It should be no surprise that the last two years have had Blue Hens feeling more introspective than usual. The University of Delaware community was invited to explore those thoughts through a haiku poetry contest during the spring and fall semesters in 2021. Nearly 100 individuals rose to the occasion, and their contributions remind readers throughout the world that their feelings are valid and shared. They illustrate a community that acknowledges struggle as well as beauty and remains focused, most of all, on hope.

The haiku contests were part of several optional programs offered through Student Life by Student Wellness and Health Promotion, in observance of the Blue Hen Re-Coop Days that encourage Blue Hens to pause, prioritize and reflect on aspects of wellbeing.

Winners and several runners-up were chosen in both contests by a committee of their peers, and those submissions can be found below. Finalist submissions of Blue Hen haikus can be found at the Student Wellness and Health Promotion haiku website. 

Winning poems:

Stroll along The Green

Autumn leaves crunch underfoot

Breathe in and ReCoop

By Renee Brown

Dreaming of the Green

My backyard will have to do

I will persevere!

By Reagan Dolinger

Honorable Mention:

Fall leaves fill my yard

Like the dishes fill my sink

but more colorful

By Shelly McCoy