Boo that we couldn’t treat all the readers participating in our third annual KHN Halloween Haiku Contest to their moment of gory glory. Your entries — like our health care system — ranged from frighteningly complex to haunting. And, based on a review by our panel of never-say-die judges, here’s the winner and a sampling of finalists. Also, keep an eye on KHN’s social media accounts for more of our favorites. Enjoy!
WINNER
The Motel sign blinks‘Vacancy For The Unvaxxed’Norman Bates walks in
— Carrie Moores (@carrielmoores)
Inspiration: In Maine, Vaccine Mandate for EMTs Stresses Small-Town Ambulance Crews
FINALISTS
Silence from the gravesMarks the vaccine resistance;Public Health horror.
— Jean Gearing
Inspiration: Study: If More Adults Had Shots, 90,000 People Wouldn’t Have Died Since June
Candy, popcorn balls,and a quick jab in the arm,this year’s treats for kids.
— Bradley Steffens (@SteffensBradley)
Inspiration: Starting This Week, States Can Place Covid Shot Orders For Kids Ages 5 To 11
Billing code for a telehealth exorcism? Asking for a friend
— Joseph Reblando (@ReblandoPR)
Ghosts, globulins, rats!Lipoproteins and black cats!Skeletons, trans fats!
— Timothy Kelley
Social media Making monsters of us all; Frankenstein lives on!
— Mark Fotheringham
Inspiration: US Politicians, Social Media Are Main Source For Misinfo, Americans Think
Once the bill arrivedFor my short hospital stayDeath seemed much cheaper
— Amanda
