The Heron's Nest
where tradition and innovation meet
where tradition and innovation meet
This year’s contest had 1,505 entries, from 791 poets. Our judge was Randy Brooks.
flying kites
learning when to pull in
when to let go
Fatma Zohra Habis
Algeria
I love the light-hearted simplicity and the depth of wisdom evident in this haiku. On first glance we enjoy the challenge of trying to gain control of a kite. It requires attention and finesse to keep the kite flying high in response to sudden changes in the wind. On further reflection this haiku contains a broader realization about parenting. The kite stands in for a child with a will of their own to me. The last two lines convey the depth of a parent’s understanding of how to guide their child to independence.
today
more than yesterday—
forsythia
Tim Dwyer
Bangor, Northern Ireland
Five words and yet so appreciative of the gifts of this forsythia. The yellows catch our eye on the first day and become even more glorious on the next day in the sunshine. Our appreciation grows as the forsythia opens our eyes to spring. We come more alive and grateful with each blessing from the arches of colors in all the forsythia’s glory.
sibling reunion
each twist in the trail
a different view
Bruce H. Feingold
Berkeley, California
I imagine grown-up siblings who have gone their different ways now reunited on this trail. For me, this would be a mountain trail which at times is shaded by tall trees and other times opens up to amazing valley vistas. The siblings are back together and comfortable with each other, and yet each brings their own way of seeing. Who knows what will show up beyond the next “twist in the trail” of their lives?
public restroom
I wash the bar of soap
with my hands
Vandana Parashar
Panchkula, India
This is a fun twist on washing your hands with soap. Instead, we find ourselves washing the dirt (or whatever it is?) off the soap first. This public restroom experience is not very satisfying. Ironically, they seem to be dirtying their hands to wash the soap. What a great public service our soap washer provides for future visitors to the restroom. I’d call that a good deed for the day for the next guest.
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cold night in her car
a tiny light
to read by
Kathryn Bold
Coto de Caza, California
I imagine this as a homeless person resigned to spending the night in her only shelter, the car. All of the interior lights are off, and the windows are probably fogged with her breath. I believe it is a very cold night and the cold gets colder as it penetrates into the parked car and through her clothes and, I hope, blanket. However, there is a “tiny light” which would not provide much warmth, but is enough to read by. Perhaps a book takes her to another life, another world, a better place, for the time being. Perhaps it provides solace that things will be okay and occupies her otherwise bleak night.
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sunlit gravestone
the hand on my shoulder
rests a while longer
Antoinette Cheung
Vancouver, Canada
This haiku creates a feeling of warmth and comfort in a time of loss. The cemetery is “sunlit” and the gravestone is soaking up the heat. A loved one is being visited by the grieving speaker of this haiku. Words are not necessary to console the visitor. A hand on the shoulder provides support and comfort. It wordlessly says “I’m here too.” The choice of the word “rests” resonates in multiple ways. At peace. The person in the grave. The restlessness calmed. It is an image of sharing the love and grief for a moment before moving on.
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finding the old gate
between our yards
wild lilies
Jacquie Pearce
Vancouver, Canada
This is a wonderful haiku about an overgrown yard. At one time this gate was used frequently, but the neighbors have lost their connection. The gate has gone unused for years. Wild lilies have rooted and spread to fill the gaps of the gate. The question remains, now that the old gate has been found, will it be cleared and opened up again for a renewed friendship? Or will it remain overgrown and home for the wild lilies to claim as their own.
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all-day snow
she borrows his finger
to finish the bow
Kristen Lindquist
Camden, Maine
What a beautiful day of ongoing snow piling up outside. Nothing much to do outside, nowhere to go until after the snow stops, so what does she do? She gets busy with inside chores. In this case wrapping gifts, perhaps for Christmas. Her partner is not helping much, but she recruits him to “Press here!” Perfect, that’s all that was needed.
One hundred sixteen readers of The Heron's Nest have provided us with their selections of the best poems we published during 2025. We published 492 poems in Volume 26. Of these, 369 received at least one reader nomination. Ten points were awarded for a first-place nomination, nine for second, and so on.
Here are the top poems and poets as identified for these Readers' Choice Awards.
Haiku of the Year (16 nominations, totaling 121 points)
wild berries
the trail map folded
into a cone
Steve Bahr (December Issue)
(16 nominations, totaling 92 points)
old blue car—
my father adjusting
to the passenger seat
Chad Lee Robinson (December Issue)
(15 nominations, totaling 88 points)
keyhole—
the sun lets itself
in
Johnette Downing (December)
(14 nominations, totaling 83 points)
moonlight this cricketlessness
Billie Dee (September Issue)
This category represents the total number of points awarded to each poet for the poet's entire body of work in Volume 26.
Chad Lee Robinson: (37 nominations, naming 6 of 6 poems published in Volume 26 = 205 points)
Gordon Brown: (25 nominations, naming 4 of 4 poems published = 125 points)
Steve Bahr: (16 nominations, naming 1 poem published = 121 points)
Bryan Rickert: (25 nominations, naming 7 of 7 poems published = 121 points)
We congratulate the poets honored in this year's Readers' Choice Awards and offer our sincere and deepest gratitude to the readers who devoted their time, effort, and discernment to the nomination process. Whatever value these awards may have comes directly from this community of readers.
“What an exquisitely excruciating and brilliant opportunity.” Hats off to the HN editors! –Deborah Bowman
“I eagerly await this time of the year when I get to read all the issues of The Heron's Nest again.” –Vandana Parashar
“Here is my list of favourite poems—needless to say there is an unseen list of two dozen more.” –Bernadette Duncan
“This was a real challenge, and a learning experience that gave me even more empathy and respect for those who make journal selections and award decisions. What a hard thing to do with so many wonderful poems and poets! Thank you for all you do with and for haiku!” –Sarah E. Metzler
“With the simple methodology of choosing poems I wished I had written, my selections were all about conjuring up feelings or putting me in a place where I felt a connection.” –Alan S. Bridges
“I am new to Haiku this year. I have enjoyed reading The Heron's Nest. Each issue is emotionally powerful! I did not know that could happen. Wow.” –Valerie Green
“It was a pleasure to look back over the issues. It was just the mood I've been looking for lately in contrast to these dark times. Thanks for this opportunity. It's always so educational.” –Leah Ann Sullivan
“This is such a joyous way to wrap up the year. It ensures that I've carefully read every poem published in The Heron's Nest for 2025, basked in the glow of the images and senses the haiku evoked, and then carefully considered the art and craft that brought them about. A lovely present to all of your readers! Thank you.” –Dian Duchin Reed
“Thank you and the whole editorial team for the great work you do in bringing The Heron's Nest to readers, and in providing poets with the opportunity to share their work. The journal continues to offer high quality, engaging poetry from around the world.” –Leanne Mumford