Haikuplet Winners!

Before we get to the winners, I want to give a HUGE shout out to everyone who participated in this unofficial challenge. I had 25 entries to read, and all were wonderful! Think of all the community involvement with 25 different Haikuplets! Thanks to all of you, I thought this challenge was a smashing success.

Let's start with the winners - yes, I said winners - for the Best Original Haikuplet entries. I know I said one winner each, but these two writers ended up in a tie, so they will both receive a $20 tip from me. Each of them wrote absolutely beautiful haiku, showcasing their talent with emotional depth and creativity far beyond my own capabilities.

The first of these goes to Cathy Holmes for her entry, Earth and Sky. Her Haikuplet overwhelmed me with emotion. It is so relatable to anyone who has ever been in a one-sided relationship and provokes distinct imagery that is both breathtaking and heartbreaking.

The second of these goes to D.K. Shepard for their entry, Followed FootSteps. This Haikuplet can be applied to many relationships - romantic, friendship, or even family. I loved it not only for its versatility but also for its imagery of the moon and tides and its emotional depth. This is one that can be read over and over and linked in a hundred different ways!

Finally, we have our winner for Best Linked Haikuplet. The prize for this one goes to Mackenzie Davis for her entry, Smear. Mackenzie simply knocked it out of the park with her link to D.K.'s Haikuplet. It adds a layer of depth to the original that is both complimentary and original. The creative imagery here is just beautiful and thought-provoking.

Once again, thank you to all who entered! I so enjoyed reading them all and look forward to the next challenge, which will be in October. Please leave a comment and let me know your own thoughts.