The editors of the SHRM Certification Update are pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 SHRM HR Haiku Contest, celebrating National Poetry Month. Art in any form helps people seek connection and common ground, and poetry in particular is a great facilitator of communication. (HR professionals, take note: Poetry readings or contests are an appealing way to build employee engagement and can be done in person or remotely.)
Winners were chosen in four categories: HR & the COVID-19 Crisis (still relevant this year, unfortunately), The HR Profession, SHRM & Certification, and HR Comics & Cynics.
For the first time, we are also awarding the No-Tell Prize for Literature to the most-worthy pseudonymous contributor. The inaugural winner is Jae Candid, SHRM-CP, who submitted under this pen name some standalone verses and one multistanzaed, epic poem—we are impressed!
Thanks to everyone who sent in their "HRaiku" poems, giving life to creative expression. Congratulations to all, especially the winning poets.
Grand Prize
Keeping perspective:
A cornerstone in the life
Of true HR pros.
—Ciara Torres, SHRM-CP, Ocala, Fla.
Category: HR & the COVID-19 Crisis
1st Place
2020 came
HR will not be the same
Corona be gone!
—Jeff Palkowski, SHRM-SCP, Madison, Wis.
2nd Place
During this shutdown,
videochat with your staff;
they need to see you.
—Ramona Poole, SHRM-CP, Tallahassee, Fla.
3rd Place
What a crazy year!
COVID, masks, 6 feet, and fear.
Know what I need? Beer!
—Denny Ristow, SHRM-CP, Plymouth, Wis.
Honorable Mention
2020 sucked.
HR's here to save the day.
At least trying to.
—Leeza Klimetz, SHRM-CP, Atlanta
Category: The HR Profession
1st Place
When a crisis strikes,
HR heroes arise to
Make employees safe.
—Ciara Torres, SHRM-CP, Ocala, Fla.
2nd Place
Trust HR. You'll see
It's more than it used to be—
Better, purposely.
—Jae Candid, SHRM-CP, Baton Rouge, La.
3rd Place
Workplaces have changed
The HR landscape is new
Embrace the future
—Sherri Bagnall, SHRM-CP, Wauchula, Fla.
Honorable Mention
Motivate, coach, teach,
Inform, listen, empower,
Improve daily life.
—Shari Newcomb, McAlester, Okla.
Category: SHRM & Certification
1st Place
"Emotions and the Certification Exam"
Entered and sat down
All noises suddenly stopped
The countdown began
Deep breaths through my mask
Foggy glasses blocked my view
Like mist in my mind
Questions waved at me
Others cross-examined me
Palms were all sweaty
Quietly clicking
Swiftly choosing what I knew
Just to hurry through
Sometimes it was tough
Picking out the best of two
The one that's most true
Then it all ended
My heart knocking on my chest
And thoughts in my head
I'm still so nervous
Far too late to turn back now
The results are near
One word popped up
I can go celebrate now
I did it, I passed!
—Jae Candid, SHRM-CP, Baton Rouge, La.
2nd Place
When you are in doubt,
you can always ask for help.
That's what SHRM is for.
—Ramona Poole, SHRM-CP, Tallahassee, Fla.
3rd Place
Incentives come with
my SHRM certification.
I love my new role.
—Ramona Poole, SHRM-CP, Tallahassee, Fla.
Honorable Mention
Better workplaces:
Our mission and goals are clear.
With SHRM, let's do it!
—Jeff Palkowski, SHRM-SCP, Madison, Wis.
Category: HR Comics & Cynics
1st Place
How can I be late
for back-to-back Zoom meetings
sitting in my chair?
—Michelle Aronson, SHRM-SCP, Chicago
2nd Place
Interview confirmed:
Today at 3 via Zoom.
3:30. Ghosted.
—Stephanie Thune, Central Point, Ore.
3rd Place
Today's my last day
Sorry for the short notice
—HR Director
—Stephanie Thune, Central Point, Ore.
Honorable Mention
HR is remote.
Face to face in Zoom meetings.
Yes, I'm wearing pants!
—Lori Wolford, SHRM-SCP, White Salmon, Wash.
Our readers' participation in this contest is a testament to the goals of National Poetry Month, a worldwide literary event observed each April, founded in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets. Link to the website, download the official logo, use the #nationalpoetrymonth hashtag and follow @POETSorg on Twitter. E-mail npm@poets.org to share photos and feedback.