Haiku

A few months ago, we put a call out for submissions for the Gabber’s first ever haiku contest. What’s a haiku? Without getting into a literature lesson, haiku is a Japanese poetry form that traditionally has a 5/7/5 syllable format. Japanese haiku often focuses on elements in nature, but we asked readers for an additional theme: Gratitude.

Submissions ranged from funny and clever to the downright esoteric. Some included titles and drawings,

and a few strayed from the syllable convention, but that’s OK! We delighted in your creativity. Our readers, it turns out, are prolific poets – we received quite a few entries. So, rather than choosing an overall winner, the Gabber editorial team decided to pick our favorites and we’ve reprinted them here.

Thank you to all who participated and shared their poetry with us!

All sizes and shapes No worry the bags and sags Joy in spirit forms – Michele Rastovich

Thanks for picking up On clean grass, a happy pup, Sweet tea in a cup. – James Dickson

In safe solitude there’s finally time to make sweet potato pie. – Jude Bagatti

Gulf waters glisten Sunlight beams through my window Gratitude is mine – Sharon White

I open my eyes The day unfolds before me Gratefulness blooming – Thomas Alvi

an old library book stained with many lives passed hand by hand to mine – Aletta Dreller

Scribe obliged by choice Seeded grace sprouts penned passion Poet coaxed by chance – Delano Britt

I can see your eyes Bright behind that mask of yours Happy we’re alive! – Gillian Dean

Friends dear, near and far, Connecting more than ever. Reassuring love. – Meg Keller

On Thanksgiving Day I’m grateful for a plate full Of love, health, Gulfport. – Susan Masztak

Time is but a flash Be thankful for the moment Sprinkle gratitude – Nancy Hoffman

Ruth Bader Ginsberg

never lost to us roses nod, four o’clocks fold, etching her image. – Lee Noto

with my sparkling wine I gratefully share the night with the fireflies – Mel Goldberg

Migrating black birds Sprinkling skies like ground pepper Seasoning our lives. – Ann Bregman Rascoe

The rain coming down Cleansing water from above Grateful for the sound – Karen Thompson

Swimming at Sunset

Skin embraced by silken water A thousand hued sky gloriously flows above The greatest show on earth – Berkeley Grimball

More turkey jerky, Having lots of stuffing pie, My tummy hurts me. – John Clynick