Zombie Haiku: Good Poetry for Your Brains

by Ryan Mecum

image by Barnes & Noble

Mecum, Ryan. (2008). Zombie Haiku: Good Poetry for Your Brains. Cincinnati, OH: How, 2008. ISBN: 9781600610707.

Poetic Elements

In the poetic structure of haiku, three simple lines composed of five syllables, then seven syllables, and another line of five syllables, Mecum tells the story from his point of view as a decaying zombie after a plague has struck his city. The imagery he manages in the 5-7-5 rhythm of this haiku poetry makes an emotional impact with the reader.

These lines might amuse:

“I’m really torn up.

A hole in my neck whistles

With every inhale.”

These lines might disgust:

“Fresh food smells so good,

like pasta Mom used to make.

Mom’s brains smell good.”

But even zombies redeem themselves as with these lines:

“I loved my momma.

I eat her with my mouth closed,

How she would want it.”

Appeal

Although I am no fan of zombies and some of the content is enough to make one queasy, I think this humorous book of haiku zombie poetry will be a hit among young people. In my experience as a middle school librarian, reluctant readers will find this book a manageable as well as an entertaining read; especially in the graphic novel format.

Overall Quality

Each poem is consistent in the haiku structure and will stimulate the reader’s thoughts and emotions. You can read more about Mecum and what others had to say about Zombie Haiku on his website at http://www.ryanmecum.com/ also written in graphic novel style with torn paper notes taped to the pages. Zombie Haiku even has a website that can be found here: http://www.zombiehaiku.com/.

The Poet

Ryan Mecum lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and spends most of his time watching terrible movies and reading comics. He has seen Evil Dead more times than he would care to mention, and he is a youth pastor at a Presbyterian church.

Layout

This unique book of haiku poetry is told in a graphic novel format of a journal with polaroid snapshot illustrations and taped notes. Quite a lot of blood is splashed across the cover as well as on the pages along with hand drawn sketches of brains.

In the “About the Author” section at the back of the book, Mecum includes a paper clipped polaroid snapshot of his dead/undead self with a short obituary, including a reference to zombie movies:

To George Romero:

Because of you, I’m screwed up.

Thanks for your movies.

Spotlight Haiku Poem

There is something fun

About that soft popping sound

When biting fat calves.

This poem/book is NOT for everyone; I would introduce this poem/book to my reluctant readers with this trailer/commercial found on youtube:

http://youtu.be/pd1Ws9QnmZY

Extension Activity: I would give interested students a chance to read more of Zombie Haiku for fun and perhaps try their hand at writing an additional zombie poem in haiku form.