Poetry, short stories, and song lyrics, it is difficult enough to write creatively in one’s own language much less in a second or additional language.

The following haiku were written by students in “Reading in Japanese” course (JAPA 3021). The course, taught this year by Elizabeth Sowka, focuses on Kanji characters, their etymology, phonology, and uses. In addition to reading, translating, and otherwise engaging with authentic texts in the language, the course also encourages students to produce their own works; in this case, haiku. We hope you enjoy their creations.