Observing Nature (Haiku)

Sometimes less is more. After reading several haiku by writers such as Matsuo Bashō and Sonia Sanchez, the 8th graders of Clinton discussed how this poetic form centers nature, focus, and imagery. Once we reviewed the Japanese history of the form and its 5-7-5 syllable format, students chose their favorite aspect of nature to write about. From volcanoes to summer to waterfalls to mountains, students tried to express as much as they could in as few words as possible.

Ms. Karas (Morning Class)

Mountain Snow Haris M.

In the wintertime

the mountains are filled with snow

cold breeze in the sky

The Best Sound Fayza P.

Rain brings peace in me

showers shattering silence

beauty of nature

Mountains Azair A.

A big old mountain

big and powerful mountain

destroys everything

Willow Trees Aliah P.

Flows like an ocean

Magical like stars above

Provides me comfort

Ms. Krasic

Clouds that Remember Noah B.

Calm, roaming, silent

Reminiscence is the word—

of those simpler days

Beauty in Flowers Emina H.

Petals and petals

carry ephemeral love

small but meaningful

La Lune Brisa R.

La lune va et vient

C’est la vie, c’est ainsi qu’elle est

mais nous ne nous quitterons jamais

Rain Jair R.

Beautiful drops of rain

but be careful you might die

jump, jump, slip

Ms. Karas (Afternoon Class)

Heavenful Season Zintha A.

Spring is like my life

Spring, a heavenly feeling

Great things come and go

Iceland has a misleading name I.B. R.

I do love Iceland.

Don’t be fooled by the name though.

It’s very misleading.

The Leafless Tree Tibah A.

Trees are seen outside

Leaves are falling out of trees.

It is autumn time.

The Tornado Massacre Jaylen S.

The tornado hits

it has a strong breeze

it all vanishes fast.

Ms. Macmillan

Syria's Mountains Ali J.

The Garden Mountains

stunning, indescribable

reminds me of home

Lakes Nimo G.

Lakes, I love swimming

playing volleyball midnight

making some new friends

Volcano Sophia J.

Glowing orange liquid

magma waiting to erupt

until pressure comes

The Stars Zainab A.

Brighter than the moon

in its majestic glory

I pray for my home