‘Haiku Journal acts as both an inspirational collection of diverse haiku by master writers such as Matsuo Basho and Masaoka Shiki and an encouragement for readers to fill in their own blank books with haiku creativity. It pairs lovely black and white drawings with examples of the diversity that can be incorporated into the traditional haiku form.
Where creative writing books might focus on the three-line stanza approach of its poetic structure, Trisha Sugarek provides a deeper interpretation of what makes a haiku piece stand out: “A haiku is a way of looking at the physical world and seeing something deeper, like the very nature of existence. It should leave the reader with a strong feeling or impression. Traditionally the natural world is mentioned.” She also includes works by master poets which didn’t always strictly adhere to the 5/7/5 haiku foundation because “They were too beautiful to ignore and not be included.”
This note advises readers that there is an attention to excellence, here, that goes beyond strict regimentation. Any poem that is uplifting, beautiful, and an example of unique expression is included, such as this: “Well, what must we think of it?/From the sky we came./Now we may go back again./That’s at least one point of view.” –Hôjô Ujimasa
These works appear alongside lined blank pages that encourage readers to become writers through example.The poems are juxtaposed with tips on how Sugarek chooses to write, including creative writing and history information that supports various approaches (i.e. producing a complete poem in three sets of three lines, known as Renku).
Sugarek’s own poetry is juxtaposed with verse and free verse from others, adding just the right blend of encouragement and a flavor of diversity to a haiku journal that serves as both an encouragement and an example.
Wannabe haiku writers looking for inspiration could not find a better wellspring of support than in Haiku Journal. Its format and presentation lend to not just inspiration, but creative effort.’ D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review
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This Collection of poetry begins where Butterflies and Bullets left off. A collection of free verse poetry, Haiku and musings about life, loss, love, and grief. Some fall on the ears like the touch of moth fluttering against the light. Others slice into you like a knife. The poet’s inspiration was taken from life’s experiences.
HAIKU, Vol. II A Collection of Haiku and Renku Poetry
The World of Haiku Poetry Vol. I
words distilled down to their very essence in the ancient Japanese style of writing Haiku and Renku.
Three stances, three sentences, minimal syllables.
Mountain Morning ©
white clouds of dogwood
geese trumpet along the pond
bird song heralds morn
hollow makes a nest
dainty dwelling slumbers on
in the wooded gloom
screen door creaks open
smoke swirls from the chimney mouth
cabin stirs awake
Butterflies and Bullets
Foggy Night (c)
The white orb, saturated with
tidal flows, peers through the
veil.
A ghost ship slips up the fog
laden channel.
Night gulls. sing with strident cries
fog seeps in, the tide rolls out,
day is gone, the night creeps on.
Trees, dressed in ebony, drift by.
Water glistens, gold and wet.
Edges blurred night is soft and
tender, damp seeps into cloth,
hair, bone.
Tents of light spread over the
foggy landing.
Hunters of the sea know not day
nor night, fishers all,
white feathers stark against the
darkest shadows….
Review: D.Donovan, Midwest Book Review ‘Butterflies and Bullets, a curious title for a book of poetry, delivers what its title implies: an interplay between nature and emotional inspection. Its free verse observational approach captures the intersection between environmental and human affairs.
Poetry readers should anticipate ethereal pieces that capture a wide range of sensations. From the smells and feel of the world in ‘Fragrance of Life’ (“Sultry air twines itself through the/Quarter, crushed sugar, wet/pavement, yeasty bouquet of/hot beignet. Warm beer,/praline sweet, heady grape/Old river water slugs along.”) to the cry of self-inflicted pain in ‘Song of Agony’ (“Steel scores cold, thin lines/ice and fire/Swiftly, thin red lines follow/warm and wet/First the/burning, the/shame, the self-disgust./Then sweet relief/The little suicide.”), these are pieces that cry, ache, observe, and immerse the reader in emotional responses to life’s beauty and treachery.
Joy and anguish, pleasure and pain … concurrent tides of diverse expressions run through these pieces to profile the intricacies and nuances of life. When paired with evocative illustrations, it’s a dance of life that flies and falls through experience with a poet and observer’s astute, deft touch.
Poetry fans will find these works accessible; and though they may seem deceptively simple at first, their lasting impact lies in their thought-provoking, descriptive moments.’
Other companion for your creative writing….
