Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending a book launch at the Hobart Bookshop of the ink brushed distance by Lyn Reeves, vice-president of the Australian Haiku Society, manager/owner of Pardalote Press www.pardalote.com.au and haiku editor for Famous Reporter. In this book, which features a cover design by Ron Moss, haiku are interspersed with free verse to pleasing effect. The book is published by Walleah Press PO Box 368 North Hobart Tasmania 7002.

I was also delighted to be guest of honour at an enjoyable lunch, hosted by Lyn and Andrew Reeves and to meet haiku poets from the talented Watersmeet Haiku Group, with whom I have corresponded for years, through Yellow Moon and Eucalypt.

Extended meanderings through the amazingly beautiful Botanical Gardens and the lively Salamanca Markets, together the near presence of ocean and mountains, made it obvious why these haiku poets never run out of inspiration.

Beverley George