A haiku is a form of short poetry, originated in Japan. It typically contains of only 17 syllables over three phrases, and seeks to still convey a message. Some common themes on which haiku are written are nature, or human nature. But that does not mean it cannot be written about nonprofit life.
A little while ago, a #NonprofitHaiku contest ran on Twitter, and it saw the agony of social sector professionals beautifully channelised into poetry. Here are the winners from the contest:
This haiku, by Amanda Paveglio @AmandaPav1, captures the angsts of writing grant proposals, and the ingenuity of our sector:
Org’s mission doesn’t
Fit in fifty characters
Myb rmv vwls?
This one, by Jess Solomazing @jesssolomon, illustrates the level of intellectualization that happens among funders:
Harriet Tubman’s
“Project” would not be funded
No proof of concept
This gem, by Jennifer Iacovelli @anotherjenb, vividly crystalizes the dreaded terrible in-kind donation
Cole slaw donation
Left in a bucket outside
With soggy bread too
This one, by Chuck Brown @brookheart, may enrage some, but good poetry should spark emotions
Donor-advised fund
The gift that keeps on giving
Just not to your org
Related article: What would Shakespeare say?
And lest you think everyone in our sector is cynical, here’s a beautiful haiku from Charlford House @CharlfordHouse, with this moving note “This one is from my heart, it’s my personal story and about as honest as I can get in 17 syllables”
I was a hot mess
I recovered at Charlford
Not a hot mess now
You can read more haiku about nonprofits on NonprofitAF.
