Tag: Haiku

Olivier Schopfer’s Confession

On By Nicholas KlacsanzkyIn Haiku1 Comment

the white lily’s
pollen-covered anthers…
time to confess

Modern Haiku 46.2, Summer, 2015

© Olivier Schopfer (Switzerland)

This haiku has strong emotional overtones. The comparison of the pollen-covered anthers of the white lily and the opportune time to confess is at once striking and natural. Just like the anthers filled with pollen, the feeling of someone who wants to confess something is similar: a new beginning is ahead, the weight of expectation is heavy, and it colors the person to a great degree in terms of personality and even appearance.

The poet could also be asking the lily to confess something. Though this interpretation is more abstract, as it is not easy to think about what you would ask the lily to confess, I think this is the point. Haiku often bring us to a point where thinking is no longer possible, and only awareness remains.

The imagery itself is compelling. There is so much to imagine in three lines: the pollen-heavy anthers, how one confesses, the petals of the white lily, the possible person hearing the confession, and maybe more. If a haiku does not allow the reader to imagine much from the haiku, then usually that haiku can be said to be not layered or detailed enough.

The punctuation is also interesting to note. The use of an ellipsis shows a waiting or carrying on of the pollen on the anthers. With the context of the last line, it seems the pollen has been on the lily’s anthers for too long.

The “i” sound runs through the first and last line, whereas the “e” sound goes through the second line and third line. Besides making the haiku more musical,  I believe the “i” sound brings more urgency to the tone, and the “e” sound shows more of the beauty of the lily.

The purity of the lily and the act of confession is also a poignant contrast. It makes readers think of the true meaning of purity. It is great when you can see both a similarity and a contrast in a haiku’s juxtaposition. Schopfer has brought us a lot to delve into within a short amount of words, while also touching on an event that nature and human beings have to live through.

– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)

Brendon Kent’s Snowflakes

On By Nicholas KlacsanzkyIn HaikuLeave a comment

snowflakes
settling
our differences

© Brendon Kent (UK)

Failed Haiku, Modern Senryu, February, 2016

It is the juxtaposition of snow and resolution of differences between two people, or maybe more, that strikes me. It seems that snowflakes, quiet and gentle, would be the result we need in settling our differences. There is so much conflict and destruction in the world today. This haiku is one of the most peaceful and soothing to read, especially after being in contact with the blare of sensationalist news that’s always in the palm of our hand.

Of course we can start asking questions or imagining new scenarios; one image that came to my mind was a snow globe setting between two people as they are at a table. Perhaps by the time the snow has settled, they too will have found a resolution to their problem. All is silent, and all is at peace.

Was this an image that the poet saw? I think it could have been one among many. The use of “snowflakes” instead of “snow” seems to be the perfect choice of word for this scene. This careful choosing of words is the hallmark of a great haiku. This one certainly qualifies for that category and I thank Brendon for sharing with us.

Again, through examples of his work, he is our steady mentor and role model. All the haiku in this series are worth taking time to study and learn; taking time to settle and discover more insight into the art of words.

– Edwin Lomere (USA)

Martha Magenta’s Reincarnation

On By Nicholas KlacsanzkyIn HaikuLeave a comment

reincarnation
each raindrop
lost at sea

© Martha Magenta (UK)

Here we have not only the philosophical concept, but we can add the simple dictionary definition of reincarnation: “cause to appear in a new form.”

For me, I drop the philosophical implications (for haiku purposes) and think about the work and cycles of nature, causing appearances in a new form.

L1, reincarnation, in relation to water gives rise to the imagination of
many new appearances, such as clouds, icicles, steam, or being revived by a splash of cold water (in the face) when you’ve fainted, or become hysterical. Restoring the balance in nature; is there hysteria in the natural world? It seems there is a lot of it in the animal kingdom.

L2, the poet narrows the view to individual raindrops, raising questions in my mind such as, how vast is this “nature” that we are part of, and are we inextricably linked to all things, never to leave the cycle; we can change appearances, but can never leave.

L3, is a little jolt in “lost at sea” which leaves us wondering if we even know what we are part of. It is a juxtaposition of possible questions
without clear answers; there are no strict boundaries in the waters and the boundaries that do exist are in a constant state of change; gaining new form/appearances.

I love this little surprise and the mood that it gives to the haiku and reader. There is a true feel of being “lost,” “insignificant,” and “humbled” by all that is.

Martha connects the haiku with an image of rain on the sea. As usual, I didn’t include the image so we can focus on the word-mood and build our own internal images from this exemplary poem.

Thank you Martha for sharing this one and for approaching the depths of such a concept as “reincarnation.” It’s a power word, for sure, but you have used good taste and selection of the accompanying words, therefore the haiku works well. Bravo!

– Edwin Lomere (USA)