First
Tim Nail
Tension fills the air
A bell, then hoards of students
Summer in full swing
Second
Lena Tatum
church bells begin sound
birdseed lands on the short stairs
cans follow the car
Third
Amber Thomas
happiness is here
drawn across everyone’s faces
the pink balloons are gone
Honorable Mention
Bailee Browning
Gold medal shines bright
Cheers are heard throughout the crowd
Adrenaline rush
Honorable Mention
Yolanda Poole
The first day of many
Steps in the right direction
I am on my way
JUDGE’S REMARKS:
As part of the judging process, I looked not only for the spirit of this year’s theme but for the spirit of haiku as well. Originality was also a prized element. Congratulations to the winners and to all the contestants for sharing their work and connecting with other poets and readers through haiku. — Ferris Gilli