Earlier this month, Hoptown Chronicle invited the community to submit original haikus in support of The Chair Project. The effort, which culminated today in a silent auction organized by Milkweed health & harmony emporium, aimed to raise money and awareness for Sanctuary Inc., the nonprofit agency in Hopkinsville that supports victims of personal violence.
We received more than 40 chair-themed poems from members of the community. They were thoughtful, emotional and humorous. Many of the haikus highlighted themes of memory, comfort and emotional connection. Authors reflected on chairs as symbols of nostalgia — objects that could evoke grandparents, childhood or lost loved ones. They emphasized the restorative power of this simple piece of furniture, and how it can embody the physical and emotional support we seek in everyday life.
We are delighted to announce the contest’s two winners, the authors of which will each receive a $100 prize. Five haikus, also included below, received honorable mentions.
Haiku Contest Winners
Silent wooden frame —
— Thea Russell
holds the weight of years and tears,
still it does not break.
Chair in a diner
— Starr Messick
Like it was a zen garden
I rake through my grits
Honorable Mention
while children frolic
— J. W. Herndon
the old sit silent in chairs
and they remember
His chair, empty now
— Kelly Barnes
Husband, daddy, brother, son
Memories live on
The curtains open.
— Crystal Ferreira
A hush falls across the crowd.
Best Seat In The House.
My cousins and I
— Jamie Lucke
still talk of knowing love in
Mamaw’s rocking chair
Chair holds quiet storm,
— Eric D. Hamlett
Mind wanders far, thoughts take flight,
Ideas softly land.
