In the clear night
a fisherman pulls in a net
filled with stars.

© Zdravko Kurnik (Croatia) (1937 – 2010)

This haiku showcases the precept “as above, so below” which was first laid out in the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus. The stars not only rest in the sky, but also in lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water by way of reflection. The fisherman pulls up an empty net, but to his surprise, he catches stars. There are many possible interpretations of this occurrence: there is always good in bad situations, we can achieve celestial awareness if we empty ourselves, sometimes we wish for something mundane but receive something spiritual instead, and numerous other meanings.

However, the word “clear” leads me think about the connection between humanity and nature. This haiku could be implying that when we have a mind and heart devoid of impurity, we get connected to the cosmos, or heaven.

At first I questioned if the first line was needed, as the second and third line imply it. However, the first line sets the scene, and adding the word “clear” into the mix gives more resonance.

You might have noticed that the haiku is written in a more old-fashioned style of English-language haiku, with a capital letter in the beginning and a period at the end. Kurnik wrote during a time when haiku in the West was forming and ideas about what exactly is the West supposed to do with the form was less certain (though we, of course, are still trying to discover and learn more about what English-language haiku is supposed to be). In my opinion, this style does not take away from the wonderful image and its implications.

Also, this haiku could be said to be a one-image haiku, as it not clearly separated into parts. However, sometimes one-image haiku work well, as they carry a strong significance and resonance, like in this poem.

Turning to sound, the letter “n” caught my eye the most, having an almost “pulling” sound. The second letter that seems most important is “l” which also provides the feeling of something being pulled, and also the fullness of which the stars fill the net. This is, at least, my projection. Sounds can mean different things to different people.

Learn about Zdravko Kurnik and read more of his haiku at: https://livinghaikuanthology.com/index-of-poets/livinglegacies/2667-zdravko-kurnik.html

– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)

Do you enjoy this haiku? Please let us know in the comments.

pre-dawn coffee
the smell of cedar
on my wool shirt

© Joshua Gage (USA)
The Heron’s Nest, Dec 2014.

The details in this haiku make it effective. The scene of pre-dawn is one of mystery, introspection, and calmness. The poet is drinking coffee to wake up and get energy for the day that has not begun yet. The smell of cedar, which has a strong scent, could either make the poet think of the work he did yesterday (probably) of cutting wood, or make him feel more calm and centered. So, we maybe have two opposing sides: the energy of the coffee, and the soothing scent of cedar. The mention of wool is a fine touch, as it relates to the season of winter. This is a great example of using a subtle seasonal reference. The poem, and the image it portrays, would have been weaker with just “on my shirt.” Not only is pre-dawn a quiet, reflective time, but doubly so in winter.

I think technically the poet could have added a dash or ellipsis after the first line. However, I understand not adding one due to already using a hyphen. As you might know, haiku poets try to avoid punctuation when not needed. We try to not jar the reader with too much punctuation.

Another consider would be to change the last two lines to:

the waft of cedar (scent)
from my wool shirt

… but I also enjoy the simplicity and sound of the original. “smell” connects musically with “wool” through the “l” sounds. Also, the long “e” sounds in “pre-dawn” and “coffee” show the calmness of the moment. In fact, the “e” sounds are carried into the second line with “the,” “smell,” and “cedar.”

This haiku showcases an enjoyable meditation on the sense of smell and time. The poet packed a lot into the haiku through details and a subtle use of a seasonal reference.

– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)

Do you enjoy this haiku? If so, please tell us why in the comments

no rain…
ah but the scent
of jasmine

© John Knight (1935-2012) (Australia)

This is a fine example of how haiku can express a feeling without stating it. The word “ah” lends a hand in knowing the exact feeling of the writer, but the emotion of refreshment could also be extracted without this word. Rain soothes, nurtures, and beautifies. The same can be said about the scent of jasmine, which is scientifically proven to calm the nerves with its sweet smell. This haiku shows a philosophical notion of wholeness: despite the absence of rain (jasmine is a seasonal reference for late summer, so the absence of rain would be more apparent during this time), the scent of jasmine has replaced its effects. In other words, if something fails to happen, something else will take its place. Nature has a way of retaining its balance.

I like the use of the ellipsis so the reader can feel the pause of the writer while he was witnessing the moment. I think the pacing is well done, and the lines are laid out efficiently. There is just enough words to convey its idea and feeling. Like I mentioned before, “ah” could have been theoretically left out, however, it gives us more of a sense of the mood.  In terms of sound, I enjoy the usage of “n” in “rain,” “scent,” and “jasmine.” It provides the poem with an air of dignity, in my opinion. The simplicity and naturalness of how the haiku reads is also admirable.

– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)

Learn about John Knight and read more of his poems here: http://livinghaikuanthology.com/index-of-poets/livinglegacies/3694-knight,-john.html

Did you enjoy this haiku? Please tell us why in the comments.