Results of the AHS 2026 Winter Solstice Haiga Competition

On behalf of the Australian Haiku Society, I would like to thank you for your entries from Australia and other countries.

The image was originally processed to show a dark mood, and many dug deep and certainly captured this theme in their haiku. However, I was impressed by those who expressed a lighter mood.

Haiga: the image should support the haiku without the words being a direct description:

Words like silhouettes, shadows, darkness in colour/light, or mood are also on theme with the winter solstice, as are coolness and ice.

Thank you to all contributors.

Wanda Amos

First Place

the bright colours
on your side of the fence
silhouettes on mine

Paul Callus

I love your juxtaposition of light (perhaps it’s the photographer in me). This also can be a reference to mood, and I can translate that to so many situations. Two situations in close proximity … one happy with life, the other suffering with depression or other illnesses; a family dealing with poverty or dysfunctional relationships, the other successful and involved socially with the community.

 The simplicity of your haiku can be enjoyed, and the balance of positivity with the negative can be interpreted by many.

Honourable Mention

war veteran
apparition of lost mates
in the misty bar

Milan Rajkumar

Several poets referenced war/soldiers as the subject  of their haiku.

In a few words, this relates to a sad fact that we rarely learn from the past and particularly within our current lifetimes. Whether we win or lose wars, the veterans and their families pay the emotional price. “Apparition” can refer to those who died as a result of battle or those living but are no longer the person they were. Unfortunately, many succumb to alcoholism and are ignored or left to cope in the “mists” of time, as we move on. Beautiful, but sad images!

Honourable Mention

pinhole camera –
for a moment, everything
comes into focus

Jonathan Aylett

This haiku encapsulates the “aha” moment of haiku.

The poet shows a good understanding of haiku and photography – minimal use of words, on subject,  juxtaposing photography and life experience.

Well done!

Wanda Amos

(Haiga Judge)