Elian: The Haiku Version

By Val Castronovo, Matthew Cooper, Lina Lofaro, Desa Philadelphia, Alain L. Sanders, Flora Tartakovsky and Josh Tyrangiel

Although the story of an international custody battle is the stuff of epic poetry, the situation of Elian Gonzalez has been covered so minutely that it lends itself to a more intimate genre. Perhaps that's why some of the people involved seem to be speaking in haikus.

Papa, I do not Want to go to Cuba. If You want to, stay here. --Elian Gonzalez

And let us, by our Example, show Castro what This land truly means. --Attorney General Janet Reno

At every turn there Has been a betrayal. We Can't let our guard down. --Carlos Rivero, 34, a car salesman, outside the Miami house

If you don't think it's Right, then you can say, Well, we Ought to change the laws. --President Clinton

Elian deserves An asylum hearing. That's What we're fighting for. --Linda Osberg-Braun, attorney for the Miami relatives