Tag: Shahai

Edwin Lomere’s Sunrise

On By Nicholas KlacsanzkyIn Shahai2 Comments

2robins1

Words and image © Edwin Lomere (USA)

It is so simple, only one word per line, but it is pregnant with meaning and implication. The photo is taken after sunrise, and appears to be the aftermath of the sunrise. The photo shows two sides of a river or pond, which coincides with “two robins.” As with most shahai, or photo haiku, the photo does not directly reflect the haiku, but adds to it or creates more implications.

The red breast of the robin compliments the red of the sunrise. Also, the song of robin is at once majestic and cheerful, like a sunrise. But with the two robins, the haiku could be implying the sunrise has not happened yet, but the sunrise has been represented twice in the robin’s look and song.

Another reading of it is “two robins twice/the sunrise” which is saying that the sunrise is like seeing or hearing two robins twice. It brings in an aesthetic of fullness that is dear to haiku.

I think this is a spring haiku, not only from the view of the photo, but from the cheerful atmosphere created by the poet.

The sound of the haiku is quite pleasant, with the “o” sound running through “robins” and “two,” and “two” and “twice” having a play with the “t” sound. The “i” sound is in “twice” “robin” and “sunrise, all of which gives a musical quality to the haiku–maybe imitating the song of the robin.

I think the poet slowing the poem down to one word per line makes us not only appreciate each word more, but saves us from having it like:

two robins
twice
the sunrise

…which would afford us less chances to read it differently.

– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)

Lucky Triana’s Hat

On By Nicholas KlacsanzkyIn ShahaiLeave a comment

a triangle hat
i search
my third side

16+-1

words and image
© Lucky Triana (Indonesia)

A witty and introspective haiku.

Wordplay in haiku has a long tradition, and when it was the hokku as a part of renga (a long linked poem), it used much more wordplay. So, you could say this haiku tapped into an ancient tradition.

We have a literal interpretation, but the metaphorical one is more interesting to me. Usually, people say they have two sides, but what about a third side? I think the haiku reminds people about who they are beyond the flesh. People often forget their spiritual, metaphysical sides, getting lost in material life.

It’s nice when a haiku can draw us towards our true selves.

– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)

Martha Magenta’s Willow

On By Nicholas KlacsanzkyIn Shahai1 Comment

the willow

Though simple, this haiku has a lot of weight to it. We don’t know who has gone, but the photo accompanying it might give us a clue. The weight of the loss is shown through the willow, which often symbolizes melancholy. Over the years, the willow has grown, and this might imply that the grief of the author has grown over the years as well.

I like how the haiku seems so natural, like it could be written in a matter of seconds. However, I am sure Martha took longer than that to write the poem. But this shows how a haiku should be: simple and effortless to read. Just the right words in the right place.

In addition, there is a continuation of the “o” sound that adds to the sense of sadness and continuation.

A fine example of an emotionally-weighted haiku.

– Nicholas Klacsanzky (Ukraine)