Curbside Haiku is here!
This spring, Downtown Tulsa Partnership is spearheading this temporary public art initiative where poetry on designed art boards is accessible in the public right-of-way.
154 haikus were submitted from Tulsans of all ages and backgrounds. 10 winners were selected to have their poetry dispersed throughout Downtown. You can find these selected submissions in flower beds and planters in various Downtown districts. Tag us on social media (@downtowntulsaok) with your favorite haiku while exploring Downtown!
While only 10 were selected, there were several haikus that were worthy of presentation. Read some exciting haiku entries from local Tulsans below!
Alexis Hall
Take a walk with me
to Blue Dome and back, where dreams,
old and young, run wild
Alexander Luette
River winds through steel,
Sunset paints the city gold,
Echoes of oil dreams
Jordan Sexton
Tulsa's skyline gleams,
Rivers weave through urban dreams,
Heartland whispers peace.
Ellise Verheyen
A stop on the way
Became a destination
Here I've found my home
Kirk Hays
Tourists or Tulsans
Help our Community Grow
Each in their own way
W. Ryan Hunt
Greenwood echoes strong
Historic voices carry
Hope from hidden scars
Kevin Gibbs
You will never know
How it feels to be like me
I'm young, black, and free
Lory Ferguson
Sometimes life is hard
And sometimes it's very soft
Right now it's scratchy
Scott Rouse
The smell of cold Earth
Making paths where few have been
Among dancing grass
Hannah Glenn Fillingim
Noses to the wind
Tracking trails of belonging
What did we forget?
Suzanne Bruce
Downtown vibes beat joy
Hearts come together with smiles
Tulsa's bright core thrives
Juli Leber
Big city offers
Small town personality
Tulsa took my heart
Lori Lalli
These days I find that
I'm "livin' on Tulsa time"
And it's wonderful.
Emily Rand
Now this is the time
We must all come together
Changes start with us
Kristin Panzer
Tulsa spring is wild
Tornadoes and storms galore
Sun turns blazing heat
Ashley Denney
Around the corner
At an art deco cafe
You'll find me sipping
Lynna Baldwin
Only you can hear
Universe makes it so clear
Sit in the center
Katy Layman
Dancing feet abound
Sidewalks and doorways well used
A city reborn
Margaret Hartley
Feel your feet move as
Bob, The GAP, Woody, Playboys strike
a chord, memories
Natalie Bowling
This city is home
I hear nothing gold can stay
But I hate goodbyes.
Sofia Nagda Noshay
From the sacred oak,
Oh Talasi, how your hiliswa (spirit) shines!
Wash over us, good life.
Tyler Ford
Love's breath blows over
Indian Territory—
Carrying me home.
Leah Matthews
You feel the wind blow
Like love, can't touch or see it
Your mom sending hugs
Adriana Diaz
Strong roots in the earth,
Her spirit whispers through the winds,
Warrior heart blooms.
Earl Benjamin
Trust, it is okay
Everything will be fine
Let go and receive
Krista Zaloudek
Her. Light of my life.
Beautiful Temptress— Queen of my heart.
To love. Fills my soul.
Michelle Isgrigg
Purple morning sky
Scissortail rests on a wire
Steep in this small joy
Tiffany Pye
Sweet baby of mine
Has turned my life upside down
Yet still, I survive
Paige Palestini
You don't realize
Just how friendly Tulsans are
Until your tire's flat.
LaShandra Keel
Marching day to rain,
While preparing with the sun,
Growing has begun!
September Boles
"There's nothing to do?"
Tulsa has it, and if not—
Just wait five minutes.
Brenda Bertrand
Tulsa's dusk glimmers
Greenwood echoes, natives drum,
shadows stain the walls.