Here is a book of haiku that brilliantly charts the seasons: the map of spring to winter nuggetted in compact flashes of vivid images to savour from "robin-song edges of dawn" to "snowy sunrise shiver of morning."

Becky Alexander and Wendy Visser, masters of the provocative visions haiku revels in unfolding, offer a collaboration to enjoy throughout the year, each season captured with fresh insight in arresting language. Sound and colour in elusive brief lines catch bird and beastie, the homely comfort of den and porch, as the seasons
challenge and embrace. Both humour and haunt fountain through the work.

"Winding lane," "disappearing shadows" invite you to explore the "wisps" and "curves" that twist their enigmatic beauty as the earth, and you, revolve in a joyful excursion into the theatre of nature.

from a review by Katherine L. Gordon,
Author, Editor, Publisher, Judge and Reviewer, Resident Columnist for Ancient Heart Magazine.

For more information please log on to the Craigleigh Press website at
http://www.geocities.com/panthergpss/Craigleigh_Press

Posted by Graham Nunn at 12:28 PM | Permalink

Friendly Street Poets Inc are running a Japanese Poetry Contest. The haiku section is restricted to residents of South Australia, but the haibun and haiku sequence sections are open to all. Closing date is May 6th 2008. For further details and an entry form visit http://friendlystreetpoets.org.au

Posted by Graham Nunn at 12:17 PM | Permalink

The inaugural meeting of the Red Dragonflies (akatombo) was held on the 15th March, with an autumn theme, at the convener's home in Pymble.

Honoured guest haijin, John Bird, inspired the group with his haiku and commentary as well as sharing methods of organizing a haiku group, informed by his experiences with the Wollumbin and Cloudcatchers Haiku Groups, located near Byron Bay.

On her shady patio, Vanessa Proctor led the members, Dawn Bruce, Barbara Fisher, Beverley George, Cynthia Rowe and Lesley Walter, through a most fruitful afternoon.

Dawn Bruce

Posted by Beverley George at 10:30 PM | Permalink

A workshop for anyone interested in haiku and Zen Buddhism

perched
upon the temple bell
the butterfly sleeps
Buson

The interactive workshop will examine the influence of Zen on the ancient Japanese form of haiku poetry, explain how the two have come together and why Zen has relevance to writing haiku for even those who have little understanding of Zen philosophies.

“Hopefully this workshop will demystify some Zen elements to bring greater depth and sharper focus to writing English language haiku. Understanding or embracing Zen is not a prerequisite for writing wonderful haiku but even a little contact can expand horizons and help writers take haiku beyond simple commentaries on nature.”

on cannon’s muzzle
butterfly slowly opens
and shuts its wings.*

Saturday, 12 April from 1-4:30 pm.
South Golden Beach Hall.
Tuition- $40/$30 for dp members
Booking essential contact Lynne Kelson- 66805068
Tutor: Jacqui Murray

Poet, reporter, historian, editor of the haiku magazine, Paper Wasp, Jacqui Murray has been writing haiku for many years. In that time she has been an international haiku judge, co-ordinated the JAL World Childrens' Haiku Contest in Australia and has been widely published.

*Haiku adaptation by Jacqui Murray of an Amy Lowell- World War One poem

Posted by Graham Nunn at 09:38 AM | Permalink

Haiku Reading - March

"THANGS CAFE"
502 Lygon St East Brunswick 8pm FREE
*
THURSDAY MARCH 20th, 2008.
*
HAIKU NIGHT
Sue Stanford, Carla Sari, Matt Hetherington, Helen Begley
Michael de Valle & Myron Lysenko
*
all poets & haikuists welcome to read in OPEN SECTION
*
Paul Gibson Roy to MC proceedings.
Good food & booze on sale. Free entry
*
Info: Roger : 9383.7851
& Paul : 9386 1126
Paul E: [email protected]

Poetry night organized by Paul Gibson.

Haiku Reading - April

@ The Drunken Poet. 65 Peel Street, North Melbourne. (opposite Queen Victoria Market).

Thursday 10th April 2008. 8.30pm – 10.30pm

Featured hakuists:

Paul Skec
Myron Lysenko
Lia Hills

Large Open Section where members of the audience will be invited to read their own haiku.

For further enquiries:
Lish E: [email protected]

Posted by Graham Nunn at 05:42 PM | Permalink