HaikuNow! 2010 Winners

The Haiku Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the HaikuNow! International Haiku Contest 2010.

1st Prize (Traditional)

war memorial
the shine on a bronze soldier
from so many hands

        —Cherie Hunter Day

                  

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1st Prize (Contemporary)

distant thunder
the future
in my bones

        —Lorin Ford

                  

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1st Prize (Innovative)

what we say             what we do
pear blossom          in winter

        —Olga Dugan

                  

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The judges for our first contest were Billy Collins (Traditional) and Jim Kacian (Contemporary and Innovative). In addition to the 1st place winners, who each received $100, the judges also chose 4 runners-up ($25 each), as well as other noteworthy poems.

To see all of their selections and read their commentary, go to the new page that’s been created for HaikuNow! 2010 (and be sure to click on the PDF to see the other noteworthy poems).

Our judges have made their decisions. Now you be the judge. What do you make of the judges’ selections? What can you add to their comments on them? Of all the haiku selected for each category, which strike you the most, and why?