what a gift, to find haiku in my inbox, and such beautiful reflections. i've been turning to haiku a lot this week, even more than ever. here's one that had me in tears:
What a lovely ku to quote Kate. Issa was a huge influence on me and Lanoue is one of the finest translators out there - his website of Issa poems is so amazing - something I'm constantly wading through. Issa's sense of intimacy and colloquial humour in particular has always charmed me, and I do translations of his work from time to time as well :-)
Issa's my most favorite favorite of the Big Guys, and that website has been invaluable to me. I go in a few times a week and input search terms related to what I'm experiencing; Issa and David almost always have some compassion and/or humor to offer. Wonderful to continue getting to know you and your writing and the poetry ancestors we share. <3
Thank you, Ann. I particularly enjoyed the moth on the window screen. I also liked how you noted your poems were "getting less bad." Evidence of "incremental progress over time." Too often we want perfection off the bat, but watching things improve over time has its own beauty.
Ann's work in renga has been amazing! Each new verse goes from strength to strength, and I learn so much. It has been such a joy to work with her. Process is the key to great poetry imo. I tend to think of it as getting happier, rather than getting better. Each new verse should make the poet happier to have written. :-)
How beautiful Ann! I love any reason to minimize explanations and simply allow life to exist and respond. The quiet of this scene settles me into a very restful smile. “A moth on the window screen watches me sleep.”
Such beautiful poetry! Moths are so magical! Reading & writing haiku, and the other forms of Japanese poetry you present here, invites us to truly delight in nature with all of our senses, and give ourselves the gift of beautAnne!
Love your photo at the top of this post...and I love labyrinths!
I've been resisting migration to Blueky, but following poetry is oh so tempting. Thank you, Ann!
Karen, walking a labyrinth is definitely a treat. This particular one was very small and situated in a clearing in the woods at the retreat center where I spent a couple of days. I was surprised that this wee one felt spacious enough for a meaningful time of prayer along the trail. And I loved the collection of stones and shells that had been placed there. Thanks so much for reading--may your poetry and prayer bring you peace every day!
I love these micromoments within the microseasons, Ann. I can hear the moon and the insects singing their duet. 🎶 Thank you for your quiet reflections on things both simple and profound.
"a moth on the window screen watches me sleep" how gently this flows through this mornings wildness tapping at may own window... Thank you Ann, I have saved this to return to later when I have time to nip over to Forgotten Poets.. 💛
Juliet, I would love to hear something about how you help your students explore and enjoy tan'renga! Anytime you get a chance, please feel free to share!
Hi Ann, the class I'm teaching at the moment is very much a beginners class, that offers an introduction to haiku and related poetry. In today's session we were looking at renga. I started with a very brief history of renga then I wrote a haiku up for people to then write a response to. We discussed some ideas round how the response should relate to the haiku. We then did an exercise where everyone wrote a haiku on a piece of paper that was then passed on to the next person who wrote a response and so on round the group. The class participants all said they enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for the shout out Ann - and for all the wonderful exchanges of poetry so far, and for those to come (I am sure). Your post means a whole lot to me, and I appreciate all of your support so much. We should write a longer renga together some time :-)
what a gift, to find haiku in my inbox, and such beautiful reflections. i've been turning to haiku a lot this week, even more than ever. here's one that had me in tears:
in silver dewdrops
what is he praying for?
my neighbor
(issa, tr. david lanoue)
ohhhhhh so good. Thank you, love 💛
So much tenderness in so few words. A concentrate of beauty. xo
What a lovely ku to quote Kate. Issa was a huge influence on me and Lanoue is one of the finest translators out there - his website of Issa poems is so amazing - something I'm constantly wading through. Issa's sense of intimacy and colloquial humour in particular has always charmed me, and I do translations of his work from time to time as well :-)
.
hey mice!
there's no need to piss
on my old quilt
.
<3
Issa's my most favorite favorite of the Big Guys, and that website has been invaluable to me. I go in a few times a week and input search terms related to what I'm experiencing; Issa and David almost always have some compassion and/or humor to offer. Wonderful to continue getting to know you and your writing and the poetry ancestors we share. <3
Thanks for sharing Ann. These are great with the 2-line capping phrases. I really like the one with the Moon listening and humming along.
Means a lot coming from you, Neil!
Thank you, Ann. I particularly enjoyed the moth on the window screen. I also liked how you noted your poems were "getting less bad." Evidence of "incremental progress over time." Too often we want perfection off the bat, but watching things improve over time has its own beauty.
Thank you, James, you & I know how to savor the process, don't we? Such a key to everyday happiness.
Ann's work in renga has been amazing! Each new verse goes from strength to strength, and I learn so much. It has been such a joy to work with her. Process is the key to great poetry imo. I tend to think of it as getting happier, rather than getting better. Each new verse should make the poet happier to have written. :-)
Such a Joyful practice! Thank you!
I know you feel the same way Ann! Right back atcha 💜
How beautiful Ann! I love any reason to minimize explanations and simply allow life to exist and respond. The quiet of this scene settles me into a very restful smile. “A moth on the window screen watches me sleep.”
Glad you like this one, Kimberly! I always try to notice the first little moth of the year.
Such beautiful poetry! Moths are so magical! Reading & writing haiku, and the other forms of Japanese poetry you present here, invites us to truly delight in nature with all of our senses, and give ourselves the gift of beautAnne!
Love your photo at the top of this post...and I love labyrinths!
I've been resisting migration to Blueky, but following poetry is oh so tempting. Thank you, Ann!
PS I did sign up at Blue Sky. Following Dick Whyte now, & Nikita Gill.
💛
Awww thanks - been a bit quiet the past week and a half - but will be posting more soon!
Karen, walking a labyrinth is definitely a treat. This particular one was very small and situated in a clearing in the woods at the retreat center where I spent a couple of days. I was surprised that this wee one felt spacious enough for a meaningful time of prayer along the trail. And I loved the collection of stones and shells that had been placed there. Thanks so much for reading--may your poetry and prayer bring you peace every day!
🌈🕊Thank you, Ann!
That's one of my favs too - so subtle and gentle.
Thanksf or introducing us to Dick Whyte. I am following him on Bluesky.
Great, Ray! The haiku poetry community there is super-kind. There’s a ton of creative inspiration happening.
Aw cheers Ray - much appreciated. Have been a bit quiet on the haiku translations page the past week and a bit - but will be returning soon! :-)
Thank you for sharing this beauty Ann❤️
Thank you for reading Donna!
Ohhhhh, Ann!
Thank you🌱
Aw, thank you--so happy that you read this and enjoyed it! xo
I love these micromoments within the microseasons, Ann. I can hear the moon and the insects singing their duet. 🎶 Thank you for your quiet reflections on things both simple and profound.
Thank you Glyn, I'm so thankful for the way your music is part of the universal song--pure joy!
"a moth on the window screen watches me sleep" how gently this flows through this mornings wildness tapping at may own window... Thank you Ann, I have saved this to return to later when I have time to nip over to Forgotten Poets.. 💛
Susie, you will absolutely delight in Dick's deep listening to each individual voice.
Such a stunner of a verse! I come back to it often as well.
This post was very timely, as I'm currently teaching a short course on haiku and we're looking at renga today. (Both Tan'renga and longer renga).
Juliet, I would love to hear something about how you help your students explore and enjoy tan'renga! Anytime you get a chance, please feel free to share!
Hi Ann, the class I'm teaching at the moment is very much a beginners class, that offers an introduction to haiku and related poetry. In today's session we were looking at renga. I started with a very brief history of renga then I wrote a haiku up for people to then write a response to. We discussed some ideas round how the response should relate to the haiku. We then did an exercise where everyone wrote a haiku on a piece of paper that was then passed on to the next person who wrote a response and so on round the group. The class participants all said they enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for the shout out Ann - and for all the wonderful exchanges of poetry so far, and for those to come (I am sure). Your post means a whole lot to me, and I appreciate all of your support so much. We should write a longer renga together some time :-)
that would be great fun and I would be honored to share that Dick. Any time.
I hum along with the moon and clap my hands before I sleep.
I hope the moth will come and bring me a dream tonight.
Ann, your words are pure delight!
No need to declare my love for Dick's work - the world already knows :)
Thank you both!!
Lovely! You are definitely getting a handle on this style of writing -- from what I can tell.
Also, great to see a little collaboration with you and Dick. Collaborations are so much fun.
Thanks so much Hasse. Little by little. . . And yes! Collaboration is such a creative boost! 💛