonda Siserir August 15, 2025 a warm summer rain the green grass stands glistening like the sky has sweat This replaces summer rain grass glistens from the sky’s sweat. Thanks Anisha Kolambe August 8, 2025 mother cries softly muted white chrysanthemums muffle your musings brilliant sunset views painting red and yellow hues chase away my blues flying fireflies flashing love of fantasy fanning fairy dust Frank Pool August 10, 2025 high half moon glow Serenity Buddha and my raised head paper moth rustles in sheets without mating last year’s cat bell in grass– one more spring Jesse Self August 11, 2025 Jesse Self dew on the cool grass the fog clears in dawn’s new light take me to the lake NmaHassan Muhammad August 12, 2025 Grey hair in hijab— rain beats on her umbrella, frog steals the puddle * Final hour in spring— Newborn wails for mother’s milk The swallows silent * Summer sun scarlet— Lover’s hands loosen soft strands New hair-do undone Sushmita Sridhar August 13, 2025 Heart bloom- a scarlet coxcomb unravels in my hands. Felicity Owoses August 13, 2025 Lovers are like Wines Now Róse, ‘morrow Merlot Shiraz as they Age Rhonda Siserir August 14, 2025 not yet autumn but seed pods blanket parking spots even now – they fall cool summer morning the singing birds bear witness to the first gold leaf summer rain grass glistens from the sky’s sweat Rhonda Siserir August 15, 2025 a warm summer rain the green grass stands glistening like the sky has sweat Stephanie Samulde August 15, 2025 Walking down the street Our eyes meet at this moment No one makes a move Now time has passed by Living two different lives Making memories But just one moment Asking myself this question What if I said “Hi”? 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 • 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 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 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? 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. 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 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 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 —– 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 Alan Summers June 23, 2025 to err is divine as if a wink in its eye an elm tree squirrel 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 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 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 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 Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 Beautifully done. 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. 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 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 Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 Humorous haiku are always fun to read. There are poignant, deeply spiritual haiku and then there are the everyday simple life haiku. For me, they both have a place. Good job. Here is a haiku I wrote about Cicadas: Evening cicadas quiet rest before next song- Good, good vibrations Good luck on the competition. 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 Anne-Marie Labelle June 23, 2025 heatwave on the land if I am the main problem how can I help her? 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 Oliver Mackie June 23, 2025 Storm clouds glowering Dark foreboding shadows loom Cut by bright rainbow 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 Monika Cooper August 1, 2025 I am withdrawing these haiku from the contest and will post three new ones below. Thank you and sorry for any inconvenience. Adele Robins June 23, 2025 Like a beard of ice Preparing for a sun shave Frost begins to weep Adele Robins June 23, 2025 Solstice signals change The seasonal shift complete Shadow and light play 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 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. 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. 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. Roy Eugene Peterson June 24, 2025 Capital letter or lower case to begin? 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! ABB July 1, 2025 Though you have zero chance of winning, James, this is a very funny anti-haiku. 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? 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 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. 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. 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 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 M.D. Skeen June 24, 2025 cold water rises tree roots grasp at shifting soil the bank collapses 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 Adele Robins June 24, 2025 Frozen winter light Sparkling like diamond gems Priceless until spring 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. Joseph Mason June 25, 2025 midnight sale review: monkeys take over our zoo drinking from the loo cuckoos build haiku wire – duck tape – crazy glue jimmy sing da blues lawsuit – windfall – sue yellow snow has soaked his shoes booger in the stew 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 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 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 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. 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. 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 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 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 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 Eloise Pengelly June 26, 2025 Through the window, birds Red apple skins shrivelled old Unpicked tree, birds eat Eloise Pengelly June 27, 2025 heat wobbles off roof two girls bounce up red balloon rising rising pop Barrie Levine June 26, 2025 scent of summer rain rolling up all the windows in dad’s jalopy 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. 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. Jack McAuley July 22, 2025 I would like this one to be my official entry and would like to withdraw the other ones. How do I withdraw the others? Margaret Coats July 26, 2025 Thanks, Jack, you’ve done what’s necessary. Sorry I didn’t notice for a few days, but you can be sure now that your competition entries are the three above, the first one beginning, “Spring light in her palms.” Fortunato Salazar June 27, 2025 Poor Aegisthus. One job & done. Had it in his grasp; dude lost the axe. John Rux-Burton June 27, 2025 When the whale leapt I saw stars twinkle answers Though the splash was gone Greg Nelson June 27, 2025 Very vocative. A thoughtful look at something ordinary. Excellent! Margaret Coats June 28, 2025 Thank you, David R. Solheim, for your haiku. If you wish any of the six to be considered as competition entries, please select no more than three for that purpose, and clearly state that you withdraw the others. David R. Solheim June 28, 2025 I would like the three haiku I posted on 24 June to continue to be entered in the competition and withdraw the three posted on 27 June. Thank you for the clarifying note. 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 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? 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! 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 Rupa Anand June 29, 2025 garden stone Buddha — the compassion in his eyes salty tears in mine 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 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 Tomislav Maretic June 29, 2025 emu in the Milky Way always in the same place – the longest night 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 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 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 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 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. Darrell Lindsey June 30, 2025 lazy afternoon… whistling through a blade of grass on my umpteenth try 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. 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 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 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 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. Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 I am new, so please excuse my ignorance. I am not familiar with “cutaway line”. Are you referring to the Kireji? Kristy Marett August 6, 2025 Thank you for the sound advice! 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!” 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 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 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. 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. 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 Alan Summers July 2, 2025 day of utmost blue clouds drift across each other to figure things out 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. 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 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 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. oliver July 9, 2025 YES! both thumbs up oliver July 9, 2025 YES! and again YES! oliver July 9, 2025 YES! 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. oliver July 9, 2025 YES! you get it!! 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 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 oliver July 9, 2025 the last of the three – reflection on poetry . . . yeah! it REALLY works!! Barrie Levine July 3, 2025 joining in prayer for my grandmother’s long life her grieving village 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 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 John Savoie July 4, 2025 the pine I planted thirty seven years ago whispers me to sleep 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 Wim Meeuws July 5, 2025 the oak tree grows on my son helped me planting it fifty years have passed 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 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 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 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 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! 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! 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 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 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 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 Irene Andersen July 5, 2025 A red garden bench Is dotted with windfall limes Colours in Winter 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. Carl Bellerose July 6, 2025 morning reflection joining her hands in prayer a moth rests its wings 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 John Savoie July 6, 2025 nicely done, Carl well lineated, natural, uncluttered, spare 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. Judith McNeil July 6, 2025 Pohutukawa Water like paint in relief Framed in a Landscape 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 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. 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 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. 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 Alison Ivey July 7, 2025 Grey skies in July Garden waterlogged and drab Then a daffodil. Melancholy day Wistfully recollecting Fragrance of daphne. 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 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. Julie Davey July 8, 2025 The Crunch of the Frost A Girl is flushed with Cold The Horse waits for Day 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 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 Sophia Meindl July 8, 2025 A silent whisper A voice lost in the deep sea Deafening silence. 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 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 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 Alizetta Dawson July 9, 2025 Mess on the clean floor, a breeze moves crumbs in sunlight- things I’m not sorry for! 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 Barrie Levine July 10, 2025 open air café . . . watching lovers hand-in-hand on Champs-Élysées 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 Carl Bellerose July 11, 2025 Hi, can you please remove my poem? It’s the one with the orange blanket. Thank you. Michael Henry Lee July 11, 2025 raging winter wind turning one frost bitten cheek and then the other Michael Henry Lee July 11, 2025 fast approaching storm squeezing a thunder shirt over the dog’s head Michael Henry Lee July 11, 2025 first day of the year twenty twenty six fills up with appointments Sherri Ali July 11, 2025 Tiny, crushed sparrow Her wings still trying to fly On wind from cruel cars 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 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 Rick Johnson July 12, 2025 A fading gold finch Ravages the coneflower. She trusts the outcome. 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 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 Rita Pomade July 12, 2025 in sweltering heat the sudden screech of sirens stilled streets jolt alive smiling on my walk a passing stranger asks me have we met before? loud gospel singing coming from the Baptist Church outside looking in Bennett Chatigny July 12, 2025 Flame consumes the trees. Ashes leave black pocks below, staining the fresh snow. Stefanie Bucifal July 13, 2025 the red maple leaf that you brought home from a walk I treasure it, still in everyone’s life should be a time of kissing under lilac trees to the autumn wind: I am yours, breathe me, turn me into grass and trees Adrian Fillion July 13, 2025 the gray tabby cat curls up under the sunlight — a perfect circle Timothy Wheatly July 15, 2025 mom’s summer cleaning the one time of the year where my clothes cannot fit boy helps neighbor plant rusted, red shovel-neighbor shows boy a weed’s root Lev Hart July 15, 2025 pomp and circumstance the host hanging a fly strip on my arrival Darrell Lindsey July 15, 2025 one river rising so many lost in the flow of what could have been Nathan Osabel July 16, 2025 Dog haiku I. Dog’s POV This man gives me food Same old shirt—rugged, dirty Richest man I know II. Man’s POV A heart that struggles Felt inside, hidden outward Surely this paw knows — Passion haiku Plucked a shriveled rose markings of beauty arose a withered passion Timothy Osabel July 16, 2025 Fireworks symbols life Soars, reaches a peak, gives awe Then slips into hush. Things I need to do Piled up incoming deadlines So I took a nap A dog is barking I barked back to make it stop Two fools at midnight Timothy Osabel August 14, 2025 sir I would like to put some changes on my first haiku. this is the updated one, thank you. a firework ascends sparks awe—then slips into hush sur lives, brief but bright Things I need to do Piled up incoming deadlines So I took a nap A dog is barking I barked back to make it stop Two fools at midnight Timothy Osabel August 14, 2025 Sir I would like to put some changes on my first haiku. this is the updated one, thank you. some typos again. a firework ascends sparks awe—then slips into hush our lives, brief but bright Things I need to do Piled up incoming deadlines So I took a nap A dog is barking I barked back to make it stop Two fools at midnight John Savoie July 16, 2025 #2 pausing at the fork on the horse’s braided mane three snowflakes linger Paulette Calasibetta July 16, 2025 hurtful words spoken slipping from an angry tongue ~ echo eternal ~~~~ luminaries rise circling a congregation ~ catching falling stars ~~~~ before the leaves turn gold before the gray frosts our hair ~ we will remember Caroline Burrows July 16, 2025 Hopeless romantics Sketch initials in warm sand, Waves wipe the beach clean. James Jenkinson July 16, 2025 Blossoms drift sideways a scarecrow dances gently when no wind passes Cicadas crackle a hammock folds with laughter as sunlight stretches Footprints fade softly a mailbox leans in silence beneath silver hush Philippa Taylor July 16, 2025 snowflakes are soft, yet the gentlest words cut like blades and melt in the sun Spencer Hammar-Campbell July 16, 2025 Snowstorms ravaging along the west cars sheltered in snow unmoving Robert H. Rogers (Pen Name "Sinclair") July 17, 2025 Hurt, Abandoned Fawn (Haiku) Hurt, abandoned fawn, Searching the frozen white wood… Does not find the dawn. -Sinclair- Joydip Dutt July 17, 2025 cherry blossom buds are slowly opening up a new found buddy *** sipping orange juice the tangerine sun slips down the sea horizon Joydip Dutt July 18, 2025 Hello Judges, Making a small change in my first haiku. Forgot to put a hyphen in the word “new-found”. cherry blossom buds are slowly opening up a new-found buddy *** sipping orange juice the tangerine sun slips down the sea horizon Katherine E Winnick July 17, 2025 bare branches waving twisting to heavens above – a lightening bolt strikes nestling amongst reeds ducklings finding a way through the shadows grow tall some loquat flowers… steeped in boiling water exuding fragrance Z. S Han July 18, 2025 Embrace the dreamer Coming back through memory Bridges of belonging. Beauty in green light Calm flows like wind in silence Wonders drift through stars. In a perfect city Twilight dances on still hope Breathing for a chance. Edward Cody Huddleston July 18, 2025 dusk meditation— where the light meets the shadow a pine needle falls open chrysalis the butterfly emerges into present tense deborah jones July 18, 2025 through the bars of grief uncontained by tomorrow the laughter of children beneath the rubble voices of the not yet dead already memories the waiting willow aglow with guilty secrets cradles the spent sun Raewyn Hutchinson July 18, 2025 Birds dart like arrows Shot from tree to tree to tree Bullets of bird fire Stop Mum wait keep right Newborn snail travelling north My daughters keen eye Venus rises bright Curving into the dawn sky Seen from a pillow Erin Zampaglione July 18, 2025 avocado tree wide and low, heavy with fruit invites small climbers red rose petals fall do I mourn lost youth or love these child-bearing hips cloudless night eclipse stars appear and fade away hiding in plain sight Deborah A. Bennett July 19, 2025 an autumn evening wild geese in the melon sky my only anthem though now past midnight voices of the mountain wind acorns falling down through the open door the beginning of autumn in the sweet gum tree Twila Brase July 19, 2025 tiny seeds set low in soil furrows full of hope wait for water’s flow hands of cherries ripe dripping balls of red delight picking time is here full moon slips below no curtain call to applaud just the hand of God Dale Bailes July 19, 2025 Cut-eared yard cat Claims poolside swap shop chaise lounge Grooms itself regal Michaelyn L July 19, 2025 Night Heron perches Watching over GhostTown’s streets The summer fog lifts Margaret Coats July 25, 2025 Thanks for your haiku, Michaelyn. Please provide your full surname as the competition instructions request. Coleman Davis July 19, 2025 The birds sharp whispers Lift you from your nights journey Bring you back to me What could this mountain Clear, green, and cast in dawn’s light Have in store this day Pebbles smoothed by time live, moving on down. Clatter as songs in the creeks. Kahren Morris-Denby July 19, 2025 Kahren Morris-Denby mud squelches through toes houses swirl through rising flood tears flow forever cumulus clouds float across snowy mountain tops immortality raindrop on a wing sunlight glimmers on puddles sparrow ablution Ngo Binh Anh Khoa July 19, 2025 life in perspectives the golden hour flashing in a mayfly’s eyes still turning toward the light beyond the darkness sunflowers in bloom the end of summer a leaf moves through hopscotch squares at the wind’s nudging Dan C. Iulian July 20, 2025 starry night silence – in this cosmic indulgence just a cricket’s song after summer rain my kiddy explores the sky from every puddle lotus flourishes – the remainder of the day becomes thinkable Anne Curran July 20, 2025 the gentile hostess prepares tea ceremony weary travelers a flock of swallows emerges from drifting cloud a happy omen village revelers celebrate in spring sunshine talk of a wedding Parker Sterling July 20, 2025 The sound of a frog Jumping into an old pond: The haiku is born. The lawn mowers and The leaf blowers fall silent: The birds sing again. Bright clouds at night float Behind the ash tree: a kiss: And the dreamer wakes. Paula Rogers July 20, 2025 Father watches me The old man watches me close Sees who I will be I will be him now His time is done mine begins He thinks I will fail But I prove him wrong He smiles and nods at me The family is safe Trina Layne July 20, 2025 1. Garden Party sun stretches itself over our grand carnival On withering grass 2. Summer Pests citronella cream mosquitoes multiplying… voracious vampires 3. Idols of Summer lips crumpling in heat summer wind scorching sundress who will seek for rain? Sherri Ali July 20, 2025 When all creatures die Those of feather, scale, and fur, We’ll eat each other Ashley Houston July 21, 2025 About Losing My Dearest Aunt A chaotic storm Rumbling in the distance Echoing our grief A funeral shroud Gathering dewy flowers Panicked breathing—grief Moonlit grief scrolling Digital images dance Flowering remembrance Lynn CaroleBrown July 21, 2025 Outside my window the night air carries music, and I sing along. What we can not see does not mean it isn’t real faith has its own breath. Have you ever felt— that ocean of emptiness surrounding your shores? Lynn Carole Brown Sunita Keyser July 21, 2025 sliver of silver a rill that snakes through the drift I pluck the grey hair Deborah Karl-Brandt July 21, 2025 shaped by water stones emerge from the deep burned by the sun the melancholy of family pictures first days of winter the smell of green grass lingering on my dogs feet before I must part Mike Rogers July 21, 2025 bare trees show clear moon my thought-moon growth gone shines white inside leaves still grow Carl Bellerose July 21, 2025 fading wildflower resting in the church doorway unties her worn boots Meera Rehm July 21, 2025 early morning mist rising from the undergrowth steam-birth of a fawn frost-bitten blossom — one by one I pack away the nursery room old age wanderlust — a slug stretches its eyestalks into summer sun Stephen Anderson July 21, 2025 Amsterdam Anne Frank Museum Behind bookshelves, no one talks Everyone listens. Manasa Reddy Chichili August 9, 2025 the monsoon drizzling jumping in the new puddles then waves erase the prints abandoned temple dragon flies among monsoon flowers lot of kids the cherry blossoms the day and night bright in side bride blooms than the sun Lee Eager July 21, 2025 soft suburban ache no great shake, wait, slow words fall happy birthday mum Dan Ward July 22, 2025 Sliding in rhythm Bathtub waves strike Tokyo Godzilla spanks hard Dan Ward July 22, 2025 Snow-melt waterfalls Fill a crystal lake below Peace transcending storms Urmi Chakravorty July 22, 2025 Potter’s toil and tears, Clay clings to clammy fingers, Fortune’s wheel spins lives! *** Pebbled river beds – Trouts, tourists, shingles, selfies, A cairn for the dead *** Dusk rustles through pines Sylvan symphony unfolds Tempest in my heart Adam King July 22, 2025 Hello there stranger I’ve never seen you before Good, now we are friends Eddie Park July 22, 2025 Small leaves fall softly A fox emerges from his home Rusty clouds fading Bright Sunlight dances The tide comes over the sand A seagull dosing chilly breezes blow Water now turned into ice I put on my coat Mia Wilkins July 22, 2025 My Garden blooming Fruit buds appearing on trees Air warming the day Thirsty sun shining Deep blue cool water shimmers Boats dancing on lakes Leaves float gracefully Branches becoming naked More seasons ahead Lucia Thorne July 22, 2025 Crisp air cools my face Ice frozen over a lake The swoosh of my skates Morning dew drops down A leaf falls slowly into my hands The horn beeps, its time The heat makes me sweat I throw my body in the water My skin begins to cool Ethan Zhao July 22, 2025 Orange leaves fall quietly An owl come out to hunt As it turns to night The bare trees stand tall The fox gently slinks around While others sleep The sun shines brightly Reflecting off the water As the children play Alice Glover July 22, 2025 Smell of salt water White sand hot under my feet A shinning pink shell The sky is so blue The sun is so warm up high Summer is here now Lambs spring happily Through the luscious and green fields Now springtime is here Darrell Lindsey July 22, 2025 falling plum blossoms a Chinese woman’s dou li catches most of them Amelia Li July 22, 2025 Light snow drifts slowly Cold breaths fill the frosty air Soft breeze tickles me Vibrant falling leaves Floating down from the bare trees Autumn’s gentle touch Pink cherry blossoms Glistening in the sunshine Mystical landscape Tasmin Wingfield July 23, 2025 Red leaves hold my hand As I take the path toward Far colder places Mists of cloudy breath Lips stung by the freezing frost Eyes blink away cold Blossoms dance with nymphs Pollen swirls like magic dust Enchanted summer Liliana Mendes Schneebeli July 23, 2025 Summer’s thirsty tongues Clear cold raindrops start to fall Kissing under leaves Forked leafy branches A black widow’s rumbling fades Folded behind back Day’s sharp blade of light Darting voices raised in heat Lovers’ ties are cut Erica Hannah July 23, 2025 Blood. Blood everywhere. On the grass. On the tree barks. And he sits there. Calm. Unfazed. Unbothered. Even he is surprised by this. Pretty sight, at least. He holds his love close. Comforts her. Reassures her. For now, she needs this. Sarah Schexnayder July 23, 2025 What life is Spring? Small breaths newly awaken From the sleep of death. ~ Bittersweet is Fall! Vibrant colors dance in swirls! Nature slowly dies. ~ Quiet is Winter. Nature’s death is stark silence. Hushed, it rests in hope. Larry W. Richardson July 24, 2025 cold pink-faced macaques soak in hot spring’s steamy mist cooing to their young a brief glow flickers winter firefly phantom light red fox prints snow path millions of starlings surging, swinging, swooping autumn’s fluid flight Amitava Dasgupta July 24, 2025 she is light years away but I still smell her fragrance in wild spring flowers dipping in Ganges winter mist hugs equally both sinners and saints autumn sea at dusk dad is no longer with me to show infinity Krikmöklet Egelanaard July 25, 2025 dying cherry tree; copper sundial shows time: dog days-spent in green hot winds slow the mind raining needles of white pine, grapes firm on the vine a peach is pulled from the shading branch—so grasps the mother’s loving hand Martin Soudek July 26, 2025 Haze over green hills, Northern forests smouldering— FREE two-day shipping! Martin Soudek July 26, 2025 On April’s mirror, Whirligigs dance in the sun Between her teardrops. Linda Marie Hilton July 26, 2025 below are my three offerings, the first was inspired by the painting by Hiroshige shown at the top of this page: Humans trudge upwards Gay water foams, rushing down, Fog eaten by trees. Swallow perches high Seeking swarming insects fly Mouth open: dinner! Volcanoes heat the Ocean deeps warming an earth Humans do not own. George Hubbard July 27, 2025 The gracious oak tree Standing on carpet of leaves Making an angel Warmth is with us now Daffodils now watching us Lambs in the field Snow everywhere Squirrels scutter round the streets Christmas trees inside Ernesto Santiago July 28, 2025 alone in his thoughts – the water curls around rocks – a welcome escape – where a river bends little eddies of water misplaced fantasy – wedding butterfly why would I need a motive when I have power Ernesto Santiago K. F. Gruta July 28, 2025 Agua de Mayo children splash in the puddles… sunken paper boats _ Autumn night busking the singer’s fedora falls — a whole rest symbol _ Phosphorescent stars each on the ceiling outshines all of my neck pain Laura Nicola July 28, 2025 First shy rays of light The old relentless river Guides my way to work Early spring cleaning Old items packed in boxes Your memory too A blanket of stars The whispering sleepless waves Bow under the moon Lily Malcolm July 28, 2025 Handfuls of blossoms Floating on the riverbank Taking precious time The sun beaming bright On the bright green, glistening leaves It feels like summer I’m a little fox Camouflaging in the snow Im brave as can be Cynthia Yu July 28, 2025 Hot summer days Ocean breeze cold rush Memories fulfilled Amelia Yu July 28, 2025 Snow collapsing Covering up the ground Stroking my cat’s ears Cherry petals fly Spreading pollen around bees The smell of grass Waves crash around Hitting my brother’s sandcastle Beach balls everywhere Shannon Jade July 28, 2025 sunbeams, soft, golden, fracture midnight’s starry skies, glowing hope of dawn. *** impossible things: the heavy weight of mudbanks, wildflowers blooming. *** summer is the sound of waves whoosh, crashing to shore, you laughing at me Helena Shinn July 28, 2025 Cicadas wail fire— child’s laughter breaks through the storm, hope drenched in warm rain. *** Frost veils the cold night, candle’s trembling breath reaches— loneliness in light. Jan Hadfield July 29, 2025 a frosty morning in the song of the blackbird my husband Martin blossom in the square bells ring from the Cathedral the Godwits return early morning fog a man appears from nowhere then disappears Denisa Hanšutová July 29, 2025 old cemetery on loudest days the sound of dead leaves whispering squirrel in the park burying and looking for my scattering thoughts post-spring mountain creek letting my quickening thoughts meandre freely Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 Lela Northcross Wakely Stillness over pond Phlox gives its last perfume-sigh No one to notice Silence and singing? Young bamboo shelters frogs while Buddha meditates. Strawberry moon tryst Love nips skinny dippers- NO Watch out for those Carp! Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 May I please withdraw the last haiku about the “Strawberry moon tryst/” I am concerned it is more a Senryu than an actual Haiku. I will submit another one in its place. Thank you. Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 Snowbound solitude Evergreen bough holds…surprise! One blooming sunrise Andy Moody July 29, 2025 The Spring breeze whispers, Such deep stillness in the trees – The Creator speaks. The river flows full, Two Grebes ritually dance – Creation’s beauty. In the high azure, Courting Buzzards are circling- Wings touching heaven. Jacob Schultz July 29, 2025 The July sun crowns Tops of regal tulip trees – Passing clouds douse fire. Autumn leaves sweep way Those windy tokens of love. I watch alone still. Poppies and tulips Peek out from their gray foxholes – Winter sends them back. Tammy Iralu July 29, 2025 snapdragons explode kimonos strung on a line– swallowtail sails on morning foragers skunk tracks among strawberries– my fingers stained pink quail young traverse road reach shoulder fast as wildfire– foot eases off brake Eduard TARA July 29, 2025 one by one falling the chestnut leaves making room for the milky way Catherine Bittle July 29, 2025 Between, stands the gate. Green vines twine round man’s estate. Hands reach through to bait. Strangers’ sleeves brush past. Autumn leaves fall in the breeze. Someone leaves too fast. Blizzard blows around. Footprints show on snowy ground Found, heart starts to glow. | R. Bremner July 29, 2025 Chilly was the morn I kissed the lips of the sun afternoon smoldered Autumn fog teases, kisses me in dawn’s shadow, steals my heart away. An omen of light snuggles in the breast of night before dawn wakes her. Simar Sodhi July 29, 2025 Night swallows the light Stars whisper secrets untold Each unique and gold — The fire departs But still a lone flame remains Bringing hope in pain — Sleep slowly dances On a frosty windowsill Inviting the night MarthaMaggie Miller July 29, 2025 pregnant pouring rain music on a metal roof flowers’ wakeup call arid waterhole under an African sky hungry lioness sweetly singing birds on an early Spring morning funeral chorale Sebastian Chrobak July 30, 2025 first family trip walk along a narrow path ducklings with their mom Eduard TARA July 30, 2025 one by one falling the chestnut leaves making way for the shooting stars Eduard TARA July 30, 2025 one by one falling the chestnut leaves making room for more emptiness Laila Amado July 30, 2025 A quiet morning In the garden, young kitten Catches butterflies Walks by the river Old man with an Irish hound Geese call for winter Wind rolls red petals In the shade of a temple wall Old robots tell tales Jane McCarthy July 30, 2025 park bench in shadow a boy sings to a sparrow braiding sun through leaves first frost on the stoop a girl with torn shoelaces waits for the school bus spring rain on gravestones a man rereads the same note until it blurs ink Parisa Majumdar July 30, 2025 Why it hurts this bad I wish we could just re-start As strangers in school —— Close your eyes and dream A world filled with happiness And good memories —— A doubtful mother Tries having faith in her child Is that much to ask Aureus Nova Solis July 30, 2025 Wintergreen upon A crimson spilled abandon Reclaiming blossoms Vermillion shards Overcast the mountainside Amongst the Moon’s tears Fields of petals lie O’er my tired body now Never two allowed Jennifer Doherty July 31, 2025 Tempest arguments Dad firm, mum with deluge cheeks Children’s howling screech. Anthony Shannon July 31, 2025 Fingers trace my spine. “I’m in Arcadia, too,” Death whispers, hollow-eyed. photographing ghosts as they drift by unnoticed carefree of life once lived two doors, but one choice: above, blissful ignorance; below, truth and strife. Vishal Prabhu July 31, 2025 peeling back the year every step on the mountain autumn wind and I accompanying me one last time down the mountain farewell autumn winds not the autumn wind that wound me up to the lake breathless campsite night Maria Tellez-Vazquez July 31, 2025 Leaves flutter around In the dewy spring morning For another day Nancy Brady July 31, 2025 night sky fill with stars… a silent predator flies with prey in talons at a florist shop she practices ikebana –an orchid corsage a complaining crow at the top of an ash tree –rainy afternoon Harper Lewis July 31, 2025 Metaphor for death: One soul abandoned in a Vacant furnished room Jealous verdigris thoughts enter my brain and play in my dead effigy Synopsis of faith: I believe in the unseen and things I can’t feel. My dad made nectar, fermented for hummingbirds to buzz when they fly An iris opens Frilly white edges surround the deep purple base The gossip of priests is deliciously naughty, delectable sin The establishment Insists that you refrain from Showing compassion Margaret Coats July 31, 2025 Harper, thanks for these haiku! Please let us know which THREE of them you would like as your entries in the competition. That’s easy to do; you can reply here. Delaney Shiono July 31, 2025 Amber orbs aglow Beneath frostbitten fingers Playing with fire Summer sunlight shines Upon sky blue waves of change Paradise on earth Crystal shards conceal My deepest, darkest secrets For your eyes only Jessica Allyson July 31, 2025 out before sunrise the stars keep me company until their bedtime worn-down path outlined by lilies-of-the-valley poet’s grave marker birches intertwined creaking, clinging together against winter winds John Savoie August 1, 2025 #3 who can remember when the stars first sang for joy? the sound still carries Lloyd Jacobs August 1, 2025 The yellow leaves were dervishes at my window till the rain started Footpaths and tire tracks obliterated by parachuting flakes Snowmelt discloses a winterkilled fawn still in geometric spots Monika Cooper August 1, 2025 parade floats idle in stopped traffic—clusters of crab apples pinken . crystal interlock of water’s piscine quills: each little wave, a leap . sun on the surface: silent Roman candles in rapid explosion Emory D. Jones August 1, 2025 Here is my submission– Yellow butterflies Flitting above green meadows Like dancing sunshine. Maria Panayi August 1, 2025 you’re not a body with a soul, you’re a soul in a sacred garden Maria Panayi August 1, 2025 haiku 2 homeless hermit crab takes shelter in empty shell, gulls squawk overhead Maria Panayi August 1, 2025 haiku 3 wistful willow tree unique forgotten fortress weeps with gratitude Maria Panayi August 6, 2025 Dear judges, please may I withdraw haiku 3 and submit this version instead. Thank you for your understanding and patience. wistful willow tree, unique, forgotten fortress, weeping gracefully Rebecca Trifari August 1, 2025 1) Halfway, then again she chases what flees the mind, dust rising in spring. 2) Snow melts as she runs. Each step closer is farther, the world holds its breath. 3) All race toward stillness. He counts motion with a blade— leaves fall, unmeasured. Martina Matijević August 1, 2025 july thunderstorm her funeral procession finishes faster watering roses they slowly lower their heads unrequited love the smell of caught fish a hungry cat creeps closer mom scares off burglar Sheri Knauth August 1, 2025 Three submissions read separately or together: To be read shelf. Infinite years divide books. Will I finish them? Words comfort my years Shelter in safe hard cover Writer and reader Find grace in pages. Solace with pens and journals. Heartache soothed silently. Joanna Ashwell August 1, 2025 these spring showers again with the softness of blossom edging our footsteps the musk of a deer already belonging back in the forest’s crisp ochre rowanberry dusk where the deepest clouds drift by with every lost dream Daril B. Bentley August 1, 2025 Yellow crab spider on a beach of greenery– mayflies the seagulls. Morrison Handley-Schachler August 1, 2025 Calm in her stony Hermitage, the mason bee Mocks the rowdy swarm. Dreaming of nine days’ Majesty, the dragonfly Bides three years his time. Butterfly’s shadow, Borne away on morning’s wings, But so beautiful. Patricia Carragon August 1, 2025 from a leafless limb the empty swing remembers the long, hot summer ~Patricia Carragon after the tempest the silence of fallen trees roots severed from hope ~Patricia Carragon storm clouds overhead hurricane winds travel north no relief in sight ~Patricia Carragon as temperatures soar slumber shuts the feral’s eyes solace from the sun ~Patricia Carragon with eyes half open the cat curls up for a nap feet and tail at ease ~Patricia Carragon Patricia Carragon August 1, 2025 Please disregard my earlier comment. I’m submitting these three here: from a leafless limb the empty swing remembers the long, hot summer ~Patricia Carragon as temperatures soar slumber shuts the feral’s eyes solace from the sun ~Patricia Carragon after the tempest the silence of fallen trees roots severed from hope ~Patricia Carragon Patricia Carragon August 1, 2025 Please disregard my earlier comment. I’m submitting these three here: from a leafless limb the empty swing remembers the long, hot summer ~Patricia Carragon as temperatures soar slumber shuts the feral’s eyes solace from the sun ~Patricia Carragon after the tempest the silence of fallen trees roots severed from hope ~Patricia Carragon Meliana Alejandro August 1, 2025 The new era starts No hugs, kisses behind masks, Six feet difference please! Empty streets, doors shut, chaos over empty shelves, Unease filled the air Big nation big mess, Long lines, thin change, days await, I awe how it ends COVID-19 yes, Once it starts it never leave, Leaving scars for sure Margaret Coats August 1, 2025 Appreciate your contributions, Meliana, but please choose only THREE haiku as your contest entries. It’s simple to do by telling me which one of your four to leave out. Thanks! Wania Sajjad August 1, 2025 Name: Wania Sajjad Country: Pakistan Unpicked Flower I tore myself open for your hands— but you walked past like I was dirt. Still, I bloomed into the silence you left behind. Petal Ghost You grazed me like wind— no blood, but every inch of me feels haunted. False Spring You arrived like a false thaw— all heat-laced breath and lying light. I cracked open, thinking you’d stay through the storm. But you were winter in a stolen spring disguise. You kissed me with frost, and I shattered. Nolo Segundo August 1, 2025 reluctant leaves fall from the old tree showering the old man walking old cemetery abandoned by the living waits eternity alone, the young deer ate the holly tree’s berries soon dying under its leaves Sherri Dadey August 1, 2025 Small, feathered body still, on the side of the road, your death will feed life Madeline Nugent August 1, 2025 firefly dance and burn jive resolutely down paths! lead me homeward bound far out open sea tender faces stranger now—- gentle crash of wave bugs bite tender flesh red blooms and swells a garden—- blackbird song soothing Jerry A. Kirk August 1, 2025 Water is shapeless So how can it be defined A frog dreams of air Asha Bajaj August 1, 2025 striped pollinator rave, roam, romp, be(e) rife, don’t sting don’t waste what is sweet Asha Bajaj August 1, 2025 O radiant sky are you wounded or merely temperamental? blanket of snow, erase this paved landscape, then erase yourself melt into nothing Asha Bajaj August 1, 2025 Apologies, updated version of #2 snow blanket, erase paved landscape, erase yourself melt into nothing Tyler Oldershaw August 2, 2025 Just like Icarus, And so we fall, endlessly; Freedom tastes like wind. The wounds of the sky Open. Today, tomorrow. Bloodlike life rains down. So alienated In this body; distorted. Trapped briefly in skin. Chinmay Khare August 2, 2025 Crimson maple sighs, its branches bare to the dusk— One flame drifting down brett brady August 2, 2025 how shallow the shoals . . . alone, upon reflection we’re both pelican midnight snow flurries, a raindeer fawn’s long lashes gathering stardust oak tree canopy– that old tattered fedora atop her coffin Eshini Hasithri Meegaskumbura August 2, 2025 Hi, these are my three entries for the haiku competition. 1 Summer never wanes In the glowing Pearl of the Indian Ocean 2 The snow falls gently Mimicking the glow of the Twinkling stars above 3 Warm summer rain of Dancing love soon lost in the Slow fall of autumn Thompson Emate August 2, 2025 Showers of first rain The aroma of coffee Papa’s favourite Alone on the porch Forlorn wind heralds deadness My muse awakens Summer homecoming Children play in the river Childhood memories andrew shimield August 2, 2025 at 7.00am the bees in the lavender already at work bank holiday beach barely room for flesh to tan between the tattoos Justin Tipton August 2, 2025 The Earth wears a coat The snow and ice pack her wounds She rests safe and warm Twila Brase August 2, 2025 Very nice imagery. Ava Mitchell August 2, 2025 The rain sings and sings The thunder replies, screaming Never satisfied Kind mornings, soft nights, They are whole with your smile Comfortably happy Gray fog blankets the Deep valleys and green forests Stunning opposites Beauregard Tuck August 2, 2025 Leaves lull light’s looming; shadows shower sundered souls. Winter wakes what waned. Thomas J Strong August 2, 2025 recess doors open a gust of schoolyard children swirling autumn leaves heard without thinking understood without saying a walk through the woods the bud that seeks the bloom doesn’t need to search the garden to find it Michael Chaplin August 2, 2025 Michael Chaplin As I wash my clothes My Yiddish momma still sings Songs of Yahweh’s praise Death in the river Souls coffined inside of mud The LORD my Shepherd In my green garden Surrounded by its beauty I hear sounds of war Alex McBean August 2, 2025 atop lilac blooms butterflies rest in the sun Jupiter’s faeries pork chop fat sizzles ripe millet sway in the breeze its all gravy now summers juicy yield bathed in the kitchens warm light the frog and I feast Addison Clem August 2, 2025 Laugh; stitch in my side Trap springs in hippocampus Splayed game on snow— you. Bipasha Dutt August 3, 2025 breathing in the soft smell of night-blooming jasmine moonlight sonata Bipasha Dutt August 14, 2025 Hello Judges, I want to change a word in my 1st haiku. Thank you. breathing in the soft notes of night-blooming jasmine moonlight sonata Amanda Robinson August 3, 2025 the water is still the mind is racing constant flow is the challenge is it possible to love, to eat, to birth him my husband’s logic there is a shadow light’s brightness is a falsehood dark blots infiltrate Bipasha Dutt August 3, 2025 view of white landscape evergreens are lacking hue on a new year’s day Venessa Lee-Estevez August 3, 2025 fragrant whispers gently cascade from branches carpet of blossoms ruby red hibiscus sweet pistil tongue emerges hummingbird kisses gossamer storm clouds weave a cape for Apollo Helios’ revenge Prae Pathanasethpong August 3, 2025 Golden sky shines We set off a new journey Swallow flies back home Leslie Hendrickson-Baral August 3, 2025 Hands held through the storm Unite in diversity Winning with purpose Turning to Nature Baby bunnies, ducks and goats Earth holds the best Tails Each posture holds peace Matching breath with intentions Paid ticket to this moment Katherine Davies August 3, 2025 Title: Wash Away The waves rise and fall Cleansing souls who entrust it Yet my worries stay. Sreeja Mohandas August 3, 2025 Wrapped in pashmina Half awake yet half asleep A hungover dawn Sparkling fiery eyes Trapped in a dying embrace Should have let you go. A sharp stilleto, Into my soul your words carve A crimson ravine. Prashant Rawal August 3, 2025 Spring river unwinds— two hands, interlaced, drift on. Nothing holds or halts. Autumn wind pulls loose— layers of masks on my face scatter with the leaves. Spring rain on still pond— ripples rise and disappear. A frog waits beneath. Garima Obrah August 3, 2025 Dear Society of Classical Poets Please find below my 3 entries for the 2025 Haiku Competition Entry 1 Old stone retaining wall— a line of ants carries off the morning glory. Entry 2 The scent of cut grass. A yellow kite is tangled in the power lines. Entry 3 The password reset asks for my first pet’s name. I close the laptop. Bipasha Dutt August 3, 2025 Hello judges, This is my 3rd and final submission – spirit animals drifting clouds shift forms in an autumn afternoon Nuala Carr August 4, 2025 Lord! I’ll pursue you as the swift wave does the shore breaking as I go Leah Hong August 4, 2025 Galloping horses leaving icy hoofprints the coldest is me Summer ocean a huge container ship blows my rocking mind In the wind my puppy happily runs to Mt Fuji Kuldeep Singh Bisht August 4, 2025 The sun briefly peeks From behind the cloud curtains— It will rain again. Pink reflections dance as the flamingoes wade through the quiet waters. The reflection of the arched bridge on the still lake makes a full circle Maria Tosti August 4, 2025 Sorry, this is the second time I publish my comment. Last night there may have been problems. 1. a lotus flower always searching for the sky – that is what i am 2. pink cherry blossoms painted on her baby bump – just a new springtime 3. still shining roses – the white brocade dress my mom could never finished Cheryl Corey August 4, 2025 tuft of cumulus running rills and daffodils Spring, springing on us high tide moving out an empty shell washed ashore someone picks it up at the water’s edge polliwogs among the weeds children swinging pails Robert Fawcett August 4, 2025 Merganser mother guides her flock:sisters,brothers Fewer swim today. Gordan Lovrić August 4, 2025 Flag waves in the wind, may tomorrow shine brighter, homeland glows with pride. Stone house stands calmly, Siveric calls out softly, wind carries the voice. Zagorje mornings, cattle graze so peacefully, earth softly births new dreams. Joshua Kepfer August 4, 2025 In Maslow’s thesis The hierarchy of needs Safety’s above love I don’t think Maslow Was ever really in love Or knew who we were Joshua Kepfer August 4, 2025 Stars in the water Algae is green in the sky Reflections in streams Joseph Karr August 4, 2025 Are they who they say They are not there, they’re their own. We are what we do Joseph Karr August 4, 2025 Never who they are Always who they want to be Wonderful liars Joshua Kepfer August 4, 2025 Are they who they say They are not there, they’re their own. We are what we do Never who they are Always who they want to be Wonderful liars Stars in the water Algae is green in the sky Reflections in streams Carter Quintero August 4, 2025 Made myself a hell With no blueprints for Heaven And a lust to build My mind hurts itself It’s always fighting the same Demons they invite Parents with binkies Try to cope with the hands of Clocks doing cartwheels Silma Pamela Smith August 4, 2025 For haiku contest: lichen mosaic rivulet of waterfall… which is lovelier? Thomas Hamil August 4, 2025 Good afternoon. Thank you for your consideration. Below are my three Haiku. 1.) A drink sits idly The whiteness gasps on the page Autumn burns away 2.) A tortoise plods on Summer asphalt shifts below Noon traffic backs up 3.) Egyptian sun glows Into deep-sanded oranges Summer gold, squeezed out Annabelle Hadfield-Madl August 4, 2025 Spring Whispers whispers in spring air maple leaves begin to bud, secrets bloom in light. maple leaves whisper, soft murmurs in the hot breeze, summer hums alive.. ice on the maple branches, Breathless light shining through the unspoken trees, Silence quakes in the endless wood Annabelle Hadfield-Madl August 4, 2025 Sorry first line wasn’t meant to be there this is how it is meant to be: whispers in spring air maple leaves begin to bud, secrets bloom in light. maple leaves whisper, soft murmurs in the hot breeze, summer hums alive.. ice on the maple branches, Breathless light shining through the unspoken trees, Silence quakes in the endless wood Sienna Mcmillan August 4, 2025 Golden sand Smell of salty water Sandy sea shells Leaves dancing Green to red orange yellow One by one falling to the ground Snow falls Every snowflake different to another Sun shimmering reflecting David Quinn August 5, 2025 The first breath of spring A leaf can still fall away Not only in fall Mia Zhang August 5, 2025 geese soar above clouds flying to a warmer home where the lilacs sing ————- early spring morning the fantail in the bird bath her sweet song lingers ————- a grasshopper sings her newest composition blossoms twirl in time Loriana Apahidean August 5, 2025 1. Petals falling down, Death in reverse, life in bloom, Cycle without end. 2. Winter freezes thoughts, Ice words crawl out of my mouth, Fragile proof of self. 3. August heat clutching, Suffocating memories, Sticky grief clinging. David Quinn August 5, 2025 a cold winters night smoke rises defiantly extinguished at dawn Sara Kate Egan August 5, 2025 chartreuse grass rustles August height hides maybe beast cinnamon bunny muggy midsummer murky dusk, mellow meadow flashing fireflies float twisted forest stirs secrets; coldest, darkest depths grand ghouls glow golden Paul Lobo Portugés August 5, 2025 we open the window and the wind blowing voices of children fly in scrubbing ma’s gravestone black with soot from L.A’s air and winter’s regret when a child dies it’s something you keep inside you heart like a bomb Theresa Andrews August 5, 2025 apple crisp morning smatterings of orange, red, browns falling quietly early morning chill shimmering icy waters reminiscent blues peonies blossom delicate fragrant pedals sweet heaven on earth Teresa Padilla August 5, 2025 From dark spring slumber Awake, sobbing – not knowing Bulbs burst underground ——————– Winter, sun – sets free Deep, dazzling drifts of jewels Wealth of common men ——————— Summer sky’s mirror Blinding – shining stretch of mud Tale of the glacier Scott Ennis August 5, 2025 Fallen leaves whisper not an end, but painted breath waiting for the spring. Steam curls from my cup words rise like birds in cold light, morning warms their flight. Footsteps fall in sync two hearts pacing time and road, parting, still they run. Chizorom Ifezie August 5, 2025 Fleeting; haunting is the silence stained in crimson autumn’s moonlight weeps The shadows lengthen leaves succumb to gravity crisp air on my skin Kristy Marett August 5, 2025 Blossoms dangle down. Warm breeze makes them dance and sway. Now comes yellow bee! Sparkling snowflakes Suddenly turn into rain. Raindrops sparkle too! Leaf drifts slowly down. Butterfly, shadows entwine! Now, which one is which? Nathaniel Sexton August 5, 2025 Nathaniel Sexton Title : To Nineveh “Go to Nineveh.” “From Sheol you heard, my Lord.” “God bless Nineveh.” MEERA S NAIR August 6, 2025 Falls a drop unknown, On the silent sands of earth. quenching the soul’s thirst. Madelyn Graziano August 6, 2025 Oh look a brown duck! Oh look a guy with a gun! Oh look a dead duck! So many places You can go that I cannot Flying with your wings The gardens are teeming With life: apples, peaches, pears The hope that spring brings Kathryn Christel August 6, 2025 Entry 1: rain collects on leaves; a melancholic Monday– to stay or to leave. Entry 2: when birds soar a sky while dark clouds come anon, am i still to blame? Entry 3: green to gold to bare, seasons tap the glass at me— my tea is still warm I’d just like to highlight the japanese words I subtly used for my first and second entry: ame – rain mondai – problem sora – sky anun – dark clouds Hugh Hunter August 6, 2025 A ghost once told me Things that go bump in the night Are clumsy phantoms Black and green teabags Disrobe and seek your repose In ancient caddies Amber August 6, 2025 Lemons’ true yellow. A bee crawls across the shade of the sunniness. Cloudy all day long, Raindrops to count on two hands: Cool air in summer. July rain washes, douses me under the skin– Grandest communing! Margaret Coats August 6, 2025 Amber, thank you for your contest entries! Please indicate also your last name–as requested in the paragraph above marked IMPORTANT. You may place it right here in reply to me, thanks! xandria superstar August 6, 2025 sweet as sheer honey buzzing sunny yellow bee i see you in me — early morning rays pigeons bathing in puddles in hopes to belong — the sky is heavy snowfall blankets the city misery drowns me Emily Eaton August 6, 2025 all-encompassing shades of sky greet me, and you yet we’re much more blue cherry blossom craves crisp autumn leaves—echoes how moonbeams miss the sun Somewhere, violets bloom Sapphic love singing for Spring Under purple stars Madeline Arcaro August 6, 2025 a bee finds my sleeve — I do not move or flinch. some things just want warmth. cicadas screaming — your name in my mouth again, but no one hears it. cherry blossoms drop into my open coffee. grief can be gentle. Phil Fagerholm August 6, 2025 Humble postage stamp carries weighty news afar, graces my album. Umutcan Çiğdem August 6, 2025 ROOTED ASCENSION I shall float once more. My roots break through the Earth’s core. Skies chant “Welcome home.” REBORN Won’t stay in and mourn. Won’t be somebody’s failed hope. Reborn: off your world. SPIDERS IN MY ROOM Spiders in my room – Caught in a silky, sticky gloom. Waiting for my doom. M Sisco August 6, 2025 Searching the mirror… whose eyes stare back, unknown yet known? Roots lost in the wind. Papers, not stories. A name given, not inherited. Silence fills the gaps. Two homes, neither whole. A heart split by love and longing ghost of a first cry. Obinna Anyaibe August 6, 2025 Two lovers first meet under a frail mistletoe with a parting kiss Michael Daniels August 6, 2025 Mist hangs on the bridge Steps echo in autumn’s leaves You loved days like this Michael Daniels August 11, 2025 Children playing in a field Dandelions at sunset Natures lanterns glow Michael Daniels August 11, 2025 Working 9 to 5 Driving to work monday morning Ghostly processions Alex Blanca August 6, 2025 Lithe iridescence arcs through the light summer rain to bask in the sun Leaves brown and faded cling to the wisps of summer before hitting ground Foamy ocean waves cover me in briny sand full of soft secrets Tonye Favour George August 6, 2025 Corpse flower flocks crowds At six, grandmother’s dream pleads to inherit spring Ma twirls in Lily Autumn cracks the bumpy blooms Frostbite on mangroves Summer body grieves_ deserves dizzy tenderness My lover’s last wish Aidyn Foley August 6, 2025 The thunderous rain Falls onto the quiet plain A crane calls its mate Trees dance near water shimmering in the red sun I must turn away Resplendent quetzal Sunning alone on a limb I eat a pretzel Bailey Kelliher August 6, 2025 Sunbeam through cool dark Between bench slats in the park Lichen glowing green Polyna Firer August 7, 2025 electric air waits sweet release of rolling sound not for throbbing heads summer oversees every drop of juicy peach hardened pits ignored her warm little hand touching everything in sight returning to mine E. R. Davis August 7, 2025 tree branches tremble a great quake of blackbirds strike dark wings clap thunder lovely the flower on the branch yet I fall down in soggy blossoms a shadow crosses the mouse stills quicker than light nose knows no kitten Cynthia August 7, 2025 Look at the stars Dots of unconnected paint Splattered in the sky I perpetrate The sunrise over the dew Resting in my heart A mulberry tree I picked from a dark alley My life’s salad Margaret Coats August 8, 2025 Cynthia, please give your last name here in reply. Above you’ll see it’s IMPORTANT to submit contest entries using first and last name. Thanks! Shubham Thakur August 7, 2025 In autumn, he came – The flower prince, spring’s son, and with stars, filled my sky. — O Rose, bloom and bloom, and grow through hearts, dear hearts, whisper to them: love. Rifka Kaplan-Peck August 7, 2025 Pine shadow stretches A spine on the grassy field Unobtrusively ***** ******* ***** Autumn-atic loss From the time of spinning Earth Inevitable ***** ******* ***** Late blooming daisies Stuck in potential white green As leaves brown, Fall calls Courtnie Hathaway August 7, 2025 Thank you for reading and your consideration. Below are my three Haiku submissions. 1) Tangled roots below, a water lily above. From such depth, life grows. 2) Inhaling moss floors – Dense, exhaling pines and ferns. Circulating life. 3) Golden rays peek through gaps in trees, finding my face. The warmth draws me up. Krisee Yee August 7, 2025 Greeting chirps and tweets Little birdy pecks and sings, “Welcome, welcome spring!” Krisee Yee August 7, 2025 Oh, beautiful night, The darkness captivates me May I hide away? Krisee Yee August 7, 2025 Butterflies flutter Flowers open their petals The glory of spring. Maggie Fawcett August 7, 2025 Snuggled duvet-deep, Alarm roused before sunrise, Exposed, oh – the cold. Though golden wheatfields, Embrace the coming harvest, All ripe-ears, bristle. Kindall Kirby August 7, 2025 empty autumn beach I write your name in the sand waves forget for me gray skies slowly drip frost clings to the broken fence hearts freeze in silence crimson clouds scatter warm breeze carries fading light summer’s final bow jeremy wilkinson August 7, 2025 New bag in his grip a boy waits at the crosswalk, cool wind at his back. Autumn is coming a boy kicks through brittle leaves jacket zipped halfway Changing autumn leaves, warmth clings to the fading days, winter draws its breath. Joan Enoch August 7, 2025 Japanese Maple Your colors are turning now My friend, this tree, glows Iridescent rust Colors of impending fall Shivering delight Colleen DiDonna August 7, 2025 through endless ages a thousand generations together we are together we are fuller, able, thankful, strong divided we fall through endless ages a thousand generations together we stand Susan Spooner August 7, 2025 fog shrouds the river mudlarkers on the foreshore ghosts searching for ghosts ****** carpet of petals lie below the rain-dashed rose our summer quarrel ****** rearranging rocks in the middle of the stream I change the music Elizabeth Dania August 7, 2025 Summer’s gentle breeze, whispers a calm melody- a tale of passion Elizabeth Dania August 7, 2025 The world seems distant- Claws at the nape of winter, Reminds me of you, Elizabeth Dania August 8, 2025 withdraw this submission Elizabeth Dania August 8, 2025 I want to withdraw this submission Robin Sydne Ray August 7, 2025 sunlight on columns cast long shadows of marble through an ancient space sudden silver spheres humming, strumming, now drumming musical deluge grey clouds overhead purple jacarandas drop lavender blossoms Chien Ying Ng August 7, 2025 Black smoke coats the well, an oilman lights his cigar— a girl claws the soil. Dust clings to his feet— he counts the crates overhead, none fall near their tent. Stillness in the air— my breath fogs beneath the moon, time forgets my name. David Quinn August 8, 2025 dormant cold ground meets the warm rays of the morning ice was only water David Quinn August 8, 2025 Withdraw this submission E.P. Murphy August 8, 2025 wild winds walked wicked as hollow spring seeds tumble – a starved soil swan song David Quinn August 8, 2025 dormant cold ground meets the warm rays of the morning ice again water Elizabeth Dania August 8, 2025 The world seems distant- claws at the nape of winter, reminds me of you Elizabeth Dania August 8, 2025 I think I’m in love, with the song of the crickets, with you and the rain Claire Zhao August 8, 2025 in my garden pond carp swim under dense duckweed winter’s floral wreath the breath of summer cranes fly through wisps of sea fog will they return soon? a blanket of leaves near the pedestrian lane the old woman’s broom Ryan McCartney August 8, 2025 after the first rain a boy buries his sandals beneath the wet field dry-season sunset a rooster crows at the truck passing too slowly evening monsoon rice chaff dances in the air but no one sings now Paul Engel August 8, 2025 rap music blaring pounding surf’s beat beat beat beat… seagull’s mid-air dance Paul Engel August 8, 2025 flip-flop metronome walking to the pool alone– laughter and splashing Paul Engel August 8, 2025 behind glass seals dive wide-eyed kid watches bubbles… red snow cone mustache Anthony Mondal August 8, 2025 Switch off from technology And Switch on and engage with Nature and Simplicity Neena Singh August 8, 2025 fragrant night jasmine— she hums plaiting her long hair with the day’s first light * dust on ‘War and Peace’ even the armed spider pauses before spinning on * autumn wind in reeds a torn kite in the tree tugs at deepening dusk Bipasha Dutt August 9, 2025 Haha!! Seems like my 1st entry has inspired your 1st haiku TOO MUCH 😀 The similarity is too uncanny:) Scott Mason August 8, 2025 summer night concert– leaves beginning to flutter as the woodwinds play tulip festival a young artist arranges all of his crayons field of lightning bugs . . . for an instant one perfect moment of darkness Kseniia Klesova August 8, 2025 the warm summer sea does not ask who I once was it just lets me float cicadas erupt between the hush of my thoughts summer holds its breath moonlight on the dune my shadow walks before me summer wind behind Sylvie Glass August 8, 2025 A pigeon prancing While bright sunlight goes dancing Mischief of spring fate Ribbon of wet wind Soaked petals search for shelter Hide and seek they play Paper planes out doors Childhood lingers in scratches Both sides beg for more Brittany Beville August 8, 2025 Autumn fog dissolves In the fall of snow I breathe Spring creeps silently Radiated land A bird returns to its nest Among decaying remains Whipping through the room A baby croons in delight The wind sings for one NAHEEMAT ABDULSALAM August 8, 2025 Little rain falling Nature’s weeping silently Anticipating Stacy Tinker August 9, 2025 “It’s taken a toll, This long, dark night of the soul. But now I’m whole.” -Fool Louis Groarke August 9, 2025 A dead grasshopper All around, in withered grass, Its neighbors still sing A shaft of sunlight Passing through August windows Turns mere dust to gold In the late spring snow Standing there, in her bare feet The first butterfly Deeksha S M August 9, 2025 they cared, loved, and lived, like roots twined beneath one tree, no world beyond them. their eyes met, and stayed, world faded beyond their gaze, none but them remained. Kseniia Klesova August 9, 2025 Not sure where the ones i submitted before went, maybe i forgot to click submit? But here are the same three submissions! 1)the warm summer sea does not ask who I once was it just lets me float 2)cicadas erupt between the hush of my thoughts summer holds its breath 3)moonlight on the dune my shadow walks before me summer wind behind Wendy Tomasini August 9, 2025 Looks like only one of three appeared so here are my three entries Full moon’s bright glow Distant cackle in the night Broomstick’s silhouette Warmth of springtime’s snow Crystal clear droplets falling Taste the babbling brook Hear silent echoes Close your eyes and listen to Colors making sound Wendy Tomasini August 10, 2025 I would like to withdraw my previous entries and submit the following: Full moon’s bright glow Distant cackle in the night Broomstick’s silhouette Fragrant cherry blooms Bright pink and purple blossoms Fall silently down Loud crunch of an ax Numbing cold winter’s morning Bright crackling firelight Wendy Tomasini August 10, 2025 Sorry, forgot to edit the one mistake First poem should read A full moon’s bright glow Distant cackle in the night Broomstick’s silhouette Margaret Coats August 10, 2025 Thanks, Wendy, I’ve noticed! Fernanda Moura August 9, 2025 Haiku: open window light barre beneath my wiser hands I lift into grace Artist’s Note: This haiku captures a quiet summer morning in the ballet studio. The open window lets in light and warm air, carrying the season into the room. Summer, a season of ripeness and full bloom, was chosen to mirror the fullness of life that remains even beyond youth, countering the belief that a dancer’s bloom fades too soon. My wiser hands rest on the barre, a place of focus and discipline, as I prepare to rise onto pointe. This speaks to the journey shaped over time, every movement intentional and every breath carrying hope as grace meets me in this chapter. Ernest Amayogbe August 9, 2025 1. Burnt rose and cracked vase withered leaves on dying twigs and drought just begins 2. Turkey vultures tear the soldier’s eyes and entrails in summer’s twilight Fernanda Moura August 9, 2025 Seven pillars rise, table set with bread and wine, wisdom calls against the wind. Inspired by Proverbs 9, this haiku captures Wisdom’s quiet, steadfast invitation in contrast to the louder calls of folly. The “wind” evokes both the natural world and the resistance faced when walking the path of understanding. Fernanda Moura August 9, 2025 Shadows trace the mind sweet water veils the grave’s mouth your lips taste the lie Note: This haiku captures the quiet seduction of false promises. The sweetness masks its cost, drawing the reader into the moment before awareness strikes. A choice is made and the truth remains hidden until it is too late. Kathy Winston August 9, 2025 Slicing the black sky, Perseid meteors – flames streaking to sure death. Butterflies and leaves: morning sunshine embroiders pillows with shadows Rain pummels the ground. A turkey peers out, waiting under a yew tree. Ato Quayson August 9, 2025 Scribbling thoughts; drafts pile. Rain falling, pen twirls; thoughts whirl. Pages fray; ink dries. Quinn Campbell August 9, 2025 brisk air whips around enclosed in Winter’s Ballad boots crunch on the snow soft pellets rush down drop below the grey blanket their time has ended warm hues fill my nose pebbeled cobblestone bridges the leaves slowly fall Kriste Fisher August 9, 2025 winter’s soft silence snow blankets the sleeping earth footprints tell no tales storm clouds in his gaze, I seek where dark mists soften a place to vanish. In dusk’s quiet glow, your face appears like a dream love’s quiet echo. Ato Quayson August 9, 2025 Parched and cracked, she calls— Dry and bare, the desert thirsts, Scorching sun at play. Florian Munteanu August 9, 2025 last desert tree’ shade . . . one yarn of grass has sprouted eaten by a yak solar’s clock lock down. . . in trees’ town woodpecker drums the final countdown jason e ramos August 9, 2025 Manifestation Characteristically Appreciated Cheska Blas August 9, 2025 It’s the Season of the Year look at the bright sky it brings new start to the life flowers start to bloom Mohamad Kassem Moustafa August 9, 2025 Praying at sunrise early cold air fills the chest opening the heart Gratitude today for this new day, the first light coffee breathes its steam Mission accomplished by late afternoon, footsteps a brief sense of ease Lexie Price August 9, 2025 Every August Autumn stills and lies in wait while wind braids her hair. The sun is shy, yes And breaks against the hill’s line but something whispers: Orange sky, draw near. October chill graze my skin. Be ready for change. Carey Jobe August 9, 2025 A tipsy hummer sips—or kisses?—fragrant flasks of red-lipped summer. Pink mist at sunrise enshrouds a pale, sunken moon; your smile masks sorrow. A firefly blinks all night hunting a lost friend in a million stars. Priscilla Pittington August 9, 2025 1. Desert sand at dusk— The hourglass empties again Into starry sky Authors note: My Haiku is translated from my poem “The deserts twin”. I wanted to explore the comparisons between the sands of time and stardust of creation and return. Felix Lilly August 9, 2025 Golden summer light The window panes begin to shine A new day is here Clouds gather slowly Then rain pours on thirsty ground The air feels so fresh Firefly in the night Flashes a tiny, bright lamp A signal of hope Maura Harrison August 9, 2025 Ice cancels my gloves, Brings fingers to the arctic And leaves them in pain. Tree bark aged away— Down to its smooth creamy bones, Wintering and faint. Daffodils rework Winter’s plain even palette, Zesty citron suns. Segunola August 9, 2025 Gloomy day torrents, earth goes spicy; glistening, spread sweet aroma. Magic in the air, golden fluid, crystal-clear drops a wand of wonders. Margaret Coats August 9, 2025 Thanks for your haiku, Segunola. Please reply here with your FIRST and LAST name! Cristian Matei August 9, 2025 wandering no more – fireflies illuminate the course to the moon a billowing cloud — my daughter has a mouthful of cotton candy snowman in the yard — grandfather’s pipe fills the air with old memories Miodrag Kojadinović (鄺·妙讜) August 10, 2025 Harvest moon rising. High above Obon lanterns, meteorites flare. -o-o-o-o- ‘Tis not their fault, earth, you were lush, warm, welcoming; myriads swarm forth. Kimberley Cullen August 10, 2025 budding ficus tree a hummingbird thrums beside last year’s empty nest on gossamer strands a reclusive spider nests— tiny eggs cocooned summer’s spun threads send silver kisses everywhere— sudden flailing arms Kimberley Cullen August 14, 2025 Please withdraw these 3 entries. I’ll post my final 3 haiku entries for the contest after this comment. Thank you. Kimberley Cullen August 14, 2025 budding ficus tree a hummingbird thrums beside last year’s empty nest Summer’s spun threads send out silver kisses—oh, my! sudden flailing arms First spring rain post-war, children splash in mud puddles— wet, wormy minefields Falesha Roberts August 10, 2025 Struggle for the view Beauty like nothing before The mountain is you Two words change it all Say them and watch my walls fall “I am so sorry” The moon shines tonight And I am missing you more Like stars without light Huibert Sap August 10, 2025 Why do you eat dogs In purple and green rain suits? Do you have ketchup? Flying bird is free Who am I what do I see Island in the sea A whiff of dogshit And slow roasted coffee beans Waiting for the rain Louise Harris August 10, 2025 Tide, a force that bears Witness to the steady rock The subtle submerge A piece of glass splits The light from the hottest sun To stunning rainbows Gentle trick’ling stream Taking care of fallen leaves Wind softly lowers Matias Basso August 10, 2025 Bare feet in the dust, her laughter runs ahead quick, shade waits at the well. Two chairs in the sun, your hand brushing mine slowly, ice melts in the glass. Train window half down, the warm wind lifts your dark hair, we miss our own stop. Jody Z August 10, 2025 an apple a day, you must be able to find, in your neighborhood. privileged freedom, you might also get bitter when tasting worry. drenching their sadness, the clouds of a blood red moon rain on blue flowers. Ahaiwe, Kenneth-Treasure August 10, 2025 Mother’s pot simmers, Steam like Victoria Falls, Covered with a lid. Ahaiwe, Kenneth-Treasure August 10, 2025 Crisp, cinnamon air, Soft feet make music with leaves — Harmattan dies too. Ahaiwe, Kenneth-Treasure August 10, 2025 a morning aubade Canaries sing so softly the choir baton snaps. Christy Granger August 10, 2025 Branches swaying arms holding me at my worst love me at my best Makiko Ishida August 10, 2025 over nine o’clock just looking sunset alone end of the earth… where, looking up rocky peaks of Yosemite summer becoming end… Japanese snow crab soaking hot springs cheerful father Jackson Ledford August 10, 2025 glove leather and dirt crunching cleats, ding of metal cloud drifts over fence bees amongst flowers alcohol made by taking sweet stores of labor voice beckons, boy looks crossing pasture, heat subsides sun gives way to night Alpana Trivedi August 10, 2025 Clear skies are preferred But every once in a while Rain is bearable Midnight Sun is rare Everyone is excited Midday Moon is glum Rose petals are fine But before you go near them Watch out for the thorns Jessie Whitehead August 11, 2025 My black berry bush A shelter for lone ducklings A river of frost A farmers harvest A crumpling weed aging Breakfast for a mouse Falling leaves Pale building blocks For mouses home Anaga Chukwuemeka Frederick August 11, 2025 Tears fall like raindrops Peace crowns the vast universe Shadows dims our truth Nigeria my home Rich in treasured minerals Echoes from the east Ancestral voice leads Colour weave our heritage Symbols guard our past Portly Bard August 11, 2025 crackle, flutter, chirp ending dark prenatal night song of fledgling spring dingy, splotchy white winter tiger’s toothless fight shadowboxing light color winds collapse winter’s coat of autumn scraps gift of a lifetime Keyon Brooks August 11, 2025 Moonlight on still waves, your eyes once lit my shoreline— now the tide takes all. Petals fall too soon, whispers fade in autumn fog— your warmth stays in dreams. Under quiet stars, I call where you cannot hear— night swallows my voice. William Brown August 11, 2025 Sadness everywhere The world continues on Still obliviously Elicia Johns August 11, 2025 Love was to be free Yet you burned my tender skin Two hands drunk on sin Blood runs through my veins You have always kept me sane Yet you were the flame Our love like thunder Lightning striking down on us Your skin didn’t burn Richard Matta August 11, 2025 longest quiet night the meteor between us fades into her eyes Noah Patullo August 11, 2025 Noah Patullo A search for nectar Hungry is the hummingbird Buzzing through the trees Richard Matta August 11, 2025 cypress sentinels one, two needles fall…silence then the whole forest Richard Matta August 11, 2025 fresh cedar kindling the warmth of long winter nights in his flannel shirt Ellen Park August 11, 2025 There is an oddness to it. How the drops hit dirt hit the dry earth, cold. So water permeates In straight lines, watering earth Clean down, dirty mud Because what’s most off, most foreign. How clean you fall How much mud you stain. Mbah Njoh Ticha Asana August 11, 2025 NAME: TICHA ASANA WRITTEN ON ; Monday 11th August 2025 SPRING – “GIRL’S EDUCATION” Blossoms chase the light walls of custom choke the air books dream through the night ☀ SUMMER – “CHILD’S LABOUR ” Sun beats on bare feet factories devour the hours hope wilts in the heat ❄ WINTER- “ALBINO CHALLENGES” Frost on silver land whispers coil around the path sun strikes without hand Juliet Wilson August 11, 2025 waiting for bad news – watching leaves fall from the trees outside the window Jim Wolper August 11, 2025 Computer predicts Spring, snow, winter, rain, fall, fog Look out the window. Don’t flush your poems No matter how bad they smell Images clog sewers Parking lot empty Except where there’s some shade — one hundred Fahrenheit Ruth Carrion August 11, 2025 Haiku 1: Between two worlds still, silent threads weave my being home is in the seam. Haiku 2: Light breaks through the fog, truth blooms beyond the surface, heart finds its own path. Haiku 3: Mirrors reflect me, shadows dance with morning’s hope love begins within. Sienna Mcmillan August 11, 2025 Cherry Blossom Moonlight Trees swaying in the wind Cherry blossom petals softly sleep pink petals float in the wind Their sweet smell Matilda Pitman August 11, 2025 A maple leaf In someone’s golden hair Pretty are you not Pippa Alexander August 11, 2025 The hot warm sun shines Summer is finally here My body is tan. The new lambs are still The foals in the paddock run The spring breeze is calm. The frost on the grass The snow on the cold mountains The winter sleds slide. Matilda Pitman August 11, 2025 An icy frost Sets down on the field Rugby is a cold one Claire Bai August 11, 2025 Winter is coming with snow It’s here glistening in the sky Flowing down to me Spring is coming here now Blossom trees sway in the sky My hands full of pink Summer comes quickly Goes away faster than it came I enjoy the beach Matilda Pitman August 11, 2025 A baby gosling Slowly hatching in the sun The wind picks up Pippa Alexander August 11, 2025 Poem#1 The hot warm sun shines Summer is finally here My body is tan. Poem#2 The new lambs are still The foals in the paddock run The spring breeze is calm. Poem#3 The frost on the grass The snow on the cold mountains The winter sleds slide. Sienna Mcmillan August 11, 2025 Golden sand Smell of salty water Sandy sea shells Leaves dancing Green to red orange yellow One by one on the ground Snow falls Every snowflake different to another Sun shimmering reflecting Isla Armstrong August 11, 2025 1. Browned maple tumbles Off seasons branch to concrete Cradled by a breeze 2. Skyline kindles Sea foam slips between waves Clouds wane for solitude 3. Pirouette of wind Snow sheds for forgotten fields Frost etches the glass panes Remona Winston August 11, 2025 Just fixed your hair, You’d better not get it wet. At 61, life over looks, splash! John Shin August 11, 2025 A man swings his axe, thunder striking fear above, a branch shaking hands. David Drizner August 11, 2025 I, food for the worms Worms become food for the birds Birds, beauty and song Laura Wheatman Hill August 11, 2025 The barred owl cries. His love does not answer him. Children found her, dead. Camilla gets drenched, and soaks up the fall droplets. She blooms all winter. The pink peony smells like June and my heartbreak. She can’t stand upright. Ramya Attanayake August 11, 2025 (1) can see the shadows through the clear water of the lake hear the stillness speaks (2) cherry blossoms detaching from every stems a dance of freedom (3) autumn sea waves making silvery foam fleeting pleasure Sophie Khabaidi August 12, 2025 They say a mountain can be erased with one word. Accept my silence – Salt over my eyes I see horses eat their lunch silence around them. – Bared and wild to all, the planets have yet to be born, broken and bleached. Zulfa Haniatur Rohmah August 12, 2025 On a quiet night The wind blows softly The leaves fall slowly. Jody Zimmerman August 12, 2025 after date , wish ing …..to watch rain kiss window panes ’til morning rainbow. Lia Tjokro August 12, 2025 weeping willow bends shadow on water margin reading an old book dewdrops face the sun tender earth sustains mountains I breathe in and out sun rises too soon fog blankets blooming lotus cobwebs on your mug Debapriya Dutta August 12, 2025 Fire marks fire migrant, Fighting for the Summer-days? Fond of hope and rays. Jody Zimmerman August 12, 2025 after date, wish ing …to watch rain kiss window panes’til morning rainbow. Jody Zimmerman August 12, 2025 I am sorry, sad, I typed my haiku in the shape of a rainbow(6 lines) but it has not transferred that way. Margaret Coats August 12, 2025 Thanks for this poem, Jody. I see what you are trying to do, but the comment area at Society of Classical Poets does not accommodate shaping. However, your haiku with the traditional number of syllables will be taken into account as an entry for the contest. Jody Zimmerman August 12, 2025 after date, wish ing …to watch rain kiss window panes’til morning rainbow. Alisa Webb August 12, 2025 birch trees towering parting in a winding path I feel I am home Muralidharan Parthasarathy August 12, 2025 Muralidharan Parthasarathy – email: [email protected] This rare bold girl child points her finger – will the wolf be booked and punished? ——- Why you are so keen to unmask me? – A carapace that shields me from stones —— AI made it clear “You unlearn and then use me” To free from known? How? Juan M Cassiano August 12, 2025 greed, war, frenzied dust deserted desert the land as heaven doesn’t weep rain and shine mirror upside down colorful smile unbound joyful end ribbit ribbit splash song of love interrupted “don’t litter the pond” Bidyutprabha Gantayat August 12, 2025 Bidyutprabha Gantayat Poem1 mountain shadow fireflie winter carnival enlighted valley Poem2 fairies in ganga paying tribute to the dead a living for life Poem3 dead of the night a Cockroach in search of food smashed under boot © Bidyutprabha Gantayat, Bharat Email: [email protected] Sharon Marshall August 12, 2025 a hadeda ha’s at the oblong moon, New Year marks time awkwardly snowman sports a hat like yours, memories blizzard you will not find me white curtains rustle over the bay, a blue ship netting silver cob Jaundré van Breda August 12, 2025 where the still shadows of lifeless birch branches meet a feather ascends Chris Shaw August 12, 2025 August august rain Pitcher pitched on maiden’s head Profuse (in)fusion Chris Shaw August 13, 2025 May I delete this version? Resubmitted with updated style … Tekii pretty August 12, 2025 Tekii Pretty Sunrise on dry hills, camel bells hum through the heat, dust swirls like old songs. Acacia shadows, soft lips of camels sipping from cracked desert wells. Across red sand plains, camels follow fading light, home is where they kneel. Tekii Pretty Christopher Shaw August 12, 2025 august August rain pitcher pitched on maiden’s head profuse (in)fusion Rich N. August 13, 2025 2. Bones on every side. White curving dormant femur Covered with clay dirt. 3. Bay outta season, Are fishes cold in Winter? I’d be quite crabby. 3. Minuscule cell walls I wish our prison had plants I’d break every pot Edie Ensor (age 8) August 13, 2025 1. The whisper of the wind. Where is her baby fawn? Tiny footprints in snow. 2. Blooming morning Off to feed baby badger looking for honey 3. hot sunny morning a fluffy duckling circles in a flowering pond Liyah Hernandez August 13, 2025 She inherits gold And flies like a billionaire The Cloudless Sulphur Deepti Bhatia August 13, 2025 I think of life My degrees, lost aspirations The cooker whistles *** I think of life Of borders dividing it Blurring my own thoughts *** I think of life The beginning and the end They call it cycle *** Nicole Chisholm August 13, 2025 bright moon paints the sky the trees glow, their branches dance and sway in the night feet on the dash board hair wild. tangled in the wind it will be night soon a bird takes flight. soaring high over patchwork fields gliding on the wind Marek Kozubek August 13, 2025 after a hard day – discovering the silence in grasshopper sounds return from afar – under the rustle of leaves the paths of childhood alone in the dark absorbed by the meadow’s scent an evening prayer Jaundré van Breda August 13, 2025 touched by longing tears ripple your reflection in the quiet pond David McMurray August 13, 2025 finished in one go— closing the hardcover book first sunrise in spring arch of the cat’s tail his lover has whiskers too the moon veiled in mist aloha print shorts on a wave riding the moon to a bamboo hut Rick Johnson August 13, 2025 Sea breeze fog obscures the sun, fuzzes the edges. Dreams fuse then dissolve. Tracy Davidson August 13, 2025 seeds become saplings from a butchered sycamore cherished life returns long nights come early… so do the carol singers sadly out of tune sky full of spring rain the returning birds and I shake our tail feathers Marqus Bobesich August 13, 2025 Your big, empty bed. Worse than any hangover – the reasons she left. Sunflower seeds cracked. Think of who I could have been. All that time, wasted. Hitman elegy – forgiven, in the next life. You are not your job. Marc Smit August 13, 2025 forgotten sparrow fallen among autumn leaves her funeral shroud greygrim winter morn digging up this graveyard mind bygone lovers’ bones maria on pearl alabaster on midnight moon in medium Mary Goot August 13, 2025 Whitecaps race to shore Tumbling over each other Summer’s far too short Shamik Banerjee August 13, 2025 December morning, visible…invisible… hastening headlights Golden jubilee nan rests a sheaf of lilies by grandpa’s picture First drop of monsoon— a peacock unfolds its train; wide-eyed spectators Karen Hodnett August 13, 2025 dark clouds gathering lightning splits open the sky summer night suspense Frost Whitman August 13, 2025 rain strikes calm water thunder cracks the sky in two a child gasps, delight! bird sings to himself as he bathes in a cool stream picture then fall in! I watch my hands type my mind far from work’s demands somewhere full of trees Rowan Beckett Minor August 13, 2025 untended garden a monarch butterfly rests on the rusted rake * wisteria vines on the forgotten farmhouse this lengthening day * first winter morning in grandmother’s heirloom cup warm hibiscus tea William Bergholz August 13, 2025 With a pastor’s eyes I’m going to talk nicely Thank you God for her Sam G.W August 13, 2025 I climb blind up slopes thin air is here on the peak- Again, I have sight Autumn with brown leaves From the tree they fall, decay; Finally, I see color Wrinkly am I now In youth, the green grass I loathe- Here it enchants me Robert Baird August 13, 2025 Coiled dreaming python she’s gone by evening I step on the hose. Becalmed mirror sky aqua blue in reflection my splash , a ripple. I , the crashing wave will surrender together in bubbles and foam. Alan Brayne August 14, 2025 Moonlit Sea (Shoda Koho) a nonchalant moon, the sentinel grass makes sure there are no ripples Song Birds on Persimmon Bough (Shoseki) so fat and so round, orange berries on branches: songbirds weigh so light Branches with Almond Blossom (Van Gogh) sprinkle of winter snow melting on the branches: one morning it’s gone Joseph Messina August 14, 2025 the last cicada sings into the silent dusk— summer’s requiem through the clover patch swift bare feet speckled with dew— a cricket leaps high waxing crescent moon slowly lifting the bride’s veil— a pale cratered face Jaclynn padro August 14, 2025 From her eye a tear, Her loved one she sees no more. Overwhelming pain Is she gone really My heart cannot take the pain Heaven I will pray When my time is up I will embrace your warm hug Until then my love Soraya Johnston August 14, 2025 Tokyo morning He asks me to marry him Blossoms nod their heads A frosty pine tree Turns to the old temple Receives the moonlight Reeds in the river Bowing to cherry blossoms I row through the past Cheryl Wong August 14, 2025 dew and choking smog enclose the tops of buildings but still, this is home. vines split mined granite— these claws of nature that try and try to survive. sweetness of sugar and juice on innocent lips, still, a seed chokes. Benjamin Bläsi August 14, 2025 turquoise meltwater rushing through the old city another heatwave late summer sunshine at the end of a grass-blade an ant turns around the sound of crickets getting deep into the drought a water sprinkler Lucy Binnie August 14, 2025 lonely maple leaf kisses the cooling concrete colors it autumn C.X. Turner August 14, 2025 Three haiku reflecting the turning of the seasons, each drawn from moments observed in the British countryside. Winter frost on the hedgerow — a rook lifts into pale sky above the frozen fields Spring blackthorn scent drifting — a postman tips his cap to the returning swifts Autumn mist in the reedbeds — a fisherman’s torch sways past the heron’s shadow S. Smithline August 14, 2025 yellow leaves ahead the rivulet meanders yellow leaves behind S. Smithline August 14, 2025 biblical torrent the corn no longer knee high …I search for Noah Keith Simmonds August 14, 2025 Two old lovers kiss in the glow of the full moon… scent of cherry blooms Echo of the bombs… sombre shadows keep falling upon the rubble A fisherman’s oars caress the glistening sea… symphony of light Grishma Ruiya August 14, 2025 1 Footprints in the snow, leading where I cannot go, melt before I learn. 2 Old pine by the gate, roots grip deep in ancient soil, Wind hums through the years. 3 Empty wooden bench, faces I will never meet Wait in the sunlight. Laurinda Lind August 14, 2025 despite the high heat dry ditch of morning glories still full of itself two closest islands watching me all of my life eyes across the lake against the warm earth every inch of inchworm eventually S. Smithline August 14, 2025 a climate denier waiting for a large blizzard Dairy Queen – July Donetta Sifford August 14, 2025 1. Watching fireworks paint colors across summer skies while cicadas sing. 2. Bon Festival, dead loved ones dance home with autumn voices, dried from heat. 3. Colder nights came quick whipping leaves around our feet covering brown ground. Paula Moore August 14, 2025 Motionless summer Cicadas’ haunted humming, Smoke disguised as air. Playing hide and seek— Where are you, ruby rooster, With your sweet, sweet song? Restless remedy, The slow to my frantic flow. Step, step— forest glow. Emilie Thies August 14, 2025 Snow-covered landscape — Lonely footprints traverse A light far away? Isabel Lugo August 14, 2025 my father tells me to go do, go be, go see ’tis the writer’s way creativity doesn’t fall far from the tree from my dad to me cold and refreshing I think I like when it rains it cleanses my soul Slawa Sibiga August 14, 2025 an unfinished letter — the drops of water on the table change into new shapes at the bus stop snow on the old man’s shoulders slowly melts away an old wooden gate — in exactly the same light blooming plum tree now Emilie Thies August 14, 2025 Blossoms bursting forth Nature wakes from its sleep A lone acorn sprouts Lora Taylor August 14, 2025 Fall moonlight waxes Moths dance fearlessly although It gives them away Insharah August 14, 2025 Ill try forever Ill grow wings someday fly high Be it dead or alive Insharah August 14, 2025 Unworn shoes stand still, the world never heard her laugh— now the angel flies. Becca Glantz August 14, 2025 Sun over the hills burns my cheek with its old heat – the touch I recall. Anhedonia – craving through an empty soul to savor the earth. Smoke I once adored, now wraps around my body closing every breath. Urszula Marciniak August 14, 2025 another meeting the snowflakes on their noses meet for the first time the summer full moon the astronaut and his wife look at it anew the orphan’s drawing his dad dancing with his mom amidst the Perseids Swarna Bopali August 14, 2025 1. nesting in the eaves she sings a melancholy tune in the spring drizzle 2. snowflakes melt rhythmically in the hugs of the river waves neglecting the pale moon 3. child with the bare string looks at his kite floating freely among the blue clouds Akriti Srivastava August 14, 2025 ONE: Mystery as it Seems to turn away in seconds Like clockwork TWO: Hostile lie the trees As they sway over our wooden Boat far away at sea THREE: Numb lies stolen time When the minutes flee ahead And hours subside FOUR: Sanguine the world lies For never having to show Their concealed disguise. Estrella Tamayo-Brown August 14, 2025 Deer huddle “neath pine Snow pillows forest sanctum Quietly hidden Fog fades silently Sun rays filter through branches Yellow leaves clinging Bitter snow at dawn Island warmth welcomed by noon Bare feet free at last Sam Kauffman August 14, 2025 rose razzle-dazzle daisy pandemonium – star shenanigans indian paintbrush spikes like crimson firecrackers – seeds of prairie fire frog pond symphonies dragonflies conduct crickets – moon walks on water Mike Bryant August 14, 2025 Margaret, these two entries went astray… I’ll email their email addresses to you. Adam Crawford August 1, 2025 The stream’s steady flow, stopped by stacked sticks, filters through them and continues. Cora a Vidrine August 9, 2025 My life Life feels like a dream, pain too heavy for my hands— still, I chase the light. James Tribe August 14, 2025 i envy the bee – he doesn’t know he’s tasted his last peony to the uncaught fish the rod’s sharp sudden sting is nothing but myth shadows on the path – how suddenly they faded, the bright autumn leaves Shannon Wallace August 14, 2025 wiry vines longing for rays of sunshine to climb ~ nature finds a way Shannon Wallace August 14, 2025 Canada wiry vines longing for rays of sunshine to climb ~ nature finds a way Natalie Warren August 14, 2025 Kite soars high in sky swooshing sounds of turns and glides I stand still in awe Paradise resort An island of love and song Sea and land, I do Treetop crows gather Frogs ribbiting along creek Echoing full force Meredith Frazier August 14, 2025 Clouds catch fire, throw sparks Moon pasted on navy sky Screens flicker, go dark. Sinuous, sun soak’d Sleepy, shadow-striped, dreaming Cat-shaped contentment. Petrichor and dust Rain walking across the sky The desert blooms again Chen-ou Liu August 14, 2025 dew-drenched rose garden these shades of scarlet sunlight still drip, drip, dripping … tenth year in exile … a blossom breeze of lilac brings me home again another war news a spiderweb on the eaves sagging with raindrops Gijomon Kochuparambil John August 14, 2025 1) chains break in daylight shadows of faith cut the air tricolour still flies 2)first breath kicks the ball sun and storms across the field whistle fades to dusk 3)Blossoms fall around I seek her in every crowd no flower matches Barbara K. Timmons August 14, 2025 1. dream of summer sea inspiration of soft waves rolling up, cold toes! 2. sweet garnet lilies, throats bright at twilight, mingle their scent with our breath 3. across bluest sky ceaseless clouds collide, a gust bears my gaze aloft Min Chen August 15, 2025 (1) Reflections on the Movie “Past Lives” Threads of In-Yun weave Two lives drift on distant seas Eyes meet through the years (2) The Conclave Smoke twists in the sky Whispers swell to thunder’s roar Keys turn, doors open (3) On a Visit to Saihoji, Kyoto in Autumn 2023 Velvet earth unfolds Moss-keeper’s quiet footfalls Stitch the shade with care (4) On the Plane that Returns to Fiumicino Airport after a Parakeet Attack on November 10, 2024 Concrete sky trembles Green monks scatter in engines Rome holds its breath still Margaret Coats August 15, 2025 Thanks, Min Chen, for these haiku. Please choose ONLY THREE as your entries for the contest. You may give the numbers in reply to me below. Chi-Yuk Quo August 15, 2025 1. coiled tongue extends to unyielding pursed petals better luck next time 2. God’s smile taunts me bound to roam the mossy earth wish I were a bird 3. miles of desert cacti are my only friends they look like gumdrops Gopu Kesavan August 15, 2025 War’s end doll wanders her master into nobody zone Song of crane bird seating fee for tree with no discounts Sunrise spills into woods- drains night remains on grapes Eshaal Arshad August 15, 2025 1. Mist melts in pink dawn Rain-soaked cloth scrapped in thorns – A name washes off 2. Tin roof leaks mid-sip Swirl of rust, milk, cardamom This is nashta too! Ekta Adhikari August 15, 2025 birds chirp songs of spring seated on the iron rods of pillars spot once full of trees ~Diana Davison August 15, 2025 family photo in front of the Christmas tree missing your presence digging up treasure in morning excavation unearths gem lettuce precipitation… cherry blossom confetti showers park wedding Isabelle Wei August 15, 2025 powdery snowdrift low voices in the kitchen whiff of burnt sugar this morning glory, cherries and sugar snap peas— spring, forget-me-not. reaching the old fence between our garden benches— budding daffodils Anastasia Krasnokutskaya August 15, 2025 1. the rainy season the gray sky is blurring on the sidewalk 2. a pair of young swans please, let’s don’t talk about love while we’re at the pond Roohallah Ghasemi August 15, 2025 1) papilio palinursus little stary night full of green auroa and fireballs 2) new year day table clock is floundering on mirror’s open mouth 3) inbloom cherries simultaneously are cosmos’ begining and cosmos’ fate Roohallah Ghasemi August 15, 2025 Exuse me Correct form if second haiku is following: new year day table clock is floundering on mirror’s open mouth Roohallah Ghasemi August 15, 2025 Sorry Since it seems that arrangement of my haiku lines be messed up, I reposting them all. papilio palinursus little stary night full of green auroa and fireballs new year day table clock is floundering on mirror’s open mouth inbloom cherries simultaneously are cosmos’ begining and cosmos’ fate Roy Eugene Peterson August 15, 2025 ruby rising sun sampan seamen savor spring’s salty sea sushi jasmine permeates portentous passions pursue silhouettes in spring spring, summer, or fall; winter winds will never maul growing Bonsai trees Cezar Ciobica August 15, 2025 graduation day… a baby grasshopper jumps through the barbed wire fence * ceaseless summer rain… on every writing table origami boats * fishing a river… with my grandfather hip-deep in the mackerel sky Monica Kakkar August 15, 2025 * rainforest rhythms . . . woolgather midst a white-glove Year of the Wood Snake * abracadabra . . . last lily of the valley lilting in limelight * a roll of the dice . . . not a night for lullabies moon plays peekaboo * Monica Kakkar Geoffrey Beevers August 15, 2025 Luminous white dog Leading us through the dark wood Lighting the way home Shadowed by the church No-one sees the twisted tree It sheds yellow leaves Black elm silhouettes Against the pale end of day Stretch for the last light Mariangela Canzi August 15, 2025 back to the office — busy migrating swallows fill the leaden sky blackbird on tree top in the middle of the night… whistling Beatles’ songs Billy Antonio August 15, 2025 under the bamboos a sudden wind brings about early morning rain Mircea Moldovan August 15, 2025 another hot day… in the old beggar man’s box many years of shame families of toads into a jazz -blues concert – evening picnic boat full of migrants… a song about the green grass face the horizon Stef de Koker August 15, 2025 Old traditions A note in my daughters lunchbox The cold northern wind is whispering About winter coming early Pitter-patter On my roof the announcement Winter is here! – Stef de Koker from South-Africa Şeyma Nazlı Gürbüz August 15, 2025 Vapor sweeps my eyes Tearing up after, for you Sky falls down on us August dolour here Airless sky, airless ticker Longing your twister Sa'ada Isa August 15, 2025 It is winter and this is God flushing our sins. I am forced to muse Snow shrouds the lantern, footmarks fade along the path- night swallows the light. The street is holding an assembly of bodies, and bullets and bombs. Rachael Rosenberg August 15, 2025 nettle for the sting strawberry for the sweetness my tattoo heals me a sturgeon moonrise brings the bereft abundance: serendipity ukrainian spring even in the minefields, growth is unstoppable Tasha Kavanagh August 15, 2025 strange how, in grief, the whole world can unfurl upon a tiny spring leaf spring’s here, I say, my words of course unheard – yet all the birds are singing in Willow’s deep shade pasts and futures fade into the soft ‘plop’ of now Milenko misic August 15, 2025 Ticking of clock Abyss stares darkly Wave in sand Jennifer Germano August 15, 2025 why are you still here you know that we are finished it’s time to move on we were never good we always just pretended now we are both free Eva Drobná August 15, 2025 mosquito attack hot summer sitting by the water mosquito attack butterfly wings my stress dissolves into many colors butterfly wings Khadijeh Momeni August 15, 2025 The poor fortune-teller Puts the lifetime of all time Out for a cheap sale Upon the cloud tops A wandering thought walks slow Freed from every chain A child leaves alone His wooden doll on the ground He longs for the branch Jemine Ngo August 15, 2025 Weathered photographs cold stench of rot and wet moss a lone crow cries out A murder of crows circles above winter snow — red blooms stain the white Cherry blossoms fall staining the wet stone pathway echoes of lost hands Rana Sulfeeqer Pathechali August 15, 2025 Frown creases his brow Even with month’s wage in hand Wrinkles hold the day ________ New skin in the spring Woven for unwritten tales Past sleeps in the ground ________ He lowers his sword Poverty sleeps in white snow Sakuras in frost Jordana Landres August 15, 2025 Sunset above a sweltering city Firebathes brick buildings in an apricot haze Blue dusk relief exhales nightfall Sometimes it isn’t the living Who gently rock you to sleep, murmuring “I’ll always be with you.” Kate Brill August 15, 2025 Blossom glows and froths Like curling surf in sunlight A sweet treat for birds One tiny snowdrop Shakes a white head at winter Passing by, we smile Kate Brill August 15, 2025 Light’s gleam strokes the tree Dancing its fingers along A touched leaf trembles Mark Totterdell August 15, 2025 Low swallows over late summer grass – I wish I had roamed more widely! High summer, high winds – white butterfly clings, angled, to its bramble leaf Coo COO coo coo coo – high in a green tree, pigeon begins a haiku Gigi Ryan August 15, 2025 weary trees drop leaves crispy from the heat of drought aching for autumn sweet soft breeze blows in ousting steamy summer heat which plots to return crickets wake confused spring eclipse calls for stellar daytime lullabies Nitu Yumnam August 15, 2025 entangled up high a boy unravels the kite from the sky’s embrace drifting paper boat a child cups the hush of rain in his trembling hands evacuation box after box after box packing memories Stefeni Bartlett August 15, 2025 Monarch butterfly Emerge from green chrysalis Magical beauty -Stefeni Bartlett Sunflower faces Each to the north, south, east, west Russian mammoth here -Stefeni Bartlett Feathers of a wren Making their houses again Next year they’ll be ten -Stefeni Bartlett Chisom Nlebedim August 15, 2025 1. if peace is the goal then i must let you go, dear. adieu, my love. bye. 2. why did you leave, dear? i knew this would not last long. it was just one word. 3. the house is silent a man melts, a woman burns. but finally- peace? Jahnaiya Moul August 15, 2025 two monarchs flutter around like petals, twirling in the springtime breeze ship beyond the sea sings its centuries old song hidden behind mist figure in the pond a reflection that ripples i wave— it waves back Forest Meadow August 15, 2025 Mexico summer, dirt droplets smear the windshield: radio rain song. after daffodils, cicada summer sets in — retreat to haiku. salt-beetle roams on cow plop, startles butterfly; rippling rut-water. Rishi Chundury August 15, 2025 Minuscule worries Bother me, irritate me Rationalizing A single thought moves From my head down to my toes It commands my will L'Rae Rhoden August 15, 2025 I watch her rise up hands towards the new day sky my blooming flower My love bleeding out gathering into one heart a red rose bouquet The intricate art of weaving romantic lace as spider prepares Jordan Zuniga. August 15, 2025 Fountains, brightest rose, Crimson red, growing, passion, Love blooms on spring day. Mystery, depth, soul, Realm of the spirit, expansive, Beginning and End. Peak of mountaintop, Glorious sight, revelation, Eternity’s vision. Caroline Wermuth August 15, 2025 bird’s nest there you are hidden by the summer leaves now the leaves are gone from a mountain road the lights of Los Angeles like thousands of stars the way the trunk lid bites down on the evergreen Christmas in its jaws
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
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
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
Federico C. Peralta August 12, 2025 a pregnant spider swaying in the highest branch– the breath of morning the old cherry tree blossoming in profusion– little girl blushing a missed encounter– sighing through the narra leaves the wind of summer
Felicity Owoses August 12, 2025 Felicity !Owoses A Falling Leaf The Tree’s Despair, Nature’s Quilt There She Bud Again
Joanne Gram June 28, 2025 Joanne Gram Steps in the driveway Crisp autumn oak leaf passing me at my window
Shofiqure Rahman July 13, 2025 stillness in the pond a dragonfly splits the light without making sound first frost on the grass the morning sun slowly lifts a veil from the earth abandoned temple moss climbs the forgotten gods green reclaiming stone.
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
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
Michael Shoemaker July 26, 2025 casting light tackle high into the wind above crashing sounds of surf ocean winds’ fingers trace playful shapes in the sand stirring gulls and tears Hunter’s supermoon somehow we forgot what we mean to each other
Ali Aldawood August 4, 2025 Birds are yet to see Through Shrubs home for pedes to be Leap of faith unsought Haze-Slogged mind and tired Of weary words, uninspired The sky cried today Sky’s elocution Moonless nights and scorching suns Found calm in your storm
Aiman showkat bhat July 28, 2025 Title: The Sound I always wonder why it beated like that, now I know why it bled…
Wallace kaufman August 1, 2025 sixteen million years these white waves meet black cliffs. My friend lies near death Old trees, old darkness summer nap on cool mosses Trees are drinking light it’s his song, whose choice? “Video” or “Figaro” wren’s familiar voice
Diyora August 3, 2025 1. Late summer dusk dragonfly at dusk— its wings catch the last warm light, gone before I speak 2. First snowfall hush of first snowfall— lantern’s glow on empty road, footsteps far away 3. New moon bare branches shiver— somewhere a new moon rises, no one to see it
Margaret Coats August 8, 2025 Diyora, please place your last name in reply here, to assure your haiku are entered in the contest. Thank you!
Amie August 3, 2025 Bare trees do not speak. The sky forgets your first name. Even crows have gone. Snow swallows the path the one you once walked with hope, now lost in the drift. No fire, no sound here. Just your breath against the glass, clouding what once was.
Margaret Coats August 8, 2025 Amie, please place your last name in reply here, to assure your haiku are entered correctly. Thank you!
Michelle Visser August 5, 2025 summer thunderstorm jumping in new puddles then footprints to the door chickadees return five spotted eggs in the nest until the jays come waves erase the beach starting anew highlighting a single starfish
Bela Janostikova August 6, 2025 Bela J. August 6, 2025 the old Turkish rug – footprints over its patterns lead far off this world autumn cherry trees mist veiling the bare twigs the coolness of touch
Rowena Gianan August 7, 2025 Sweet bird sing a song With horizon’s color hues Paints blissful morning I see ants’ long line I look at the clouds and run Heavy rain pours down Trees are magical Singing, dancing and alive Paradise delight
Penelope D'Souza August 8, 2025 Hot green chillies grow, In cold northern hemisphere, Climate feeds longing.
Rhonda Siserir August 15, 2025 a warm summer rain the green grass stands glistening like the sky has sweat This replaces summer rain grass glistens from the sky’s sweat. Thanks
Anisha Kolambe August 8, 2025 mother cries softly muted white chrysanthemums muffle your musings brilliant sunset views painting red and yellow hues chase away my blues flying fireflies flashing love of fantasy fanning fairy dust
Frank Pool August 10, 2025 high half moon glow Serenity Buddha and my raised head paper moth rustles in sheets without mating last year’s cat bell in grass– one more spring
Jesse Self August 11, 2025 Jesse Self dew on the cool grass the fog clears in dawn’s new light take me to the lake
NmaHassan Muhammad August 12, 2025 Grey hair in hijab— rain beats on her umbrella, frog steals the puddle * Final hour in spring— Newborn wails for mother’s milk The swallows silent * Summer sun scarlet— Lover’s hands loosen soft strands New hair-do undone
Rhonda Siserir August 14, 2025 not yet autumn but seed pods blanket parking spots even now – they fall cool summer morning the singing birds bear witness to the first gold leaf summer rain grass glistens from the sky’s sweat
Rhonda Siserir August 15, 2025 a warm summer rain the green grass stands glistening like the sky has sweat
Stephanie Samulde August 15, 2025 Walking down the street Our eyes meet at this moment No one makes a move Now time has passed by Living two different lives Making memories But just one moment Asking myself this question What if I said “Hi”?
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 •
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
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
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?
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.
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
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
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 —–
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 Humorous haiku are always fun to read. There are poignant, deeply spiritual haiku and then there are the everyday simple life haiku. For me, they both have a place. Good job. Here is a haiku I wrote about Cicadas: Evening cicadas quiet rest before next song- Good, good vibrations Good luck on the competition.
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
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
Oliver Mackie June 23, 2025 Storm clouds glowering Dark foreboding shadows loom Cut by bright rainbow
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
Monika Cooper August 1, 2025 I am withdrawing these haiku from the contest and will post three new ones below. Thank you and sorry for any inconvenience.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Joseph Mason June 25, 2025 midnight sale review: monkeys take over our zoo drinking from the loo cuckoos build haiku wire – duck tape – crazy glue jimmy sing da blues lawsuit – windfall – sue yellow snow has soaked his shoes booger in the stew
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Eloise Pengelly June 26, 2025 Through the window, birds Red apple skins shrivelled old Unpicked tree, birds eat
Eloise Pengelly June 27, 2025 heat wobbles off roof two girls bounce up red balloon rising rising pop
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.
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.
Jack McAuley July 22, 2025 I would like this one to be my official entry and would like to withdraw the other ones. How do I withdraw the others?
Margaret Coats July 26, 2025 Thanks, Jack, you’ve done what’s necessary. Sorry I didn’t notice for a few days, but you can be sure now that your competition entries are the three above, the first one beginning, “Spring light in her palms.”
Fortunato Salazar June 27, 2025 Poor Aegisthus. One job & done. Had it in his grasp; dude lost the axe.
John Rux-Burton June 27, 2025 When the whale leapt I saw stars twinkle answers Though the splash was gone
Margaret Coats June 28, 2025 Thank you, David R. Solheim, for your haiku. If you wish any of the six to be considered as competition entries, please select no more than three for that purpose, and clearly state that you withdraw the others.
David R. Solheim June 28, 2025 I would like the three haiku I posted on 24 June to continue to be entered in the competition and withdraw the three posted on 27 June. Thank you for the clarifying note.
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
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?
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 I am new, so please excuse my ignorance. I am not familiar with “cutaway line”. Are you referring to the Kireji?
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!”
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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!
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Alison Ivey July 7, 2025 Grey skies in July Garden waterlogged and drab Then a daffodil. Melancholy day Wistfully recollecting Fragrance of daphne.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Alizetta Dawson July 9, 2025 Mess on the clean floor, a breeze moves crumbs in sunlight- things I’m not sorry for!
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
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
Carl Bellerose July 11, 2025 Hi, can you please remove my poem? It’s the one with the orange blanket. Thank you.
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
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
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
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
Rita Pomade July 12, 2025 in sweltering heat the sudden screech of sirens stilled streets jolt alive smiling on my walk a passing stranger asks me have we met before? loud gospel singing coming from the Baptist Church outside looking in
Bennett Chatigny July 12, 2025 Flame consumes the trees. Ashes leave black pocks below, staining the fresh snow.
Stefanie Bucifal July 13, 2025 the red maple leaf that you brought home from a walk I treasure it, still in everyone’s life should be a time of kissing under lilac trees to the autumn wind: I am yours, breathe me, turn me into grass and trees
Timothy Wheatly July 15, 2025 mom’s summer cleaning the one time of the year where my clothes cannot fit boy helps neighbor plant rusted, red shovel-neighbor shows boy a weed’s root
Nathan Osabel July 16, 2025 Dog haiku I. Dog’s POV This man gives me food Same old shirt—rugged, dirty Richest man I know II. Man’s POV A heart that struggles Felt inside, hidden outward Surely this paw knows — Passion haiku Plucked a shriveled rose markings of beauty arose a withered passion
Timothy Osabel July 16, 2025 Fireworks symbols life Soars, reaches a peak, gives awe Then slips into hush. Things I need to do Piled up incoming deadlines So I took a nap A dog is barking I barked back to make it stop Two fools at midnight
Timothy Osabel August 14, 2025 sir I would like to put some changes on my first haiku. this is the updated one, thank you. a firework ascends sparks awe—then slips into hush sur lives, brief but bright Things I need to do Piled up incoming deadlines So I took a nap A dog is barking I barked back to make it stop Two fools at midnight
Timothy Osabel August 14, 2025 Sir I would like to put some changes on my first haiku. this is the updated one, thank you. some typos again. a firework ascends sparks awe—then slips into hush our lives, brief but bright Things I need to do Piled up incoming deadlines So I took a nap A dog is barking I barked back to make it stop Two fools at midnight
Paulette Calasibetta July 16, 2025 hurtful words spoken slipping from an angry tongue ~ echo eternal ~~~~ luminaries rise circling a congregation ~ catching falling stars ~~~~ before the leaves turn gold before the gray frosts our hair ~ we will remember
Caroline Burrows July 16, 2025 Hopeless romantics Sketch initials in warm sand, Waves wipe the beach clean.
James Jenkinson July 16, 2025 Blossoms drift sideways a scarecrow dances gently when no wind passes Cicadas crackle a hammock folds with laughter as sunlight stretches Footprints fade softly a mailbox leans in silence beneath silver hush
Philippa Taylor July 16, 2025 snowflakes are soft, yet the gentlest words cut like blades and melt in the sun
Spencer Hammar-Campbell July 16, 2025 Snowstorms ravaging along the west cars sheltered in snow unmoving
Robert H. Rogers (Pen Name "Sinclair") July 17, 2025 Hurt, Abandoned Fawn (Haiku) Hurt, abandoned fawn, Searching the frozen white wood… Does not find the dawn. -Sinclair-
Joydip Dutt July 17, 2025 cherry blossom buds are slowly opening up a new found buddy *** sipping orange juice the tangerine sun slips down the sea horizon
Joydip Dutt July 18, 2025 Hello Judges, Making a small change in my first haiku. Forgot to put a hyphen in the word “new-found”. cherry blossom buds are slowly opening up a new-found buddy *** sipping orange juice the tangerine sun slips down the sea horizon
Katherine E Winnick July 17, 2025 bare branches waving twisting to heavens above – a lightening bolt strikes nestling amongst reeds ducklings finding a way through the shadows grow tall some loquat flowers… steeped in boiling water exuding fragrance
Z. S Han July 18, 2025 Embrace the dreamer Coming back through memory Bridges of belonging. Beauty in green light Calm flows like wind in silence Wonders drift through stars. In a perfect city Twilight dances on still hope Breathing for a chance.
Edward Cody Huddleston July 18, 2025 dusk meditation— where the light meets the shadow a pine needle falls open chrysalis the butterfly emerges into present tense
deborah jones July 18, 2025 through the bars of grief uncontained by tomorrow the laughter of children beneath the rubble voices of the not yet dead already memories the waiting willow aglow with guilty secrets cradles the spent sun
Raewyn Hutchinson July 18, 2025 Birds dart like arrows Shot from tree to tree to tree Bullets of bird fire Stop Mum wait keep right Newborn snail travelling north My daughters keen eye Venus rises bright Curving into the dawn sky Seen from a pillow
Erin Zampaglione July 18, 2025 avocado tree wide and low, heavy with fruit invites small climbers red rose petals fall do I mourn lost youth or love these child-bearing hips cloudless night eclipse stars appear and fade away hiding in plain sight
Deborah A. Bennett July 19, 2025 an autumn evening wild geese in the melon sky my only anthem though now past midnight voices of the mountain wind acorns falling down through the open door the beginning of autumn in the sweet gum tree
Twila Brase July 19, 2025 tiny seeds set low in soil furrows full of hope wait for water’s flow hands of cherries ripe dripping balls of red delight picking time is here full moon slips below no curtain call to applaud just the hand of God
Dale Bailes July 19, 2025 Cut-eared yard cat Claims poolside swap shop chaise lounge Grooms itself regal
Margaret Coats July 25, 2025 Thanks for your haiku, Michaelyn. Please provide your full surname as the competition instructions request.
Coleman Davis July 19, 2025 The birds sharp whispers Lift you from your nights journey Bring you back to me What could this mountain Clear, green, and cast in dawn’s light Have in store this day Pebbles smoothed by time live, moving on down. Clatter as songs in the creeks.
Kahren Morris-Denby July 19, 2025 Kahren Morris-Denby mud squelches through toes houses swirl through rising flood tears flow forever cumulus clouds float across snowy mountain tops immortality raindrop on a wing sunlight glimmers on puddles sparrow ablution
Ngo Binh Anh Khoa July 19, 2025 life in perspectives the golden hour flashing in a mayfly’s eyes still turning toward the light beyond the darkness sunflowers in bloom the end of summer a leaf moves through hopscotch squares at the wind’s nudging
Dan C. Iulian July 20, 2025 starry night silence – in this cosmic indulgence just a cricket’s song after summer rain my kiddy explores the sky from every puddle lotus flourishes – the remainder of the day becomes thinkable
Anne Curran July 20, 2025 the gentile hostess prepares tea ceremony weary travelers a flock of swallows emerges from drifting cloud a happy omen village revelers celebrate in spring sunshine talk of a wedding
Parker Sterling July 20, 2025 The sound of a frog Jumping into an old pond: The haiku is born. The lawn mowers and The leaf blowers fall silent: The birds sing again. Bright clouds at night float Behind the ash tree: a kiss: And the dreamer wakes.
Paula Rogers July 20, 2025 Father watches me The old man watches me close Sees who I will be I will be him now His time is done mine begins He thinks I will fail But I prove him wrong He smiles and nods at me The family is safe
Trina Layne July 20, 2025 1. Garden Party sun stretches itself over our grand carnival On withering grass 2. Summer Pests citronella cream mosquitoes multiplying… voracious vampires 3. Idols of Summer lips crumpling in heat summer wind scorching sundress who will seek for rain?
Sherri Ali July 20, 2025 When all creatures die Those of feather, scale, and fur, We’ll eat each other
Ashley Houston July 21, 2025 About Losing My Dearest Aunt A chaotic storm Rumbling in the distance Echoing our grief A funeral shroud Gathering dewy flowers Panicked breathing—grief Moonlit grief scrolling Digital images dance Flowering remembrance
Lynn CaroleBrown July 21, 2025 Outside my window the night air carries music, and I sing along. What we can not see does not mean it isn’t real faith has its own breath. Have you ever felt— that ocean of emptiness surrounding your shores? Lynn Carole Brown
Sunita Keyser July 21, 2025 sliver of silver a rill that snakes through the drift I pluck the grey hair
Deborah Karl-Brandt July 21, 2025 shaped by water stones emerge from the deep burned by the sun the melancholy of family pictures first days of winter the smell of green grass lingering on my dogs feet before I must part
Mike Rogers July 21, 2025 bare trees show clear moon my thought-moon growth gone shines white inside leaves still grow
Meera Rehm July 21, 2025 early morning mist rising from the undergrowth steam-birth of a fawn frost-bitten blossom — one by one I pack away the nursery room old age wanderlust — a slug stretches its eyestalks into summer sun
Stephen Anderson July 21, 2025 Amsterdam Anne Frank Museum Behind bookshelves, no one talks Everyone listens.
Manasa Reddy Chichili August 9, 2025 the monsoon drizzling jumping in the new puddles then waves erase the prints abandoned temple dragon flies among monsoon flowers lot of kids the cherry blossoms the day and night bright in side bride blooms than the sun
Urmi Chakravorty July 22, 2025 Potter’s toil and tears, Clay clings to clammy fingers, Fortune’s wheel spins lives! *** Pebbled river beds – Trouts, tourists, shingles, selfies, A cairn for the dead *** Dusk rustles through pines Sylvan symphony unfolds Tempest in my heart
Eddie Park July 22, 2025 Small leaves fall softly A fox emerges from his home Rusty clouds fading Bright Sunlight dances The tide comes over the sand A seagull dosing chilly breezes blow Water now turned into ice I put on my coat
Mia Wilkins July 22, 2025 My Garden blooming Fruit buds appearing on trees Air warming the day Thirsty sun shining Deep blue cool water shimmers Boats dancing on lakes Leaves float gracefully Branches becoming naked More seasons ahead
Lucia Thorne July 22, 2025 Crisp air cools my face Ice frozen over a lake The swoosh of my skates Morning dew drops down A leaf falls slowly into my hands The horn beeps, its time The heat makes me sweat I throw my body in the water My skin begins to cool
Ethan Zhao July 22, 2025 Orange leaves fall quietly An owl come out to hunt As it turns to night The bare trees stand tall The fox gently slinks around While others sleep The sun shines brightly Reflecting off the water As the children play
Alice Glover July 22, 2025 Smell of salt water White sand hot under my feet A shinning pink shell The sky is so blue The sun is so warm up high Summer is here now Lambs spring happily Through the luscious and green fields Now springtime is here
Amelia Li July 22, 2025 Light snow drifts slowly Cold breaths fill the frosty air Soft breeze tickles me Vibrant falling leaves Floating down from the bare trees Autumn’s gentle touch Pink cherry blossoms Glistening in the sunshine Mystical landscape
Tasmin Wingfield July 23, 2025 Red leaves hold my hand As I take the path toward Far colder places Mists of cloudy breath Lips stung by the freezing frost Eyes blink away cold Blossoms dance with nymphs Pollen swirls like magic dust Enchanted summer
Liliana Mendes Schneebeli July 23, 2025 Summer’s thirsty tongues Clear cold raindrops start to fall Kissing under leaves Forked leafy branches A black widow’s rumbling fades Folded behind back Day’s sharp blade of light Darting voices raised in heat Lovers’ ties are cut
Erica Hannah July 23, 2025 Blood. Blood everywhere. On the grass. On the tree barks. And he sits there. Calm. Unfazed. Unbothered. Even he is surprised by this. Pretty sight, at least. He holds his love close. Comforts her. Reassures her. For now, she needs this.
Sarah Schexnayder July 23, 2025 What life is Spring? Small breaths newly awaken From the sleep of death. ~ Bittersweet is Fall! Vibrant colors dance in swirls! Nature slowly dies. ~ Quiet is Winter. Nature’s death is stark silence. Hushed, it rests in hope.
Larry W. Richardson July 24, 2025 cold pink-faced macaques soak in hot spring’s steamy mist cooing to their young a brief glow flickers winter firefly phantom light red fox prints snow path millions of starlings surging, swinging, swooping autumn’s fluid flight
Amitava Dasgupta July 24, 2025 she is light years away but I still smell her fragrance in wild spring flowers dipping in Ganges winter mist hugs equally both sinners and saints autumn sea at dusk dad is no longer with me to show infinity
Krikmöklet Egelanaard July 25, 2025 dying cherry tree; copper sundial shows time: dog days-spent in green hot winds slow the mind raining needles of white pine, grapes firm on the vine a peach is pulled from the shading branch—so grasps the mother’s loving hand
Martin Soudek July 26, 2025 Haze over green hills, Northern forests smouldering— FREE two-day shipping!
Linda Marie Hilton July 26, 2025 below are my three offerings, the first was inspired by the painting by Hiroshige shown at the top of this page: Humans trudge upwards Gay water foams, rushing down, Fog eaten by trees. Swallow perches high Seeking swarming insects fly Mouth open: dinner! Volcanoes heat the Ocean deeps warming an earth Humans do not own.
George Hubbard July 27, 2025 The gracious oak tree Standing on carpet of leaves Making an angel Warmth is with us now Daffodils now watching us Lambs in the field Snow everywhere Squirrels scutter round the streets Christmas trees inside
Ernesto Santiago July 28, 2025 alone in his thoughts – the water curls around rocks – a welcome escape – where a river bends little eddies of water misplaced fantasy – wedding butterfly why would I need a motive when I have power Ernesto Santiago
K. F. Gruta July 28, 2025 Agua de Mayo children splash in the puddles… sunken paper boats _ Autumn night busking the singer’s fedora falls — a whole rest symbol _ Phosphorescent stars each on the ceiling outshines all of my neck pain
Laura Nicola July 28, 2025 First shy rays of light The old relentless river Guides my way to work Early spring cleaning Old items packed in boxes Your memory too A blanket of stars The whispering sleepless waves Bow under the moon
Lily Malcolm July 28, 2025 Handfuls of blossoms Floating on the riverbank Taking precious time The sun beaming bright On the bright green, glistening leaves It feels like summer I’m a little fox Camouflaging in the snow Im brave as can be
Amelia Yu July 28, 2025 Snow collapsing Covering up the ground Stroking my cat’s ears Cherry petals fly Spreading pollen around bees The smell of grass Waves crash around Hitting my brother’s sandcastle Beach balls everywhere
Shannon Jade July 28, 2025 sunbeams, soft, golden, fracture midnight’s starry skies, glowing hope of dawn. *** impossible things: the heavy weight of mudbanks, wildflowers blooming. *** summer is the sound of waves whoosh, crashing to shore, you laughing at me
Helena Shinn July 28, 2025 Cicadas wail fire— child’s laughter breaks through the storm, hope drenched in warm rain. *** Frost veils the cold night, candle’s trembling breath reaches— loneliness in light.
Jan Hadfield July 29, 2025 a frosty morning in the song of the blackbird my husband Martin blossom in the square bells ring from the Cathedral the Godwits return early morning fog a man appears from nowhere then disappears
Denisa Hanšutová July 29, 2025 old cemetery on loudest days the sound of dead leaves whispering squirrel in the park burying and looking for my scattering thoughts post-spring mountain creek letting my quickening thoughts meandre freely
Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 Lela Northcross Wakely Stillness over pond Phlox gives its last perfume-sigh No one to notice Silence and singing? Young bamboo shelters frogs while Buddha meditates. Strawberry moon tryst Love nips skinny dippers- NO Watch out for those Carp!
Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 May I please withdraw the last haiku about the “Strawberry moon tryst/” I am concerned it is more a Senryu than an actual Haiku. I will submit another one in its place. Thank you.
Leila Northcross Wakely July 29, 2025 Snowbound solitude Evergreen bough holds…surprise! One blooming sunrise
Andy Moody July 29, 2025 The Spring breeze whispers, Such deep stillness in the trees – The Creator speaks. The river flows full, Two Grebes ritually dance – Creation’s beauty. In the high azure, Courting Buzzards are circling- Wings touching heaven.
Jacob Schultz July 29, 2025 The July sun crowns Tops of regal tulip trees – Passing clouds douse fire. Autumn leaves sweep way Those windy tokens of love. I watch alone still. Poppies and tulips Peek out from their gray foxholes – Winter sends them back.
Tammy Iralu July 29, 2025 snapdragons explode kimonos strung on a line– swallowtail sails on morning foragers skunk tracks among strawberries– my fingers stained pink quail young traverse road reach shoulder fast as wildfire– foot eases off brake
Catherine Bittle July 29, 2025 Between, stands the gate. Green vines twine round man’s estate. Hands reach through to bait. Strangers’ sleeves brush past. Autumn leaves fall in the breeze. Someone leaves too fast. Blizzard blows around. Footprints show on snowy ground Found, heart starts to glow. |
R. Bremner July 29, 2025 Chilly was the morn I kissed the lips of the sun afternoon smoldered Autumn fog teases, kisses me in dawn’s shadow, steals my heart away. An omen of light snuggles in the breast of night before dawn wakes her.
Simar Sodhi July 29, 2025 Night swallows the light Stars whisper secrets untold Each unique and gold — The fire departs But still a lone flame remains Bringing hope in pain — Sleep slowly dances On a frosty windowsill Inviting the night
MarthaMaggie Miller July 29, 2025 pregnant pouring rain music on a metal roof flowers’ wakeup call arid waterhole under an African sky hungry lioness sweetly singing birds on an early Spring morning funeral chorale
Laila Amado July 30, 2025 A quiet morning In the garden, young kitten Catches butterflies Walks by the river Old man with an Irish hound Geese call for winter Wind rolls red petals In the shade of a temple wall Old robots tell tales
Jane McCarthy July 30, 2025 park bench in shadow a boy sings to a sparrow braiding sun through leaves first frost on the stoop a girl with torn shoelaces waits for the school bus spring rain on gravestones a man rereads the same note until it blurs ink
Parisa Majumdar July 30, 2025 Why it hurts this bad I wish we could just re-start As strangers in school —— Close your eyes and dream A world filled with happiness And good memories —— A doubtful mother Tries having faith in her child Is that much to ask
Aureus Nova Solis July 30, 2025 Wintergreen upon A crimson spilled abandon Reclaiming blossoms Vermillion shards Overcast the mountainside Amongst the Moon’s tears Fields of petals lie O’er my tired body now Never two allowed
Jennifer Doherty July 31, 2025 Tempest arguments Dad firm, mum with deluge cheeks Children’s howling screech.
Anthony Shannon July 31, 2025 Fingers trace my spine. “I’m in Arcadia, too,” Death whispers, hollow-eyed. photographing ghosts as they drift by unnoticed carefree of life once lived two doors, but one choice: above, blissful ignorance; below, truth and strife.
Vishal Prabhu July 31, 2025 peeling back the year every step on the mountain autumn wind and I accompanying me one last time down the mountain farewell autumn winds not the autumn wind that wound me up to the lake breathless campsite night
Nancy Brady July 31, 2025 night sky fill with stars… a silent predator flies with prey in talons at a florist shop she practices ikebana –an orchid corsage a complaining crow at the top of an ash tree –rainy afternoon
Harper Lewis July 31, 2025 Metaphor for death: One soul abandoned in a Vacant furnished room Jealous verdigris thoughts enter my brain and play in my dead effigy Synopsis of faith: I believe in the unseen and things I can’t feel. My dad made nectar, fermented for hummingbirds to buzz when they fly An iris opens Frilly white edges surround the deep purple base The gossip of priests is deliciously naughty, delectable sin The establishment Insists that you refrain from Showing compassion
Margaret Coats July 31, 2025 Harper, thanks for these haiku! Please let us know which THREE of them you would like as your entries in the competition. That’s easy to do; you can reply here.
Delaney Shiono July 31, 2025 Amber orbs aglow Beneath frostbitten fingers Playing with fire Summer sunlight shines Upon sky blue waves of change Paradise on earth Crystal shards conceal My deepest, darkest secrets For your eyes only
Jessica Allyson July 31, 2025 out before sunrise the stars keep me company until their bedtime worn-down path outlined by lilies-of-the-valley poet’s grave marker birches intertwined creaking, clinging together against winter winds
John Savoie August 1, 2025 #3 who can remember when the stars first sang for joy? the sound still carries
Lloyd Jacobs August 1, 2025 The yellow leaves were dervishes at my window till the rain started Footpaths and tire tracks obliterated by parachuting flakes Snowmelt discloses a winterkilled fawn still in geometric spots
Monika Cooper August 1, 2025 parade floats idle in stopped traffic—clusters of crab apples pinken . crystal interlock of water’s piscine quills: each little wave, a leap . sun on the surface: silent Roman candles in rapid explosion
Emory D. Jones August 1, 2025 Here is my submission– Yellow butterflies Flitting above green meadows Like dancing sunshine.
Maria Panayi August 1, 2025 haiku 2 homeless hermit crab takes shelter in empty shell, gulls squawk overhead
Maria Panayi August 1, 2025 haiku 3 wistful willow tree unique forgotten fortress weeps with gratitude
Maria Panayi August 6, 2025 Dear judges, please may I withdraw haiku 3 and submit this version instead. Thank you for your understanding and patience. wistful willow tree, unique, forgotten fortress, weeping gracefully
Rebecca Trifari August 1, 2025 1) Halfway, then again she chases what flees the mind, dust rising in spring. 2) Snow melts as she runs. Each step closer is farther, the world holds its breath. 3) All race toward stillness. He counts motion with a blade— leaves fall, unmeasured.
Martina Matijević August 1, 2025 july thunderstorm her funeral procession finishes faster watering roses they slowly lower their heads unrequited love the smell of caught fish a hungry cat creeps closer mom scares off burglar
Sheri Knauth August 1, 2025 Three submissions read separately or together: To be read shelf. Infinite years divide books. Will I finish them? Words comfort my years Shelter in safe hard cover Writer and reader Find grace in pages. Solace with pens and journals. Heartache soothed silently.
Joanna Ashwell August 1, 2025 these spring showers again with the softness of blossom edging our footsteps the musk of a deer already belonging back in the forest’s crisp ochre rowanberry dusk where the deepest clouds drift by with every lost dream
Morrison Handley-Schachler August 1, 2025 Calm in her stony Hermitage, the mason bee Mocks the rowdy swarm. Dreaming of nine days’ Majesty, the dragonfly Bides three years his time. Butterfly’s shadow, Borne away on morning’s wings, But so beautiful.
Patricia Carragon August 1, 2025 from a leafless limb the empty swing remembers the long, hot summer ~Patricia Carragon after the tempest the silence of fallen trees roots severed from hope ~Patricia Carragon storm clouds overhead hurricane winds travel north no relief in sight ~Patricia Carragon as temperatures soar slumber shuts the feral’s eyes solace from the sun ~Patricia Carragon with eyes half open the cat curls up for a nap feet and tail at ease ~Patricia Carragon
Patricia Carragon August 1, 2025 Please disregard my earlier comment. I’m submitting these three here: from a leafless limb the empty swing remembers the long, hot summer ~Patricia Carragon as temperatures soar slumber shuts the feral’s eyes solace from the sun ~Patricia Carragon after the tempest the silence of fallen trees roots severed from hope ~Patricia Carragon
Patricia Carragon August 1, 2025 Please disregard my earlier comment. I’m submitting these three here: from a leafless limb the empty swing remembers the long, hot summer ~Patricia Carragon as temperatures soar slumber shuts the feral’s eyes solace from the sun ~Patricia Carragon after the tempest the silence of fallen trees roots severed from hope ~Patricia Carragon
Meliana Alejandro August 1, 2025 The new era starts No hugs, kisses behind masks, Six feet difference please! Empty streets, doors shut, chaos over empty shelves, Unease filled the air Big nation big mess, Long lines, thin change, days await, I awe how it ends COVID-19 yes, Once it starts it never leave, Leaving scars for sure
Margaret Coats August 1, 2025 Appreciate your contributions, Meliana, but please choose only THREE haiku as your contest entries. It’s simple to do by telling me which one of your four to leave out. Thanks!
Wania Sajjad August 1, 2025 Name: Wania Sajjad Country: Pakistan Unpicked Flower I tore myself open for your hands— but you walked past like I was dirt. Still, I bloomed into the silence you left behind. Petal Ghost You grazed me like wind— no blood, but every inch of me feels haunted. False Spring You arrived like a false thaw— all heat-laced breath and lying light. I cracked open, thinking you’d stay through the storm. But you were winter in a stolen spring disguise. You kissed me with frost, and I shattered.
Nolo Segundo August 1, 2025 reluctant leaves fall from the old tree showering the old man walking old cemetery abandoned by the living waits eternity alone, the young deer ate the holly tree’s berries soon dying under its leaves
Sherri Dadey August 1, 2025 Small, feathered body still, on the side of the road, your death will feed life
Madeline Nugent August 1, 2025 firefly dance and burn jive resolutely down paths! lead me homeward bound far out open sea tender faces stranger now—- gentle crash of wave bugs bite tender flesh red blooms and swells a garden—- blackbird song soothing
Asha Bajaj August 1, 2025 striped pollinator rave, roam, romp, be(e) rife, don’t sting don’t waste what is sweet
Asha Bajaj August 1, 2025 O radiant sky are you wounded or merely temperamental? blanket of snow, erase this paved landscape, then erase yourself melt into nothing
Asha Bajaj August 1, 2025 Apologies, updated version of #2 snow blanket, erase paved landscape, erase yourself melt into nothing
Tyler Oldershaw August 2, 2025 Just like Icarus, And so we fall, endlessly; Freedom tastes like wind. The wounds of the sky Open. Today, tomorrow. Bloodlike life rains down. So alienated In this body; distorted. Trapped briefly in skin.
Chinmay Khare August 2, 2025 Crimson maple sighs, its branches bare to the dusk— One flame drifting down
brett brady August 2, 2025 how shallow the shoals . . . alone, upon reflection we’re both pelican midnight snow flurries, a raindeer fawn’s long lashes gathering stardust oak tree canopy– that old tattered fedora atop her coffin
Eshini Hasithri Meegaskumbura August 2, 2025 Hi, these are my three entries for the haiku competition. 1 Summer never wanes In the glowing Pearl of the Indian Ocean 2 The snow falls gently Mimicking the glow of the Twinkling stars above 3 Warm summer rain of Dancing love soon lost in the Slow fall of autumn
Thompson Emate August 2, 2025 Showers of first rain The aroma of coffee Papa’s favourite Alone on the porch Forlorn wind heralds deadness My muse awakens Summer homecoming Children play in the river Childhood memories
andrew shimield August 2, 2025 at 7.00am the bees in the lavender already at work bank holiday beach barely room for flesh to tan between the tattoos
Justin Tipton August 2, 2025 The Earth wears a coat The snow and ice pack her wounds She rests safe and warm
Ava Mitchell August 2, 2025 The rain sings and sings The thunder replies, screaming Never satisfied Kind mornings, soft nights, They are whole with your smile Comfortably happy Gray fog blankets the Deep valleys and green forests Stunning opposites
Beauregard Tuck August 2, 2025 Leaves lull light’s looming; shadows shower sundered souls. Winter wakes what waned.
Thomas J Strong August 2, 2025 recess doors open a gust of schoolyard children swirling autumn leaves heard without thinking understood without saying a walk through the woods the bud that seeks the bloom doesn’t need to search the garden to find it
Michael Chaplin August 2, 2025 Michael Chaplin As I wash my clothes My Yiddish momma still sings Songs of Yahweh’s praise Death in the river Souls coffined inside of mud The LORD my Shepherd In my green garden Surrounded by its beauty I hear sounds of war
Alex McBean August 2, 2025 atop lilac blooms butterflies rest in the sun Jupiter’s faeries pork chop fat sizzles ripe millet sway in the breeze its all gravy now summers juicy yield bathed in the kitchens warm light the frog and I feast
Addison Clem August 2, 2025 Laugh; stitch in my side Trap springs in hippocampus Splayed game on snow— you.
Bipasha Dutt August 14, 2025 Hello Judges, I want to change a word in my 1st haiku. Thank you. breathing in the soft notes of night-blooming jasmine moonlight sonata
Amanda Robinson August 3, 2025 the water is still the mind is racing constant flow is the challenge is it possible to love, to eat, to birth him my husband’s logic there is a shadow light’s brightness is a falsehood dark blots infiltrate
Venessa Lee-Estevez August 3, 2025 fragrant whispers gently cascade from branches carpet of blossoms ruby red hibiscus sweet pistil tongue emerges hummingbird kisses gossamer storm clouds weave a cape for Apollo Helios’ revenge
Prae Pathanasethpong August 3, 2025 Golden sky shines We set off a new journey Swallow flies back home
Leslie Hendrickson-Baral August 3, 2025 Hands held through the storm Unite in diversity Winning with purpose Turning to Nature Baby bunnies, ducks and goats Earth holds the best Tails Each posture holds peace Matching breath with intentions Paid ticket to this moment
Katherine Davies August 3, 2025 Title: Wash Away The waves rise and fall Cleansing souls who entrust it Yet my worries stay.
Sreeja Mohandas August 3, 2025 Wrapped in pashmina Half awake yet half asleep A hungover dawn Sparkling fiery eyes Trapped in a dying embrace Should have let you go. A sharp stilleto, Into my soul your words carve A crimson ravine.
Prashant Rawal August 3, 2025 Spring river unwinds— two hands, interlaced, drift on. Nothing holds or halts. Autumn wind pulls loose— layers of masks on my face scatter with the leaves. Spring rain on still pond— ripples rise and disappear. A frog waits beneath.
Garima Obrah August 3, 2025 Dear Society of Classical Poets Please find below my 3 entries for the 2025 Haiku Competition Entry 1 Old stone retaining wall— a line of ants carries off the morning glory. Entry 2 The scent of cut grass. A yellow kite is tangled in the power lines. Entry 3 The password reset asks for my first pet’s name. I close the laptop.
Bipasha Dutt August 3, 2025 Hello judges, This is my 3rd and final submission – spirit animals drifting clouds shift forms in an autumn afternoon
Leah Hong August 4, 2025 Galloping horses leaving icy hoofprints the coldest is me Summer ocean a huge container ship blows my rocking mind In the wind my puppy happily runs to Mt Fuji
Kuldeep Singh Bisht August 4, 2025 The sun briefly peeks From behind the cloud curtains— It will rain again. Pink reflections dance as the flamingoes wade through the quiet waters. The reflection of the arched bridge on the still lake makes a full circle
Maria Tosti August 4, 2025 Sorry, this is the second time I publish my comment. Last night there may have been problems. 1. a lotus flower always searching for the sky – that is what i am 2. pink cherry blossoms painted on her baby bump – just a new springtime 3. still shining roses – the white brocade dress my mom could never finished
Cheryl Corey August 4, 2025 tuft of cumulus running rills and daffodils Spring, springing on us high tide moving out an empty shell washed ashore someone picks it up at the water’s edge polliwogs among the weeds children swinging pails
Gordan Lovrić August 4, 2025 Flag waves in the wind, may tomorrow shine brighter, homeland glows with pride. Stone house stands calmly, Siveric calls out softly, wind carries the voice. Zagorje mornings, cattle graze so peacefully, earth softly births new dreams.
Joshua Kepfer August 4, 2025 In Maslow’s thesis The hierarchy of needs Safety’s above love I don’t think Maslow Was ever really in love Or knew who we were
Joseph Karr August 4, 2025 Are they who they say They are not there, they’re their own. We are what we do
Joshua Kepfer August 4, 2025 Are they who they say They are not there, they’re their own. We are what we do Never who they are Always who they want to be Wonderful liars Stars in the water Algae is green in the sky Reflections in streams
Carter Quintero August 4, 2025 Made myself a hell With no blueprints for Heaven And a lust to build My mind hurts itself It’s always fighting the same Demons they invite Parents with binkies Try to cope with the hands of Clocks doing cartwheels
Silma Pamela Smith August 4, 2025 For haiku contest: lichen mosaic rivulet of waterfall… which is lovelier?
Thomas Hamil August 4, 2025 Good afternoon. Thank you for your consideration. Below are my three Haiku. 1.) A drink sits idly The whiteness gasps on the page Autumn burns away 2.) A tortoise plods on Summer asphalt shifts below Noon traffic backs up 3.) Egyptian sun glows Into deep-sanded oranges Summer gold, squeezed out
Annabelle Hadfield-Madl August 4, 2025 Spring Whispers whispers in spring air maple leaves begin to bud, secrets bloom in light. maple leaves whisper, soft murmurs in the hot breeze, summer hums alive.. ice on the maple branches, Breathless light shining through the unspoken trees, Silence quakes in the endless wood
Annabelle Hadfield-Madl August 4, 2025 Sorry first line wasn’t meant to be there this is how it is meant to be: whispers in spring air maple leaves begin to bud, secrets bloom in light. maple leaves whisper, soft murmurs in the hot breeze, summer hums alive.. ice on the maple branches, Breathless light shining through the unspoken trees, Silence quakes in the endless wood
Sienna Mcmillan August 4, 2025 Golden sand Smell of salty water Sandy sea shells Leaves dancing Green to red orange yellow One by one falling to the ground Snow falls Every snowflake different to another Sun shimmering reflecting
Mia Zhang August 5, 2025 geese soar above clouds flying to a warmer home where the lilacs sing ————- early spring morning the fantail in the bird bath her sweet song lingers ————- a grasshopper sings her newest composition blossoms twirl in time
Loriana Apahidean August 5, 2025 1. Petals falling down, Death in reverse, life in bloom, Cycle without end. 2. Winter freezes thoughts, Ice words crawl out of my mouth, Fragile proof of self. 3. August heat clutching, Suffocating memories, Sticky grief clinging.
Sara Kate Egan August 5, 2025 chartreuse grass rustles August height hides maybe beast cinnamon bunny muggy midsummer murky dusk, mellow meadow flashing fireflies float twisted forest stirs secrets; coldest, darkest depths grand ghouls glow golden
Paul Lobo Portugés August 5, 2025 we open the window and the wind blowing voices of children fly in scrubbing ma’s gravestone black with soot from L.A’s air and winter’s regret when a child dies it’s something you keep inside you heart like a bomb
Theresa Andrews August 5, 2025 apple crisp morning smatterings of orange, red, browns falling quietly early morning chill shimmering icy waters reminiscent blues peonies blossom delicate fragrant pedals sweet heaven on earth
Teresa Padilla August 5, 2025 From dark spring slumber Awake, sobbing – not knowing Bulbs burst underground ——————– Winter, sun – sets free Deep, dazzling drifts of jewels Wealth of common men ——————— Summer sky’s mirror Blinding – shining stretch of mud Tale of the glacier
Scott Ennis August 5, 2025 Fallen leaves whisper not an end, but painted breath waiting for the spring. Steam curls from my cup words rise like birds in cold light, morning warms their flight. Footsteps fall in sync two hearts pacing time and road, parting, still they run.
Chizorom Ifezie August 5, 2025 Fleeting; haunting is the silence stained in crimson autumn’s moonlight weeps The shadows lengthen leaves succumb to gravity crisp air on my skin
Kristy Marett August 5, 2025 Blossoms dangle down. Warm breeze makes them dance and sway. Now comes yellow bee! Sparkling snowflakes Suddenly turn into rain. Raindrops sparkle too! Leaf drifts slowly down. Butterfly, shadows entwine! Now, which one is which?
Nathaniel Sexton August 5, 2025 Nathaniel Sexton Title : To Nineveh “Go to Nineveh.” “From Sheol you heard, my Lord.” “God bless Nineveh.”
MEERA S NAIR August 6, 2025 Falls a drop unknown, On the silent sands of earth. quenching the soul’s thirst.
Madelyn Graziano August 6, 2025 Oh look a brown duck! Oh look a guy with a gun! Oh look a dead duck! So many places You can go that I cannot Flying with your wings The gardens are teeming With life: apples, peaches, pears The hope that spring brings
Kathryn Christel August 6, 2025 Entry 1: rain collects on leaves; a melancholic Monday– to stay or to leave. Entry 2: when birds soar a sky while dark clouds come anon, am i still to blame? Entry 3: green to gold to bare, seasons tap the glass at me— my tea is still warm I’d just like to highlight the japanese words I subtly used for my first and second entry: ame – rain mondai – problem sora – sky anun – dark clouds
Hugh Hunter August 6, 2025 A ghost once told me Things that go bump in the night Are clumsy phantoms Black and green teabags Disrobe and seek your repose In ancient caddies
Amber August 6, 2025 Lemons’ true yellow. A bee crawls across the shade of the sunniness. Cloudy all day long, Raindrops to count on two hands: Cool air in summer. July rain washes, douses me under the skin– Grandest communing!
Margaret Coats August 6, 2025 Amber, thank you for your contest entries! Please indicate also your last name–as requested in the paragraph above marked IMPORTANT. You may place it right here in reply to me, thanks!
xandria superstar August 6, 2025 sweet as sheer honey buzzing sunny yellow bee i see you in me — early morning rays pigeons bathing in puddles in hopes to belong — the sky is heavy snowfall blankets the city misery drowns me
Emily Eaton August 6, 2025 all-encompassing shades of sky greet me, and you yet we’re much more blue cherry blossom craves crisp autumn leaves—echoes how moonbeams miss the sun Somewhere, violets bloom Sapphic love singing for Spring Under purple stars
Madeline Arcaro August 6, 2025 a bee finds my sleeve — I do not move or flinch. some things just want warmth. cicadas screaming — your name in my mouth again, but no one hears it. cherry blossoms drop into my open coffee. grief can be gentle.
Umutcan Çiğdem August 6, 2025 ROOTED ASCENSION I shall float once more. My roots break through the Earth’s core. Skies chant “Welcome home.” REBORN Won’t stay in and mourn. Won’t be somebody’s failed hope. Reborn: off your world. SPIDERS IN MY ROOM Spiders in my room – Caught in a silky, sticky gloom. Waiting for my doom.
M Sisco August 6, 2025 Searching the mirror… whose eyes stare back, unknown yet known? Roots lost in the wind. Papers, not stories. A name given, not inherited. Silence fills the gaps. Two homes, neither whole. A heart split by love and longing ghost of a first cry.
Michael Daniels August 6, 2025 Mist hangs on the bridge Steps echo in autumn’s leaves You loved days like this
Michael Daniels August 11, 2025 Children playing in a field Dandelions at sunset Natures lanterns glow
Alex Blanca August 6, 2025 Lithe iridescence arcs through the light summer rain to bask in the sun Leaves brown and faded cling to the wisps of summer before hitting ground Foamy ocean waves cover me in briny sand full of soft secrets
Tonye Favour George August 6, 2025 Corpse flower flocks crowds At six, grandmother’s dream pleads to inherit spring Ma twirls in Lily Autumn cracks the bumpy blooms Frostbite on mangroves Summer body grieves_ deserves dizzy tenderness My lover’s last wish
Aidyn Foley August 6, 2025 The thunderous rain Falls onto the quiet plain A crane calls its mate Trees dance near water shimmering in the red sun I must turn away Resplendent quetzal Sunning alone on a limb I eat a pretzel
Bailey Kelliher August 6, 2025 Sunbeam through cool dark Between bench slats in the park Lichen glowing green
Polyna Firer August 7, 2025 electric air waits sweet release of rolling sound not for throbbing heads summer oversees every drop of juicy peach hardened pits ignored her warm little hand touching everything in sight returning to mine
E. R. Davis August 7, 2025 tree branches tremble a great quake of blackbirds strike dark wings clap thunder lovely the flower on the branch yet I fall down in soggy blossoms a shadow crosses the mouse stills quicker than light nose knows no kitten
Cynthia August 7, 2025 Look at the stars Dots of unconnected paint Splattered in the sky I perpetrate The sunrise over the dew Resting in my heart A mulberry tree I picked from a dark alley My life’s salad
Margaret Coats August 8, 2025 Cynthia, please give your last name here in reply. Above you’ll see it’s IMPORTANT to submit contest entries using first and last name. Thanks!
Shubham Thakur August 7, 2025 In autumn, he came – The flower prince, spring’s son, and with stars, filled my sky. — O Rose, bloom and bloom, and grow through hearts, dear hearts, whisper to them: love.
Rifka Kaplan-Peck August 7, 2025 Pine shadow stretches A spine on the grassy field Unobtrusively ***** ******* ***** Autumn-atic loss From the time of spinning Earth Inevitable ***** ******* ***** Late blooming daisies Stuck in potential white green As leaves brown, Fall calls
Courtnie Hathaway August 7, 2025 Thank you for reading and your consideration. Below are my three Haiku submissions. 1) Tangled roots below, a water lily above. From such depth, life grows. 2) Inhaling moss floors – Dense, exhaling pines and ferns. Circulating life. 3) Golden rays peek through gaps in trees, finding my face. The warmth draws me up.
Krisee Yee August 7, 2025 Greeting chirps and tweets Little birdy pecks and sings, “Welcome, welcome spring!”
Maggie Fawcett August 7, 2025 Snuggled duvet-deep, Alarm roused before sunrise, Exposed, oh – the cold. Though golden wheatfields, Embrace the coming harvest, All ripe-ears, bristle.
Kindall Kirby August 7, 2025 empty autumn beach I write your name in the sand waves forget for me gray skies slowly drip frost clings to the broken fence hearts freeze in silence crimson clouds scatter warm breeze carries fading light summer’s final bow
jeremy wilkinson August 7, 2025 New bag in his grip a boy waits at the crosswalk, cool wind at his back. Autumn is coming a boy kicks through brittle leaves jacket zipped halfway Changing autumn leaves, warmth clings to the fading days, winter draws its breath.
Joan Enoch August 7, 2025 Japanese Maple Your colors are turning now My friend, this tree, glows Iridescent rust Colors of impending fall Shivering delight
Colleen DiDonna August 7, 2025 through endless ages a thousand generations together we are together we are fuller, able, thankful, strong divided we fall through endless ages a thousand generations together we stand
Susan Spooner August 7, 2025 fog shrouds the river mudlarkers on the foreshore ghosts searching for ghosts ****** carpet of petals lie below the rain-dashed rose our summer quarrel ****** rearranging rocks in the middle of the stream I change the music
Elizabeth Dania August 7, 2025 The world seems distant- Claws at the nape of winter, Reminds me of you,
Robin Sydne Ray August 7, 2025 sunlight on columns cast long shadows of marble through an ancient space sudden silver spheres humming, strumming, now drumming musical deluge grey clouds overhead purple jacarandas drop lavender blossoms
Chien Ying Ng August 7, 2025 Black smoke coats the well, an oilman lights his cigar— a girl claws the soil. Dust clings to his feet— he counts the crates overhead, none fall near their tent. Stillness in the air— my breath fogs beneath the moon, time forgets my name.
E.P. Murphy August 8, 2025 wild winds walked wicked as hollow spring seeds tumble – a starved soil swan song
Elizabeth Dania August 8, 2025 The world seems distant- claws at the nape of winter, reminds me of you
Elizabeth Dania August 8, 2025 I think I’m in love, with the song of the crickets, with you and the rain
Claire Zhao August 8, 2025 in my garden pond carp swim under dense duckweed winter’s floral wreath the breath of summer cranes fly through wisps of sea fog will they return soon? a blanket of leaves near the pedestrian lane the old woman’s broom
Ryan McCartney August 8, 2025 after the first rain a boy buries his sandals beneath the wet field dry-season sunset a rooster crows at the truck passing too slowly evening monsoon rice chaff dances in the air but no one sings now
Paul Engel August 8, 2025 rap music blaring pounding surf’s beat beat beat beat… seagull’s mid-air dance
Paul Engel August 8, 2025 behind glass seals dive wide-eyed kid watches bubbles… red snow cone mustache
Anthony Mondal August 8, 2025 Switch off from technology And Switch on and engage with Nature and Simplicity
Neena Singh August 8, 2025 fragrant night jasmine— she hums plaiting her long hair with the day’s first light * dust on ‘War and Peace’ even the armed spider pauses before spinning on * autumn wind in reeds a torn kite in the tree tugs at deepening dusk
Bipasha Dutt August 9, 2025 Haha!! Seems like my 1st entry has inspired your 1st haiku TOO MUCH 😀 The similarity is too uncanny:)
Scott Mason August 8, 2025 summer night concert– leaves beginning to flutter as the woodwinds play tulip festival a young artist arranges all of his crayons field of lightning bugs . . . for an instant one perfect moment of darkness
Kseniia Klesova August 8, 2025 the warm summer sea does not ask who I once was it just lets me float cicadas erupt between the hush of my thoughts summer holds its breath moonlight on the dune my shadow walks before me summer wind behind
Sylvie Glass August 8, 2025 A pigeon prancing While bright sunlight goes dancing Mischief of spring fate Ribbon of wet wind Soaked petals search for shelter Hide and seek they play Paper planes out doors Childhood lingers in scratches Both sides beg for more
Brittany Beville August 8, 2025 Autumn fog dissolves In the fall of snow I breathe Spring creeps silently Radiated land A bird returns to its nest Among decaying remains Whipping through the room A baby croons in delight The wind sings for one
Stacy Tinker August 9, 2025 “It’s taken a toll, This long, dark night of the soul. But now I’m whole.” -Fool
Louis Groarke August 9, 2025 A dead grasshopper All around, in withered grass, Its neighbors still sing A shaft of sunlight Passing through August windows Turns mere dust to gold In the late spring snow Standing there, in her bare feet The first butterfly
Deeksha S M August 9, 2025 they cared, loved, and lived, like roots twined beneath one tree, no world beyond them. their eyes met, and stayed, world faded beyond their gaze, none but them remained.
Kseniia Klesova August 9, 2025 Not sure where the ones i submitted before went, maybe i forgot to click submit? But here are the same three submissions! 1)the warm summer sea does not ask who I once was it just lets me float 2)cicadas erupt between the hush of my thoughts summer holds its breath 3)moonlight on the dune my shadow walks before me summer wind behind
Wendy Tomasini August 9, 2025 Looks like only one of three appeared so here are my three entries Full moon’s bright glow Distant cackle in the night Broomstick’s silhouette Warmth of springtime’s snow Crystal clear droplets falling Taste the babbling brook Hear silent echoes Close your eyes and listen to Colors making sound
Wendy Tomasini August 10, 2025 I would like to withdraw my previous entries and submit the following: Full moon’s bright glow Distant cackle in the night Broomstick’s silhouette Fragrant cherry blooms Bright pink and purple blossoms Fall silently down Loud crunch of an ax Numbing cold winter’s morning Bright crackling firelight
Wendy Tomasini August 10, 2025 Sorry, forgot to edit the one mistake First poem should read A full moon’s bright glow Distant cackle in the night Broomstick’s silhouette
Fernanda Moura August 9, 2025 Haiku: open window light barre beneath my wiser hands I lift into grace Artist’s Note: This haiku captures a quiet summer morning in the ballet studio. The open window lets in light and warm air, carrying the season into the room. Summer, a season of ripeness and full bloom, was chosen to mirror the fullness of life that remains even beyond youth, countering the belief that a dancer’s bloom fades too soon. My wiser hands rest on the barre, a place of focus and discipline, as I prepare to rise onto pointe. This speaks to the journey shaped over time, every movement intentional and every breath carrying hope as grace meets me in this chapter.
Ernest Amayogbe August 9, 2025 1. Burnt rose and cracked vase withered leaves on dying twigs and drought just begins 2. Turkey vultures tear the soldier’s eyes and entrails in summer’s twilight
Fernanda Moura August 9, 2025 Seven pillars rise, table set with bread and wine, wisdom calls against the wind. Inspired by Proverbs 9, this haiku captures Wisdom’s quiet, steadfast invitation in contrast to the louder calls of folly. The “wind” evokes both the natural world and the resistance faced when walking the path of understanding.
Fernanda Moura August 9, 2025 Shadows trace the mind sweet water veils the grave’s mouth your lips taste the lie Note: This haiku captures the quiet seduction of false promises. The sweetness masks its cost, drawing the reader into the moment before awareness strikes. A choice is made and the truth remains hidden until it is too late.
Kathy Winston August 9, 2025 Slicing the black sky, Perseid meteors – flames streaking to sure death. Butterflies and leaves: morning sunshine embroiders pillows with shadows Rain pummels the ground. A turkey peers out, waiting under a yew tree.
Ato Quayson August 9, 2025 Scribbling thoughts; drafts pile. Rain falling, pen twirls; thoughts whirl. Pages fray; ink dries.
Quinn Campbell August 9, 2025 brisk air whips around enclosed in Winter’s Ballad boots crunch on the snow soft pellets rush down drop below the grey blanket their time has ended warm hues fill my nose pebbeled cobblestone bridges the leaves slowly fall
Kriste Fisher August 9, 2025 winter’s soft silence snow blankets the sleeping earth footprints tell no tales storm clouds in his gaze, I seek where dark mists soften a place to vanish. In dusk’s quiet glow, your face appears like a dream love’s quiet echo.
Ato Quayson August 9, 2025 Parched and cracked, she calls— Dry and bare, the desert thirsts, Scorching sun at play.
Florian Munteanu August 9, 2025 last desert tree’ shade . . . one yarn of grass has sprouted eaten by a yak solar’s clock lock down. . . in trees’ town woodpecker drums the final countdown
Cheska Blas August 9, 2025 It’s the Season of the Year look at the bright sky it brings new start to the life flowers start to bloom
Mohamad Kassem Moustafa August 9, 2025 Praying at sunrise early cold air fills the chest opening the heart Gratitude today for this new day, the first light coffee breathes its steam Mission accomplished by late afternoon, footsteps a brief sense of ease
Lexie Price August 9, 2025 Every August Autumn stills and lies in wait while wind braids her hair. The sun is shy, yes And breaks against the hill’s line but something whispers: Orange sky, draw near. October chill graze my skin. Be ready for change.
Carey Jobe August 9, 2025 A tipsy hummer sips—or kisses?—fragrant flasks of red-lipped summer. Pink mist at sunrise enshrouds a pale, sunken moon; your smile masks sorrow. A firefly blinks all night hunting a lost friend in a million stars.
Priscilla Pittington August 9, 2025 1. Desert sand at dusk— The hourglass empties again Into starry sky Authors note: My Haiku is translated from my poem “The deserts twin”. I wanted to explore the comparisons between the sands of time and stardust of creation and return.
Felix Lilly August 9, 2025 Golden summer light The window panes begin to shine A new day is here Clouds gather slowly Then rain pours on thirsty ground The air feels so fresh Firefly in the night Flashes a tiny, bright lamp A signal of hope
Maura Harrison August 9, 2025 Ice cancels my gloves, Brings fingers to the arctic And leaves them in pain. Tree bark aged away— Down to its smooth creamy bones, Wintering and faint. Daffodils rework Winter’s plain even palette, Zesty citron suns.
Segunola August 9, 2025 Gloomy day torrents, earth goes spicy; glistening, spread sweet aroma. Magic in the air, golden fluid, crystal-clear drops a wand of wonders.
Margaret Coats August 9, 2025 Thanks for your haiku, Segunola. Please reply here with your FIRST and LAST name!
Cristian Matei August 9, 2025 wandering no more – fireflies illuminate the course to the moon a billowing cloud — my daughter has a mouthful of cotton candy snowman in the yard — grandfather’s pipe fills the air with old memories
Miodrag Kojadinović (鄺·妙讜) August 10, 2025 Harvest moon rising. High above Obon lanterns, meteorites flare. -o-o-o-o- ‘Tis not their fault, earth, you were lush, warm, welcoming; myriads swarm forth.
Kimberley Cullen August 10, 2025 budding ficus tree a hummingbird thrums beside last year’s empty nest on gossamer strands a reclusive spider nests— tiny eggs cocooned summer’s spun threads send silver kisses everywhere— sudden flailing arms
Kimberley Cullen August 14, 2025 Please withdraw these 3 entries. I’ll post my final 3 haiku entries for the contest after this comment. Thank you.
Kimberley Cullen August 14, 2025 budding ficus tree a hummingbird thrums beside last year’s empty nest Summer’s spun threads send out silver kisses—oh, my! sudden flailing arms First spring rain post-war, children splash in mud puddles— wet, wormy minefields
Falesha Roberts August 10, 2025 Struggle for the view Beauty like nothing before The mountain is you Two words change it all Say them and watch my walls fall “I am so sorry” The moon shines tonight And I am missing you more Like stars without light
Huibert Sap August 10, 2025 Why do you eat dogs In purple and green rain suits? Do you have ketchup? Flying bird is free Who am I what do I see Island in the sea A whiff of dogshit And slow roasted coffee beans Waiting for the rain
Louise Harris August 10, 2025 Tide, a force that bears Witness to the steady rock The subtle submerge A piece of glass splits The light from the hottest sun To stunning rainbows Gentle trick’ling stream Taking care of fallen leaves Wind softly lowers
Matias Basso August 10, 2025 Bare feet in the dust, her laughter runs ahead quick, shade waits at the well. Two chairs in the sun, your hand brushing mine slowly, ice melts in the glass. Train window half down, the warm wind lifts your dark hair, we miss our own stop.
Jody Z August 10, 2025 an apple a day, you must be able to find, in your neighborhood. privileged freedom, you might also get bitter when tasting worry. drenching their sadness, the clouds of a blood red moon rain on blue flowers.
Ahaiwe, Kenneth-Treasure August 10, 2025 Mother’s pot simmers, Steam like Victoria Falls, Covered with a lid.
Ahaiwe, Kenneth-Treasure August 10, 2025 Crisp, cinnamon air, Soft feet make music with leaves — Harmattan dies too.
Ahaiwe, Kenneth-Treasure August 10, 2025 a morning aubade Canaries sing so softly the choir baton snaps.
Makiko Ishida August 10, 2025 over nine o’clock just looking sunset alone end of the earth… where, looking up rocky peaks of Yosemite summer becoming end… Japanese snow crab soaking hot springs cheerful father
Jackson Ledford August 10, 2025 glove leather and dirt crunching cleats, ding of metal cloud drifts over fence bees amongst flowers alcohol made by taking sweet stores of labor voice beckons, boy looks crossing pasture, heat subsides sun gives way to night
Alpana Trivedi August 10, 2025 Clear skies are preferred But every once in a while Rain is bearable Midnight Sun is rare Everyone is excited Midday Moon is glum Rose petals are fine But before you go near them Watch out for the thorns
Jessie Whitehead August 11, 2025 My black berry bush A shelter for lone ducklings A river of frost A farmers harvest A crumpling weed aging Breakfast for a mouse Falling leaves Pale building blocks For mouses home
Anaga Chukwuemeka Frederick August 11, 2025 Tears fall like raindrops Peace crowns the vast universe Shadows dims our truth Nigeria my home Rich in treasured minerals Echoes from the east Ancestral voice leads Colour weave our heritage Symbols guard our past
Portly Bard August 11, 2025 crackle, flutter, chirp ending dark prenatal night song of fledgling spring dingy, splotchy white winter tiger’s toothless fight shadowboxing light color winds collapse winter’s coat of autumn scraps gift of a lifetime
Keyon Brooks August 11, 2025 Moonlight on still waves, your eyes once lit my shoreline— now the tide takes all. Petals fall too soon, whispers fade in autumn fog— your warmth stays in dreams. Under quiet stars, I call where you cannot hear— night swallows my voice.
Elicia Johns August 11, 2025 Love was to be free Yet you burned my tender skin Two hands drunk on sin Blood runs through my veins You have always kept me sane Yet you were the flame Our love like thunder Lightning striking down on us Your skin didn’t burn
Noah Patullo August 11, 2025 Noah Patullo A search for nectar Hungry is the hummingbird Buzzing through the trees
Richard Matta August 11, 2025 fresh cedar kindling the warmth of long winter nights in his flannel shirt
Ellen Park August 11, 2025 There is an oddness to it. How the drops hit dirt hit the dry earth, cold. So water permeates In straight lines, watering earth Clean down, dirty mud Because what’s most off, most foreign. How clean you fall How much mud you stain.
Mbah Njoh Ticha Asana August 11, 2025 NAME: TICHA ASANA WRITTEN ON ; Monday 11th August 2025 SPRING – “GIRL’S EDUCATION” Blossoms chase the light walls of custom choke the air books dream through the night ☀ SUMMER – “CHILD’S LABOUR ” Sun beats on bare feet factories devour the hours hope wilts in the heat ❄ WINTER- “ALBINO CHALLENGES” Frost on silver land whispers coil around the path sun strikes without hand
Juliet Wilson August 11, 2025 waiting for bad news – watching leaves fall from the trees outside the window
Jim Wolper August 11, 2025 Computer predicts Spring, snow, winter, rain, fall, fog Look out the window. Don’t flush your poems No matter how bad they smell Images clog sewers Parking lot empty Except where there’s some shade — one hundred Fahrenheit
Ruth Carrion August 11, 2025 Haiku 1: Between two worlds still, silent threads weave my being home is in the seam. Haiku 2: Light breaks through the fog, truth blooms beyond the surface, heart finds its own path. Haiku 3: Mirrors reflect me, shadows dance with morning’s hope love begins within.
Sienna Mcmillan August 11, 2025 Cherry Blossom Moonlight Trees swaying in the wind Cherry blossom petals softly sleep pink petals float in the wind Their sweet smell
Pippa Alexander August 11, 2025 The hot warm sun shines Summer is finally here My body is tan. The new lambs are still The foals in the paddock run The spring breeze is calm. The frost on the grass The snow on the cold mountains The winter sleds slide.
Claire Bai August 11, 2025 Winter is coming with snow It’s here glistening in the sky Flowing down to me Spring is coming here now Blossom trees sway in the sky My hands full of pink Summer comes quickly Goes away faster than it came I enjoy the beach
Pippa Alexander August 11, 2025 Poem#1 The hot warm sun shines Summer is finally here My body is tan. Poem#2 The new lambs are still The foals in the paddock run The spring breeze is calm. Poem#3 The frost on the grass The snow on the cold mountains The winter sleds slide.
Sienna Mcmillan August 11, 2025 Golden sand Smell of salty water Sandy sea shells Leaves dancing Green to red orange yellow One by one on the ground Snow falls Every snowflake different to another Sun shimmering reflecting
Isla Armstrong August 11, 2025 1. Browned maple tumbles Off seasons branch to concrete Cradled by a breeze 2. Skyline kindles Sea foam slips between waves Clouds wane for solitude 3. Pirouette of wind Snow sheds for forgotten fields Frost etches the glass panes
Remona Winston August 11, 2025 Just fixed your hair, You’d better not get it wet. At 61, life over looks, splash!
David Drizner August 11, 2025 I, food for the worms Worms become food for the birds Birds, beauty and song
Laura Wheatman Hill August 11, 2025 The barred owl cries. His love does not answer him. Children found her, dead. Camilla gets drenched, and soaks up the fall droplets. She blooms all winter. The pink peony smells like June and my heartbreak. She can’t stand upright.
Ramya Attanayake August 11, 2025 (1) can see the shadows through the clear water of the lake hear the stillness speaks (2) cherry blossoms detaching from every stems a dance of freedom (3) autumn sea waves making silvery foam fleeting pleasure
Sophie Khabaidi August 12, 2025 They say a mountain can be erased with one word. Accept my silence – Salt over my eyes I see horses eat their lunch silence around them. – Bared and wild to all, the planets have yet to be born, broken and bleached.
Jody Zimmerman August 12, 2025 after date , wish ing …..to watch rain kiss window panes ’til morning rainbow.
Lia Tjokro August 12, 2025 weeping willow bends shadow on water margin reading an old book dewdrops face the sun tender earth sustains mountains I breathe in and out sun rises too soon fog blankets blooming lotus cobwebs on your mug
Debapriya Dutta August 12, 2025 Fire marks fire migrant, Fighting for the Summer-days? Fond of hope and rays.
Jody Zimmerman August 12, 2025 after date, wish ing …to watch rain kiss window panes’til morning rainbow.
Jody Zimmerman August 12, 2025 I am sorry, sad, I typed my haiku in the shape of a rainbow(6 lines) but it has not transferred that way.
Margaret Coats August 12, 2025 Thanks for this poem, Jody. I see what you are trying to do, but the comment area at Society of Classical Poets does not accommodate shaping. However, your haiku with the traditional number of syllables will be taken into account as an entry for the contest.
Jody Zimmerman August 12, 2025 after date, wish ing …to watch rain kiss window panes’til morning rainbow.
Muralidharan Parthasarathy August 12, 2025 Muralidharan Parthasarathy – email: [email protected] This rare bold girl child points her finger – will the wolf be booked and punished? ——- Why you are so keen to unmask me? – A carapace that shields me from stones —— AI made it clear “You unlearn and then use me” To free from known? How?
Juan M Cassiano August 12, 2025 greed, war, frenzied dust deserted desert the land as heaven doesn’t weep rain and shine mirror upside down colorful smile unbound joyful end ribbit ribbit splash song of love interrupted “don’t litter the pond”
Bidyutprabha Gantayat August 12, 2025 Bidyutprabha Gantayat Poem1 mountain shadow fireflie winter carnival enlighted valley Poem2 fairies in ganga paying tribute to the dead a living for life Poem3 dead of the night a Cockroach in search of food smashed under boot © Bidyutprabha Gantayat, Bharat Email: [email protected]
Sharon Marshall August 12, 2025 a hadeda ha’s at the oblong moon, New Year marks time awkwardly snowman sports a hat like yours, memories blizzard you will not find me white curtains rustle over the bay, a blue ship netting silver cob
Jaundré van Breda August 12, 2025 where the still shadows of lifeless birch branches meet a feather ascends
Tekii pretty August 12, 2025 Tekii Pretty Sunrise on dry hills, camel bells hum through the heat, dust swirls like old songs. Acacia shadows, soft lips of camels sipping from cracked desert wells. Across red sand plains, camels follow fading light, home is where they kneel. Tekii Pretty
Christopher Shaw August 12, 2025 august August rain pitcher pitched on maiden’s head profuse (in)fusion
Rich N. August 13, 2025 2. Bones on every side. White curving dormant femur Covered with clay dirt. 3. Bay outta season, Are fishes cold in Winter? I’d be quite crabby. 3. Minuscule cell walls I wish our prison had plants I’d break every pot
Edie Ensor (age 8) August 13, 2025 1. The whisper of the wind. Where is her baby fawn? Tiny footprints in snow. 2. Blooming morning Off to feed baby badger looking for honey 3. hot sunny morning a fluffy duckling circles in a flowering pond
Deepti Bhatia August 13, 2025 I think of life My degrees, lost aspirations The cooker whistles *** I think of life Of borders dividing it Blurring my own thoughts *** I think of life The beginning and the end They call it cycle ***
Nicole Chisholm August 13, 2025 bright moon paints the sky the trees glow, their branches dance and sway in the night feet on the dash board hair wild. tangled in the wind it will be night soon a bird takes flight. soaring high over patchwork fields gliding on the wind
Marek Kozubek August 13, 2025 after a hard day – discovering the silence in grasshopper sounds return from afar – under the rustle of leaves the paths of childhood alone in the dark absorbed by the meadow’s scent an evening prayer
David McMurray August 13, 2025 finished in one go— closing the hardcover book first sunrise in spring arch of the cat’s tail his lover has whiskers too the moon veiled in mist aloha print shorts on a wave riding the moon to a bamboo hut
Rick Johnson August 13, 2025 Sea breeze fog obscures the sun, fuzzes the edges. Dreams fuse then dissolve.
Tracy Davidson August 13, 2025 seeds become saplings from a butchered sycamore cherished life returns long nights come early… so do the carol singers sadly out of tune sky full of spring rain the returning birds and I shake our tail feathers
Marqus Bobesich August 13, 2025 Your big, empty bed. Worse than any hangover – the reasons she left. Sunflower seeds cracked. Think of who I could have been. All that time, wasted. Hitman elegy – forgiven, in the next life. You are not your job.
Marc Smit August 13, 2025 forgotten sparrow fallen among autumn leaves her funeral shroud greygrim winter morn digging up this graveyard mind bygone lovers’ bones maria on pearl alabaster on midnight moon in medium
Shamik Banerjee August 13, 2025 December morning, visible…invisible… hastening headlights Golden jubilee nan rests a sheaf of lilies by grandpa’s picture First drop of monsoon— a peacock unfolds its train; wide-eyed spectators
Karen Hodnett August 13, 2025 dark clouds gathering lightning splits open the sky summer night suspense
Frost Whitman August 13, 2025 rain strikes calm water thunder cracks the sky in two a child gasps, delight! bird sings to himself as he bathes in a cool stream picture then fall in! I watch my hands type my mind far from work’s demands somewhere full of trees
Rowan Beckett Minor August 13, 2025 untended garden a monarch butterfly rests on the rusted rake * wisteria vines on the forgotten farmhouse this lengthening day * first winter morning in grandmother’s heirloom cup warm hibiscus tea
Sam G.W August 13, 2025 I climb blind up slopes thin air is here on the peak- Again, I have sight Autumn with brown leaves From the tree they fall, decay; Finally, I see color Wrinkly am I now In youth, the green grass I loathe- Here it enchants me
Robert Baird August 13, 2025 Coiled dreaming python she’s gone by evening I step on the hose. Becalmed mirror sky aqua blue in reflection my splash , a ripple. I , the crashing wave will surrender together in bubbles and foam.
Alan Brayne August 14, 2025 Moonlit Sea (Shoda Koho) a nonchalant moon, the sentinel grass makes sure there are no ripples Song Birds on Persimmon Bough (Shoseki) so fat and so round, orange berries on branches: songbirds weigh so light Branches with Almond Blossom (Van Gogh) sprinkle of winter snow melting on the branches: one morning it’s gone
Joseph Messina August 14, 2025 the last cicada sings into the silent dusk— summer’s requiem through the clover patch swift bare feet speckled with dew— a cricket leaps high waxing crescent moon slowly lifting the bride’s veil— a pale cratered face
Jaclynn padro August 14, 2025 From her eye a tear, Her loved one she sees no more. Overwhelming pain Is she gone really My heart cannot take the pain Heaven I will pray When my time is up I will embrace your warm hug Until then my love
Soraya Johnston August 14, 2025 Tokyo morning He asks me to marry him Blossoms nod their heads A frosty pine tree Turns to the old temple Receives the moonlight Reeds in the river Bowing to cherry blossoms I row through the past
Cheryl Wong August 14, 2025 dew and choking smog enclose the tops of buildings but still, this is home. vines split mined granite— these claws of nature that try and try to survive. sweetness of sugar and juice on innocent lips, still, a seed chokes.
Benjamin Bläsi August 14, 2025 turquoise meltwater rushing through the old city another heatwave late summer sunshine at the end of a grass-blade an ant turns around the sound of crickets getting deep into the drought a water sprinkler
C.X. Turner August 14, 2025 Three haiku reflecting the turning of the seasons, each drawn from moments observed in the British countryside. Winter frost on the hedgerow — a rook lifts into pale sky above the frozen fields Spring blackthorn scent drifting — a postman tips his cap to the returning swifts Autumn mist in the reedbeds — a fisherman’s torch sways past the heron’s shadow
Keith Simmonds August 14, 2025 Two old lovers kiss in the glow of the full moon… scent of cherry blooms Echo of the bombs… sombre shadows keep falling upon the rubble A fisherman’s oars caress the glistening sea… symphony of light
Grishma Ruiya August 14, 2025 1 Footprints in the snow, leading where I cannot go, melt before I learn. 2 Old pine by the gate, roots grip deep in ancient soil, Wind hums through the years. 3 Empty wooden bench, faces I will never meet Wait in the sunlight.
Laurinda Lind August 14, 2025 despite the high heat dry ditch of morning glories still full of itself two closest islands watching me all of my life eyes across the lake against the warm earth every inch of inchworm eventually
Donetta Sifford August 14, 2025 1. Watching fireworks paint colors across summer skies while cicadas sing. 2. Bon Festival, dead loved ones dance home with autumn voices, dried from heat. 3. Colder nights came quick whipping leaves around our feet covering brown ground.
Paula Moore August 14, 2025 Motionless summer Cicadas’ haunted humming, Smoke disguised as air. Playing hide and seek— Where are you, ruby rooster, With your sweet, sweet song? Restless remedy, The slow to my frantic flow. Step, step— forest glow.
Isabel Lugo August 14, 2025 my father tells me to go do, go be, go see ’tis the writer’s way creativity doesn’t fall far from the tree from my dad to me cold and refreshing I think I like when it rains it cleanses my soul
Slawa Sibiga August 14, 2025 an unfinished letter — the drops of water on the table change into new shapes at the bus stop snow on the old man’s shoulders slowly melts away an old wooden gate — in exactly the same light blooming plum tree now
Emilie Thies August 14, 2025 Blossoms bursting forth Nature wakes from its sleep A lone acorn sprouts
Insharah August 14, 2025 Unworn shoes stand still, the world never heard her laugh— now the angel flies.
Becca Glantz August 14, 2025 Sun over the hills burns my cheek with its old heat – the touch I recall. Anhedonia – craving through an empty soul to savor the earth. Smoke I once adored, now wraps around my body closing every breath.
Urszula Marciniak August 14, 2025 another meeting the snowflakes on their noses meet for the first time the summer full moon the astronaut and his wife look at it anew the orphan’s drawing his dad dancing with his mom amidst the Perseids
Swarna Bopali August 14, 2025 1. nesting in the eaves she sings a melancholy tune in the spring drizzle 2. snowflakes melt rhythmically in the hugs of the river waves neglecting the pale moon 3. child with the bare string looks at his kite floating freely among the blue clouds
Akriti Srivastava August 14, 2025 ONE: Mystery as it Seems to turn away in seconds Like clockwork TWO: Hostile lie the trees As they sway over our wooden Boat far away at sea THREE: Numb lies stolen time When the minutes flee ahead And hours subside FOUR: Sanguine the world lies For never having to show Their concealed disguise.
Estrella Tamayo-Brown August 14, 2025 Deer huddle “neath pine Snow pillows forest sanctum Quietly hidden Fog fades silently Sun rays filter through branches Yellow leaves clinging Bitter snow at dawn Island warmth welcomed by noon Bare feet free at last
Sam Kauffman August 14, 2025 rose razzle-dazzle daisy pandemonium – star shenanigans indian paintbrush spikes like crimson firecrackers – seeds of prairie fire frog pond symphonies dragonflies conduct crickets – moon walks on water
Mike Bryant August 14, 2025 Margaret, these two entries went astray… I’ll email their email addresses to you. Adam Crawford August 1, 2025 The stream’s steady flow, stopped by stacked sticks, filters through them and continues. Cora a Vidrine August 9, 2025 My life Life feels like a dream, pain too heavy for my hands— still, I chase the light.
James Tribe August 14, 2025 i envy the bee – he doesn’t know he’s tasted his last peony to the uncaught fish the rod’s sharp sudden sting is nothing but myth shadows on the path – how suddenly they faded, the bright autumn leaves
Shannon Wallace August 14, 2025 wiry vines longing for rays of sunshine to climb ~ nature finds a way
Shannon Wallace August 14, 2025 Canada wiry vines longing for rays of sunshine to climb ~ nature finds a way
Natalie Warren August 14, 2025 Kite soars high in sky swooshing sounds of turns and glides I stand still in awe Paradise resort An island of love and song Sea and land, I do Treetop crows gather Frogs ribbiting along creek Echoing full force
Meredith Frazier August 14, 2025 Clouds catch fire, throw sparks Moon pasted on navy sky Screens flicker, go dark. Sinuous, sun soak’d Sleepy, shadow-striped, dreaming Cat-shaped contentment. Petrichor and dust Rain walking across the sky The desert blooms again
Chen-ou Liu August 14, 2025 dew-drenched rose garden these shades of scarlet sunlight still drip, drip, dripping … tenth year in exile … a blossom breeze of lilac brings me home again another war news a spiderweb on the eaves sagging with raindrops
Gijomon Kochuparambil John August 14, 2025 1) chains break in daylight shadows of faith cut the air tricolour still flies 2)first breath kicks the ball sun and storms across the field whistle fades to dusk 3)Blossoms fall around I seek her in every crowd no flower matches
Barbara K. Timmons August 14, 2025 1. dream of summer sea inspiration of soft waves rolling up, cold toes! 2. sweet garnet lilies, throats bright at twilight, mingle their scent with our breath 3. across bluest sky ceaseless clouds collide, a gust bears my gaze aloft
Min Chen August 15, 2025 (1) Reflections on the Movie “Past Lives” Threads of In-Yun weave Two lives drift on distant seas Eyes meet through the years (2) The Conclave Smoke twists in the sky Whispers swell to thunder’s roar Keys turn, doors open (3) On a Visit to Saihoji, Kyoto in Autumn 2023 Velvet earth unfolds Moss-keeper’s quiet footfalls Stitch the shade with care (4) On the Plane that Returns to Fiumicino Airport after a Parakeet Attack on November 10, 2024 Concrete sky trembles Green monks scatter in engines Rome holds its breath still
Margaret Coats August 15, 2025 Thanks, Min Chen, for these haiku. Please choose ONLY THREE as your entries for the contest. You may give the numbers in reply to me below.
Chi-Yuk Quo August 15, 2025 1. coiled tongue extends to unyielding pursed petals better luck next time 2. God’s smile taunts me bound to roam the mossy earth wish I were a bird 3. miles of desert cacti are my only friends they look like gumdrops
Gopu Kesavan August 15, 2025 War’s end doll wanders her master into nobody zone Song of crane bird seating fee for tree with no discounts Sunrise spills into woods- drains night remains on grapes
Eshaal Arshad August 15, 2025 1. Mist melts in pink dawn Rain-soaked cloth scrapped in thorns – A name washes off 2. Tin roof leaks mid-sip Swirl of rust, milk, cardamom This is nashta too!
Ekta Adhikari August 15, 2025 birds chirp songs of spring seated on the iron rods of pillars spot once full of trees
~Diana Davison August 15, 2025 family photo in front of the Christmas tree missing your presence digging up treasure in morning excavation unearths gem lettuce precipitation… cherry blossom confetti showers park wedding
Isabelle Wei August 15, 2025 powdery snowdrift low voices in the kitchen whiff of burnt sugar this morning glory, cherries and sugar snap peas— spring, forget-me-not. reaching the old fence between our garden benches— budding daffodils
Anastasia Krasnokutskaya August 15, 2025 1. the rainy season the gray sky is blurring on the sidewalk 2. a pair of young swans please, let’s don’t talk about love while we’re at the pond
Roohallah Ghasemi August 15, 2025 1) papilio palinursus little stary night full of green auroa and fireballs 2) new year day table clock is floundering on mirror’s open mouth 3) inbloom cherries simultaneously are cosmos’ begining and cosmos’ fate
Roohallah Ghasemi August 15, 2025 Exuse me Correct form if second haiku is following: new year day table clock is floundering on mirror’s open mouth
Roohallah Ghasemi August 15, 2025 Sorry Since it seems that arrangement of my haiku lines be messed up, I reposting them all. papilio palinursus little stary night full of green auroa and fireballs new year day table clock is floundering on mirror’s open mouth inbloom cherries simultaneously are cosmos’ begining and cosmos’ fate
Roy Eugene Peterson August 15, 2025 ruby rising sun sampan seamen savor spring’s salty sea sushi jasmine permeates portentous passions pursue silhouettes in spring spring, summer, or fall; winter winds will never maul growing Bonsai trees
Cezar Ciobica August 15, 2025 graduation day… a baby grasshopper jumps through the barbed wire fence * ceaseless summer rain… on every writing table origami boats * fishing a river… with my grandfather hip-deep in the mackerel sky
Monica Kakkar August 15, 2025 * rainforest rhythms . . . woolgather midst a white-glove Year of the Wood Snake * abracadabra . . . last lily of the valley lilting in limelight * a roll of the dice . . . not a night for lullabies moon plays peekaboo * Monica Kakkar
Geoffrey Beevers August 15, 2025 Luminous white dog Leading us through the dark wood Lighting the way home Shadowed by the church No-one sees the twisted tree It sheds yellow leaves Black elm silhouettes Against the pale end of day Stretch for the last light
Mariangela Canzi August 15, 2025 back to the office — busy migrating swallows fill the leaden sky blackbird on tree top in the middle of the night… whistling Beatles’ songs
Mircea Moldovan August 15, 2025 another hot day… in the old beggar man’s box many years of shame families of toads into a jazz -blues concert – evening picnic boat full of migrants… a song about the green grass face the horizon
Stef de Koker August 15, 2025 Old traditions A note in my daughters lunchbox The cold northern wind is whispering About winter coming early Pitter-patter On my roof the announcement Winter is here! – Stef de Koker from South-Africa
Şeyma Nazlı Gürbüz August 15, 2025 Vapor sweeps my eyes Tearing up after, for you Sky falls down on us August dolour here Airless sky, airless ticker Longing your twister
Sa'ada Isa August 15, 2025 It is winter and this is God flushing our sins. I am forced to muse Snow shrouds the lantern, footmarks fade along the path- night swallows the light. The street is holding an assembly of bodies, and bullets and bombs.
Rachael Rosenberg August 15, 2025 nettle for the sting strawberry for the sweetness my tattoo heals me a sturgeon moonrise brings the bereft abundance: serendipity ukrainian spring even in the minefields, growth is unstoppable
Tasha Kavanagh August 15, 2025 strange how, in grief, the whole world can unfurl upon a tiny spring leaf spring’s here, I say, my words of course unheard – yet all the birds are singing in Willow’s deep shade pasts and futures fade into the soft ‘plop’ of now
Jennifer Germano August 15, 2025 why are you still here you know that we are finished it’s time to move on we were never good we always just pretended now we are both free
Eva Drobná August 15, 2025 mosquito attack hot summer sitting by the water mosquito attack butterfly wings my stress dissolves into many colors butterfly wings
Khadijeh Momeni August 15, 2025 The poor fortune-teller Puts the lifetime of all time Out for a cheap sale Upon the cloud tops A wandering thought walks slow Freed from every chain A child leaves alone His wooden doll on the ground He longs for the branch
Jemine Ngo August 15, 2025 Weathered photographs cold stench of rot and wet moss a lone crow cries out A murder of crows circles above winter snow — red blooms stain the white Cherry blossoms fall staining the wet stone pathway echoes of lost hands
Rana Sulfeeqer Pathechali August 15, 2025 Frown creases his brow Even with month’s wage in hand Wrinkles hold the day ________ New skin in the spring Woven for unwritten tales Past sleeps in the ground ________ He lowers his sword Poverty sleeps in white snow Sakuras in frost
Jordana Landres August 15, 2025 Sunset above a sweltering city Firebathes brick buildings in an apricot haze Blue dusk relief exhales nightfall Sometimes it isn’t the living Who gently rock you to sleep, murmuring “I’ll always be with you.”
Kate Brill August 15, 2025 Blossom glows and froths Like curling surf in sunlight A sweet treat for birds One tiny snowdrop Shakes a white head at winter Passing by, we smile
Kate Brill August 15, 2025 Light’s gleam strokes the tree Dancing its fingers along A touched leaf trembles
Mark Totterdell August 15, 2025 Low swallows over late summer grass – I wish I had roamed more widely! High summer, high winds – white butterfly clings, angled, to its bramble leaf Coo COO coo coo coo – high in a green tree, pigeon begins a haiku
Gigi Ryan August 15, 2025 weary trees drop leaves crispy from the heat of drought aching for autumn sweet soft breeze blows in ousting steamy summer heat which plots to return crickets wake confused spring eclipse calls for stellar daytime lullabies
Nitu Yumnam August 15, 2025 entangled up high a boy unravels the kite from the sky’s embrace drifting paper boat a child cups the hush of rain in his trembling hands evacuation box after box after box packing memories
Stefeni Bartlett August 15, 2025 Monarch butterfly Emerge from green chrysalis Magical beauty -Stefeni Bartlett Sunflower faces Each to the north, south, east, west Russian mammoth here -Stefeni Bartlett Feathers of a wren Making their houses again Next year they’ll be ten -Stefeni Bartlett
Chisom Nlebedim August 15, 2025 1. if peace is the goal then i must let you go, dear. adieu, my love. bye. 2. why did you leave, dear? i knew this would not last long. it was just one word. 3. the house is silent a man melts, a woman burns. but finally- peace?
Jahnaiya Moul August 15, 2025 two monarchs flutter around like petals, twirling in the springtime breeze ship beyond the sea sings its centuries old song hidden behind mist figure in the pond a reflection that ripples i wave— it waves back
Forest Meadow August 15, 2025 Mexico summer, dirt droplets smear the windshield: radio rain song. after daffodils, cicada summer sets in — retreat to haiku. salt-beetle roams on cow plop, startles butterfly; rippling rut-water.
Rishi Chundury August 15, 2025 Minuscule worries Bother me, irritate me Rationalizing A single thought moves From my head down to my toes It commands my will
L'Rae Rhoden August 15, 2025 I watch her rise up hands towards the new day sky my blooming flower My love bleeding out gathering into one heart a red rose bouquet The intricate art of weaving romantic lace as spider prepares
Jordan Zuniga. August 15, 2025 Fountains, brightest rose, Crimson red, growing, passion, Love blooms on spring day. Mystery, depth, soul, Realm of the spirit, expansive, Beginning and End. Peak of mountaintop, Glorious sight, revelation, Eternity’s vision.
Caroline Wermuth August 15, 2025 bird’s nest there you are hidden by the summer leaves now the leaves are gone from a mountain road the lights of Los Angeles like thousands of stars the way the trunk lid bites down on the evergreen Christmas in its jaws
