Haiku:
Cotton Fields

Growing up, cotton fields surrounded me. Our small town’s pride was tied to that fluffy white crop, even our school mascot was a cotton picker. It was a symbol of hard work and humble beginnings, a part of our family’s story. Its something that our grandparents, and parents did to put food on the table. Not too long ago, there was news on my hometowns mascot the "cotton picker" this symbol was misconstrued, causing controversy. But for us locals, it represented a sense of community and shared history. My hometown, predominantly Hispanic, for us locals it wasn't racist it was a testament to its rich cultural heritage.

I never really paid much attention to those fields. They were just... there. But as I prepared to leave for Japan, something shifted. I found myself drawn to the fields, the stark contrast of white cotton against the vast blue sky. It was almost surreal. It was so beautiful and so I stopped on the side of the road and walk to the fields to take these pictures.

It made me wonder, why do we often overlook the beauty of the ordinary until it's about to slip away? Perhaps it's the familiarity that blinds us, or maybe it's the rush of everyday life. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful for this moment of appreciation.

Direct English translation: Taken for granted. Cotton Fields. I won't see again.
By: Gabrielle V