Haiku Lounge
Welcome to the Endorphin Warrior Haiku Lounge
Here you can enjoy the winning haiku poems submitted to our annual haiku poetry contest, plus other beautiful haiku poems submitted by society members to our 2012 and 2011 contests.
The subject matter of our annual haiku poetry contest? Submit a haiku (hi-coo) poem about any aspect of physical training, running, the beauty of movement, exertion, competition, cycling, fitness, endorphins, your sport… anything related to your experience, thoughts or feelings about the active lifestyle, working out vigorously or the body in motion.
Do you haiku? You can join the fun next year. Our 3rd Annual Endorphin Warrior Haiku Poetry Contest 2013 will begin on next September 1, 2013. Look for contest info coming in Summer 2013.
Our 1st Place Haiku – 2012
One foot off the ground,
then another. For a split
second I’m flying.
- by Ann Malokas
Our 2nd Place Haiku – 2012
Full trail marathon
wet and aching feet and joints
son ahead by hour
- by Sonny Marcelo
Our 3rd Place Haiku – 2012
Running through light rain
I’m at peace with each small drop
Never more alive
- by Kathleen Smith
Our 1st Place Haiku – 2011
Cold wind stealing breath
Slippery road under foot
Boston in two months
– by Trevor Boylston
Our 2nd Place Haiku – 2011
Resplendent, certain
My gift is more than runner;
I am energy
– by Keri-Lyn D.
Our 3rd Place Haiku – 2011
Recognized by few
Born through pain meant for my chain
Sprocket grease tattoo
– by Mike Davis
High Honors – 2012
Enjoy the silence
In the middle of all this
I run city streets
- by Amiel DeGuzman
Steep hill breathing hard
Humid day oppressive air
Hate you dead possum
- By Brian Pass
Crisp morning start line
Packed tight, waiting for the sign
Butterflies release
- By Jenica Lundgren
Fearless climb uphill
This woman will run her race
A warrior in pink
- by Elisabeth R.
Jog stroller baby
Now chases on training wheels
My son grows; I run
- by Robyn Reed
one run at a time
I shed her and find myself
running has changed me
- by Sasha Johns
Feet pound, present in
Borderline addiction.
I vanish in my breath
- by Michele Phillips
Salt dries on my skin.
Soaked through, red-faced and happy.
Another run done.
- by Heather H.
My six screaming kids
Chaos and stinky diapers
I run to escape
- by Annie Newman
Foggy dawn run
Five wild turkeys in the grass
I am startled, not them
- by Robyn Reed
High Honors – 2011
My graceful movements
Push my body to its peak
I breathe and enjoy
– by Theresa Roth
like a potter and
his wheel, i mold myself with
every step i take
– by Carol Jones
Winged sparrow light
over wisteria bloom
trail dust gathers early
– by Matt S.
Feet beat a rhythm;
Release in fluid stride,
Peace found within.
– by Katy Fetzer
Trail run – my canvas
Colors of sweat, pain and tears
Painting my soul free
– by Laura Lambert
Breaking through the wind
The rhythm of my cadence
Music to my soul
– by Lauren H.
steady pace controlled
mindful not to hit the wall
breath and body one
– by Jodi Yamane
Starlight I feel you
I am drawn to run
bathed by your ancient light
– by Brian P.
Feet hit the ground
With each stride I feel release
The day’s stress is gone
– by Lauren H.
Water rushes past
Gliding, I come up for air
The race is underway
– by Anthony Ellis, M.D.
Impossible time
Wellesley screams, Boylston Street dreams
Achievement sublime
– by Mike Davis
no competition
no desire for finish lines
i run just to run
– by Michael Nishioka
Plus a few more poems and poets from our 2012 contest that we’d like to mention
Tina K. sent in this beautiful series of haikus about her weight-loss journey. Congratulations Tina!
I believe I can -
The first step to becoming
all that I can be
Old, fat, slow is me
Burning desire makes changes
One day at a time
The pounds are falling
No longer is she obese
Liking what she sees
Susan Holcombe expressed her love for her sport through this series of haikus about triathlon. Well done Susan!
Early morning mist
rises from water like an
invitation. Swim.
Transition to bike.
High cadence, Gain speed. Wind bites
bare skin. Go faster.
Run. Lungs burn. Need air.
Legs ache. Want to rest. Mind stays
strong. Push to finish.
And finally, we must mention Joel Mitchell, who entertained us almost daily during our 2012 contest with a fresh haiku. Interestingly, the last haiku he sent us is a great summary for our haiku contest and the active lifestyle we all love and live. Thank you Joel.
We can lose ourselves,
Often in the things we love.
We find ourselves too.
———-
Thank you again to everyone who has participated in our annual contest. We greatly appreciate your connection with us. Warrior On!