In keeping with traditional haiku, which aims to capture a fleeting moment in nature, we invited the Fordham community to submit one themed around spring. But with the passing of Pope Francis, we expanded our call for submissions to include reflections on his life and legacy, and many more poured in to honor him.
Thank you to everyone who submitted a haiku—enjoy!
Reflections on Spring
The perfumer says
all flowers smell different cut —
my face in lilacs.
—Meghan Maguire Dahn, lecturer, English department
Early Bloom
Magnolias, star
Blooming in Fordham’s eden
Pink, yellow and white
—Maria Sanchez, access services and support assistant
Just Be
Shed light on your truth.
Flow with the breeze of your soul.
Life is in full bloom.
—Joe Falco, Ph.D., lecturer, psychology department
Fordham Spring
Forsythia, Oooh
Orchids, rebirth, Dahlias
Heather, a Marvel
—Josiane Grégoire, assistant dean for seniors, Fordham College Lincoln Center
On Spring
Water flows, candles light
Flowers blossom overnight
Our tears sown, joys reaped
—Alex Gruber, Ph.D. student, theology department
Reflections on Pope Francis
Francis
Faith, hope, kindness grows
Listen, simple acts, repeat
Mercy. Peace. God’s Earth
—Eileen P. Casey, associate director of career advising
Remembrance
Holy Human One.
Living truth, yes, Matthew 25.
Remain eternal.
—Monique J. Fortuné, adjunct lecturer, School of Professional and Continuing Studies
Right and Just
Pope for the people,
breaking silence, calming storms,
see God in all things
—Stephanie Roddy, associate director of Campus Ministry for spiritual retreat ministries
Francis, Holy Thursday
Tired feet, bathed in warm
Water and gently dried. No
Questions, no demands.
—Cristina L.H. Traina, Ph.D., Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., Chair in Catholic Theology
Goodbye, Friend
Eternal springing
Roman mourning bells ringing
Tears and joy collide
—Eric Panicco, S.J., Ph.D. student, theology department
Francis’ Eyes and Heart
warm gaze on the world
opened hearts and eyes to God:
the way of Francis
—David de la Fuente, Ph.D., adjust professor of theology
On the Passing of the Pope
Spring brings renewal
sometimes difficult and yet
from death comes new life.
—Galina Krasskova, Ph.D. student, theology department
[Untitled]
Bells and smoke announce
the humble, merciful pope.
Pray for me, he said.
—Marisa Iglesias, Ph.D., associate director, Office of Fellowship Advising
Final Wishes
Champion of love
Protector of the people
May he rest in peace
—Anna Gayton, Class of 2027, Fordham College at Rose Hill English Major
