Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Haiku

In January I read an Haiku each morning.
I often read them aloud to the birds.


My daughter gave this book to me.
I enjoy the way it is organized into five elements -
wood, fire, earth, metal and water.




The illustrations are inspiring.

In 1968 my brother gave me my first taste of the Haiku.
I was sixteen years old.
The gift of poetry is a gift for the spirit,
regardless of age.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hmm , if you like that haiku book. Tried these two,

Traditional Japanese Poetry
by Steven D Carter

From the Country of Eight Island
by Hirosaki Sato

Both are excellent anthology and cover from the past up the present.


www.thequietone.net

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I wish we lived close enough I could borrow your books. I just love Haiku.

I have 'The Essential Haiku Versions of Basho, Buson & Issa" Edited by Robert Hass.

I wish I had more. I like to go to a web site that has Haiku and encourages everyone to write haiku. I would have to look up the site. YOu might know of it already anyway. I haven't shown any of my haiku yet but sometime maybe. My writing might now be considered pure haiku, maybe haiku like. :/

Lisa at Greenbow said...

The site I mentioned was
http://www.onebreathpoetry.blogspot.com/

I hope you like where it takes you.

meggie said...

How very true, about the gift for the spirit.

Q said...

Dear Cathy,
Thank you for the suggestions. I wrote these two books down.
I am working on building my poetry library. Haiku is fun to read.
Thanks.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
I wish we lived closer too!
This book of Haiku is very lovely to hold too.
My daughter made me a little guide book on writing Haiku one year. It is so sweet. She also gave me a black leather small journal to write in.
I bet "The Essential Haiku Versions of Basho, Buson and Issa" is a wonderful book. These are classic Haiku. My list of books I need is growing.
Thank you!
Maybe we both can do a Haiku post!
Haiku Sundays would be fun!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
I have been to One Breath Poetry.
I think Sue from Tumblewords uses their prompts for some of her poetry.
As I become more comfortable I just might join in with this talented group of writers.
Thanks!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Meggie,
Giving the gift of poetry is a lifetime gift. I have often thanked my older brother for introducing me to poetry. My education was in the math and sciences and I am so grateful my brother was an English major!
Sherry

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Sherry, I had hoped to get 'The Pillow Book' for christmas but didn't unfortunately. I did get 'SNow flower and the Secret Fan'. I think this is one you already read.

Right now I am reading 'Sacred Feathers The Power of One Feather to Change Your Life'. I am finding the stories very inspirational. Feathers mean a lot to me though. I always feel so blessed when one comes to me.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Haiku sundays would be interesting. Like I say tho I write Haiku-like.

Q said...

Hi Lisa,
I have not read "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan". I will see if I can get it. Who is the author?
I have read Sacred Feathers! I gave the book to a friend of mine when I finished it. I too feel "blessed" whenever a feather is given to me. I have a swan feather in my hat from my trip last August. It is a very special feather.
Birds, feathers, Haiku and you.
I do believe we are kindred spirits.
Thanks Lisa. Book Club is lots of fun with you coming.
Sherry

Q said...

Hi Lisa,
I also write Haiku like!
One of these days I will devote more time to writing my poetry. I am learning photography right now.
I do like the Pillow Book. I am inspired to write lists of my favorite things. "East Wind Melts the Ice" inspired me. Pillow Book is doing the same thing. I like not being rushed.
I have all the time I need.
Sherry

Merisi said...

"The gift of poetry is a gift for the spirit" -
I agree wholeheartedly. :-)
Thank you for sharing!

Q said...

Dear Merisi,
The way my husband and I celebrate Holidays has changed over the years. We no longer give gifts to extended family. If we did I would give books of poetry!
Sherry

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Sherry, 'Snow..' is written by Lisa See.

Q said...

Thanks Lisa,
I have it on my list now.
As I go through my books and cds I am putting together a box to take to the used book store. I hope to be able to find some of the books on my list there.
Sherry

Sprite said...

*****

This is a very inspiring post. I am enjoying reading the comments on haiku, poetry, and reading.

Your brother gave you a great gift, I am so happy for you.

I love you said: "The gift of poetry is a gift for the spirit,
regardless of age." It warms the heart and soul, and is so thoughtful and true.

Much love and deeply inspired,
*sprite

Q said...

Dear Sprite,
Poetry for everyone! I have an idea. I will buy lots and lots of poetry books this year. I can look for them at the thrift stores and used book shops. I also will keep buying silk scarves and silk ties.
When someone comes to visit me I can send them home with a wrapped in silk, tied with a tie, book of poetry! I have a big basket I will put on the hearth and as my books to give, come to me, I can fill it up. Once upon a time I sent people home with baked goods or garden produce. In 2008 I shall send home a poem or two!
This will be fun.
On my list of fun things to do is,
"give a Haiku".
Sherry

Jeanne said...

It looks like a fabulous book.
Love Jeanne

Q said...

Dear Jeanne,
I love reading Haiku. A few lines and I have so many visuals. Often I am inspired to look at my world differently.
Sherry