Poetry Books

If you want to know "how a haiku means" in English (as the poet John Ciardi might have said), buy this book.

Haiku, A Poet's Guide is a concise introduction to the art, craft, and aesthetics of haiku in English. The example haiku alone, selected by Gurga from poems that were suggested by many poets, are worth the price of the book. Gurga's illuminating comments on individual poems and on haiku in general are even more valuable.

An excellent book for the advanced writer of haiku as well as the beginner. You will find yourself referring to it over and over and re-reading it for the sheer pleasure of it. The only error is in the title - I have recommended this wonderful book to many non-poet friends and discovered to my delight that they enjoyed it as much as I. Truly, a treat!

You might like to know the contents of this book:

Forward v

An invitation to Haiku vii
A Note On The Text ix
Acknowledgements x

Contents xii

Haiku -- The Poetry of the Seasons 1
Haiku's seasonal Awareness 3
Japanese Haiku 4
The Development of American Haiku 9

The Art of Haiku 13
Form 14
Season 24
Haiku Moment, Context, and Order of Perception 33
Juxtaposition and Working with Images 38
Senses in Haiku 45
Suggestion and Reverberation 51
Significance and Effect 53

Not Exactly Haiku: Senryu and Zappai 55
Haiku with a Snap: Nature and Human Nature 55
Haiku with a Zap: Wit and Syllable Counting 57

The Craft of Haiku 59
Language 60
Haiku on the Page 67
Other Techniques of Japanese Haiku 77
Haiku Grammar 79
Poetic Devices 84
Objectivity, Subjectivity, and Subjective Realism 92
The Secret to Writing Haiku 104
Getting in the Mood 104

Writing and Revising Haiku 106
Beginners' Haiku 106
A Haiku Typology 108
Why Edit? 112
Guidelines for Editing 112
Publishing Haiku 116

Haiku Arts: Renku, Haibun, and Haiga 119
Linked Verse Forms 119
Haibun 121
Haiga 122

From Basho to Barthes 125
The Aesthetics of Classical Haiku 125
Shiki: Three Stages in the Development of the Haiku Poet 133
Barthes: Finding the Pleats in the Silk of Life 138

From Nature Sketch to Wordless Poem 140
Haiku's Universal Appeal 140
A Look Ahead 143

Works Cited 146

Resources 147

Books 147
Print Journals 152
Online Journals 154
Other Online Resources 154
Haiku Organizations 155

Credits 156

Index 163

***

This is a very informative book about haiku -- what it is and what it is not.

The author's writing is unambiguous and insightful.

He places examples of failed haiku beside successful ones to illustrate the difficulties and subtleties of technique.

***

I was very pleased to find a point addressed that I had always wondered about concerning whether it is better to use the present-tense or participle form for verbs in haiku -- or whether it matters at all.

A haiku almost always will present a moment in the present. That means that the verbs used are likely to be in the form of either the simple present-tense (e.g. runs, paints, fishes, etc.) or participle (e.g. running, painting, fishing, etc).

Well, apparently there is no set rule about which to use, but here is an example of what the use of the participle will allow:

One of my own haiku used as an example:

a garden pond
drawing the moon out
from behind a cloud

The use of drawing allows that it can be read as any of these: "a garden pond [is] drawing" or "...[was] drawing," or even "...[will be] drawing."
Using the participial form provides the haiku with a versatility or flexibility with regard to the dimension of time.

Here's what it would be using the simple present tense form:

a garden pond
draws the moon out
from behind a cloud

The versatility that the participle provided is gone, but it also may be true that this version rings more pleasurably to the ear.

Well, anyway he speaks about that in his book and I just appreciated that he addressed that point; no other haiku book that I have ever read had ever done so.

(By the way, if you are interested in reading about this particular point for yourself it is to be found starting on page 79 in the "Haiku Grammar" section.)

***
In conclusion:

The author thoroughly fills you in about haiku's origins, evolution and its future.

There are many examples of successful haiku from many of today's practicing haiku poets included with valuable analysis for each.

This is a very worthwhile book for becoming acquainted with the haiku verse form and I could find no fault with it.

I heartily recommend it to you.

. . . but anyone serious about writing haiku in English (or any language, if they read English) will find *Haiku: A Poet's Guide* invaluable. Unlike other books on haiku which make your head spin with lists and rules for beginners, this one helps beginners get off the ground and soon reach the point where they can evaluate their own work. Coming as it does from the editor of the premiere English-language haiku magazine and a fine poet (get his *Fresh Scent*, while you're at it), this book goes into more depth, yields more insight, than anything else available in the field so far. This is the one to keep on your desk or in your backpack.

So, you may be hesitating over the price. Don't! Lee Gurga's, Haiku a Poet's Guide, is a MUST have. (Yes, Jane Reichhold's, Writing and Enjoying Haiku, and William J Higginson's, The Haiku Handbook ARE necessary) But this book completes the triumvirate. Gurga's clear, engaging writing style, explanation and example illuminate the path to haiku. If you want to try to write your own or have lingering unanswered questions, this book will dispel any doubts. It's exactly what it says it is, "Haiku: a Poet's Guide", and worth every penny.

I fell upon this book in my university library on a cold, miserable, lonely afternoon. I sat under a maple tree and reading it suddenly I am uplifted, inspired renewed and in love with the verse of Corso, so much so that I had to not only own it but write essays about it, I am, like so many others saddened and grieving that he is so understated. "Marriage" is particularly delectable, though my favourites would have to be "Hair" and "Park". Corso gives what so many poets do not; a joyous and truly wonderous love of words, such that my own writer spirit is awakened. I recommend this book highly to any with a youthful, playful spirit. This is for the artist's heart. Corso has moved me, for you I hope he will do the same.

This was the first Beat book of poetry I ever read, in my teens, and I felt compelled to read more. So I moved on to Ginsberg, and others. There's a poem in this collection that I get a real kick out of and I absolutely love. It's called "Marriage." Very funny and amusing. These poems are really unconventional and highly imaginative in their use of language and free form.

David Rehak
author of "Poems From My Bleeding Heart"

I recomend this book to everyone.it is funny,intellegent,and thrifting

Perhaps the man who along with Allan Ginsberg altered the way poetry was written and percieved. This is by far his most eclectic collection, featuring the masterful BOMB (perhaps the ultimate epithath for the 20th century) and the brilliant and moving MARRIAGE, POWER, CLOWN and POLICE more of the contents that show what a clever witty deep commentator Corso is. Poems you can mull ove? Definatly! Poems you can analyse? Undoubtable! But here is a collection you can read again and again and enjoy again and again.

Gregory Corso must have been sitting in an empty room, with nothing more to think of than the emotions controlling his mind. In this book of poetry, the reader will gain a new appreciation for his work. The Happy Birthday of Death is one of the most powerful, and intense collections of writing available.

In my vocation I work closely with people suffering from chronic mental and physical illnesses. Many of these people experience low confidence, poor self-esteem and lack of motivation. Ian's book is an invaluable resource in helping these people.

Ian Cameron's 'Heal Thyself' is practical, enlightening and entertaining. Most of all it is relevant to people's lives, and my clients successfully adopt its wise philosophies, establishing a more peaceful life.

I can not recommend this very readable book highly enough to clinicians, community and welfare workers and the public seeking solace: a healthy mind, body and spirit. Well done Ian on this humanist achievement.

Peter Folino - Health Care & Employment Coordinator
Melbourne Australia

We all go through times when we need a friend to help us remember the truth in times of trial. This book is such a friend. Ian Cameron's words, and the spirit they embody, are beacons for traversing the dark night of the soul in the journey through illness to wholeness. This potent, therapeutic collection of poetry and higher wisdom is a hand extended from one who has made it through to the Light, to those who are reaching for it. A wonderful accompaniment on your healing path.

The following reviews have been taken from the Heal Thyself website...

"I have read Ian Cameron's book, `Heal Thyself', and am most impressed by it. It is a record of one man's journey from illness to health and as such will be an inspiration and help to others in a similar position, and is evidence of man's need for spiritual guidance and help. We are all complex beings - physical, mental and spiritual; and our total health and well-being requires the addressing of all these aspects."
-Professor Robert Allen, GP (MD), Donvale Medical Center, Australia

"As a natural medicine practitioner for more than fifteen years, I thoroughly enjoyed Ian Cameron's empowering book of self discovery, self healing, recovery to health, and the meaning of life. Ian shows us that anyone who cares about their first asset in life, health, can through their own endeavors, achieve the same ultimate goal of wellness, happiness, and inner peace. I strongly encourage you to read `Heal Thyself' to discover your own inner strength and infinite healing power."
-Dr. Tony Rong, TCM Doctor

"Ian Cameron's compilation of his superlative poems in his book, `Heal Thyself', is a fascinating insight into the vast healing powers of the deep `self'. It is based on his own true-life experience of physical and psychological trauma at the threshold of his adult life. I would highly recommend to anyone facing such seemingly insurmountable odds to delve deeply and benefit from `Heal Thyself'."
-Dr. Krys Szatsznajder, GP (MD), Official Doctor for the Australian National Rowing Team

"Most of us in our journey through life have inevitably experienced one type of illness or another and some like Ian Cameron have gone through terrible physical and psychological problems. Modern medicine has made enormous strides in understanding many of these diseases but has limited answers in curing many of them. Ian's search for answers led him inwards to profound knowledge and eventual cure, which he has effectively and inspiringly brought out in his book `Heal Thyself'."
-Dr. Sriram Gopathy, GP (MD), Melbourne, Australia

"Here is a gentle and subtle poetry by Ian Cameron, which will help a lot in understanding and overcoming the emotional problems. Good thing about his poetry is it places the responsibility of your well-being squarely where it belongs, with you. But if you make that commitment to yourself, you'll be richly rewarded."
-Dr. Shashikant Patwardhan, Ayurvedic Doctor, India

"In 1980, I read Dr. Ainslie Meares book of poems, entitled `Cancer: Another Way', and was impressed with the power of poetry to describe inner healing states. Through his own healing experience, Ian Cameron has brought back some poetic gems from a deep place within. His book, `Heal Thyself', is a valuable source of inspiration for those with chronic illness and stress."
-Dr. Peter Johnston, GP (MD), Family Doctor and Counselor for 35 years

"As I sat reading Ian's book, `Heal Thyself', I was moved to a sense of peace one might feel as one stands quietly before a pond in the early morning mist. His poems have a way of reaching deep within you at the soul level where all true healing begins.

This book is a must for health practitioners, counselors and coaches alike to share with patients and clients as a gentle means for soothing their energy in the midst of discomfort or illness."

-Eva Gregory, Master Coach, Speaker and Author of The Feel Good Guide to Prosperity, San Francisco CA, USA

Ian Cameron takes us on an enlightening journey: a journey chronicling his own personal experiences of illness, fear, and suffering. As he endures every stage of darkness, he shares the evolution of his thoughts and feelings with us, and ultimately, awakens our souls and divine memory. We are ONE, and this is the ultimate truth.
Cameron reminds us that change always comes from within, but that we need to retain faith, and be disciplined and persistent. Even and especially in the darkness come the most precious lessons, so we should not struggle against life but rather, accept and embrace it, along with every experience it brings. We are reminded that everything is as it should be, in every moment, and that there is purpose to everything.
Cameron's own struggles and healing process are an inspiration to us all, and proof that when we go "within," we can find peace and freedom. And like a true warrior of the light that he is, he reminds us that we, too, are powerful beings, capable of healing ourselves, and eventually, the world...

I was recently in London to hear Dr. Diamond speak and was astonished at the literary intelligence of the English. They really loved this book! I think it's such an important work, and wish that every student of literature could look at the classics in the way Dr. Diamond looks at them- for their life energy raising properties.

Blake is always beautiful, and more profoundly so in the style Diamond has laid his words out.

I have always loves Blake - in particular the facsimile editions with Blake's watercolor designs bordering the beautiful copper-plate text, but nowhere have I been struck by the power of his writing to the extent that I have by this volume. The layout that Dr. Diamond has chosen adds immeasurably to the force of Blake's words. The imagery in these passages leaps off the page, and the reader is given a compelling sense of the creative visions that must have inspired Blake to write.

This is a wonderful collection of Blake's later poems is specifically edited to enhance their therapeutic power and comprehensibility. This anthology, more than any other I have come across, helps to make these obscure works accessible; and the layout and punctuation has deepened my experience of them.

What a wonderful book! I highly recommend it as an introduction to Blake. I had read his "Songs of Innocence and Experience," but I did not know his prophetic writings were so powerful. I also enjoyed the humor found in extracts from Blake's letters and other writings. Phrases from the poems come back during my quiet moments, inspiring me with their beauty, imagination and fire. Dr. John Diamond has done a beautiful job in selecting and laying out the passages. His introduction is also stimulating and insightful. In addition, the book is well produced -- it is put together with friendliness and care. (And the cover is exquisite -- worth the price by itself!)

I love this book. I keep it by my armchair and open it when there's a quiet moment. And when I do, the power of Blake comes to me and helps me throughout my day. Only Blake speaks with such passion and strength, and his poetry is presented here unadulterated by titles, footnotes or page the poetry in landscape format so that Blake's long lines need not be broken. Whatever your previous experience of poetry, this book will enhance your life in a way that only such a distillation of Blake could achieve

TJ Fisher calls Hearsay from Heaven and Hades, the follow-up to her award winning Orleans Embrace, a sardonic handbook. But Fisher, whose vocabulary matches her boundless spirit, has put as much joir de vie into Hearsay as irreverence and derision.
The Belle of Bourbon Street has framed her compendium of anecdotes and aphorisms in 40 chapters, titled 40 Days and 40 Nights. As with Orleans Embrace, the author is ever busy resurrecting the spirit and soul of a great city. Neither Rome nor New Orleans was built in a day and Hearsay from Heaven and Hades is to be savored in more than one or two sittings.
In these "sayings for unquiet minds," emotions take every shade, but the overarching theme is Fisher's post Katrina mantra. It resonates in such passages as "Life revolving, ebbing and flowing, outlives catastrophe" and "a rotating pendulum of holy and unholy ruin." Fisher, last year's winner of the Ben Franklin award for Best New Voice, speaks out again as the Orléans mender of broken dreams.


- Garth Puckett

Keep Hearsay from Heaven and Hades on your office desk. Dip into it daily. Read a little at a time and let it sink in. Everyone has a good, bad, sad, sour, dark, light side. Real life is cruel and kind. This book captures the realities of life, love and sorrow and the complex human drama of being alive.

New Orleans is one of America's most intriguing and enigmatic cities. "Hearsay from Heaven and Hades: New Orleans Secrets of Sinners and Saints" is a guide to the countless secrets that cover the city in shadow for its entire existence of over three hundred years. New Orleans is a huge mixture of traditions- the pirates of the seas, the Christian influences, the Haitian VooDoo influences, The Cajun Country influences, the event of Mardi Gras, and so much more. "Hearsay from Heaven and Hades: New Orleans Secrets of Sinners and Saints" is a deftly compiled guide to the many, many eccentricities of this city and is highly recommended for anyone who would learn more of New Orleans.

A late-night companion with gusto, a book for deep thinkers. Keep it nearby, on the nightstand, in the bathroom, or on the cocktail table. Dip into it daily. This work reads like sort of a new literary form. It is easy to thumb through. Entertaining, lyrical, ironic, esoteric, filled with dark humor. New Orleans makes a great twisted-sister muse and alter ego for freeing the little voice inside. Read slowly, don't rush, and absorb the thoughts. Many of the unexpected comments are sardonic, teasing, and tongue-in-cheek. Hearsay from Heaven and Hades is recommended reading for those who like to stray, and straddle the line between being real good and real bad. It is not a work for pious people. Keep this book handy if you have come to detest a steady and wholesome diet of fake sweetness and insulin ODs of sugary self-affirmations. Cool gift!

Intense literal and allegorical observations. Entertaining viewpoints and metaphors. Traces of confessional poetry. No taboos. From beyond the post-Katrina watermark: "A collection of provocation sayings for unquiet minds."

Stumbled into *Honey, I Love* after a sister-in-law talked about the Harriet Tubman poem. Now I have fallen in love with the book also. Can't wait to read the poems to my son.

This book is a must for any child's bookcase, particularly if one wants to rear a child who is sensitive, racially tolerant and in tune with the beauty of language.

These poems are of pure emotion: love, joy, loss, bravery, silliness. The voice is childlike but amazingly profound as the poems cover a squeaky school piano, a Southern cousin whose every word "just kind off slides out of his mouth" and the complete abandon one feels when dancing deep in the music of Earth, Wind and Fire.

My favorite two poems are a bit more serious. In "Keepsake," Greenfield uses just nine simple lines to convey loss, and the impact adults can have on children. This is not a maudlin poem that is too heavy or upsetting. Although it deals with death, it's respectful and loving. And the poem "Harriet Tubman" is amazing, deftly describing the woman's heroics and bravery in a satisfying and strong verse.

Honey, I Love is a thought-provoking work that stands the test of time. It's a book that adults and children can, and should, enjoy together.

Honey, I Love is a fantastic book for young black girls and great for confidence building. The art work wonderfully represents the poems.

A must read for children of all ages. The Poetry is simply fantasic. The is a feel good book.

This books is a favorite of mine and memorable since childhood. The poems are sweet and the drawings are beautiful and made with love. A feel good book for adults and children that is simple and to the heart.

Rediscovered this down to earth poet with great enjoyment. Who else can offer poetry about such diverse subjects as "the women in my family eating bones" and "from the window of my mother's hospital room"?

The Human Line like her other inspiring work Mules of Love illustrates Ellen's unique insight into the human experience. From the scenes inside the hospital to the two lovers in the airport there is always a wonderful sense of joy and solace within each poem.
I spent many years of my life avoiding poetry until I realized that a great poet is also a wonderful and insightful storyteller and Ellen Bass' latest work has many brilliant tales to tell.

Over and over this small book of poetry reveals the most human truths of our lives: the aching tenderness of our feelings towards our children; the searing pain of watching, helping a mother die; the wry recognition of our flawed and beloved partners and friends; the determination to have hope in the face of a world filled with injury and destruction.
Read this. Savor every page. Buy it for everyone you treasure.

I loved this book of poems. I have been reading Ellen Bass' poetry for many years. This book is full of a rich and lived sense of experience. I recommend it highly.
Anina Kane

I am new to Ellen Bass' poetry as well as fairly new to the experience of reading and hearing all poetry, but I have the deep privilege of being her student. Ellen teaches what she knows about life and writing as naturally as I breathe oxygen. Vision, metaphor, telling stories in order to tell the truth, understanding the monster aspects of us all -- her wisdom enhances her students' lives as well as our writing.
My favorite of all her poems (so far) is 'Gate C22.' I can so clearly see not only the two people kissing, but all the other people in the airport watching them, mesmerized. 'The Woman Who Killed My Cat' receives from Ellen the compassion I'm not sure I could muster.
In order to read 'In Praise of Four-Letter Words' or 'Bone of My Bone and Flesh of My Flesh,' please buy her book.

Annie Scott

I loved the book. I was wonderful and personal with a realistic street vibe. The poems made me think about life in a new prospective.

I found the book to be very interesting. Some of the poems were very realistic. The book was a great one and a must read.

I thought that the book was very good, and it seemed to be written from the heart. Darkness is a good poem.

This book is awesome! It makes one really reflect on life. No matter what your socioeconomic status is, or what race, or origin you are, you can relate to this book. Anyone with children should read My Daughters. See from a man's perspective what a blessing he feels his children are instead of them being just a responsibility. The book is incredible. The authour helps you reflect on where you've come from and gives great encouragement to get you where you want to go. I think everyone should have a copy of Humble Beginnings in their home.

I HAPPENED TO GET A COPY OF THIS BOOK AND IT REMINDED ME OF MY UPBRINGINGS, AND I COULD REALLY RELATE TO THE POEM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS. THIS AUTHOR TELLS A STORY THAT MAKES YOU FEEL THAT HE IS TALKING TO YOU FACE TO FACE. I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO FEELS THAT THEY HAVE NO WAY TO GO. JUST READ THE POEM LOCK DOWN. MR. PETERSON HAS A GREAT COLLECTION OF WORK.

Tears streamed down my face and a solid mass lodged itself firmly in my throat as I read the preface to this book. I had to take a breather before reading any of the poems inside. How could this writer, D. Alison Watt, know me, my child, and my expereinces so well? As I made my way through the poems, a little at a time, I felt relief as I realized that someone out there feels the same way I do! It is ok to laugh at life, cry at life, and wonder how I got on this crazy train called autism. My sister-in-law purchased this book for me as a Christmas gift, and I have read it so many times since then that my copy is somewhat worn. I plan to purchase this for my daughter's teachers, doctors and for my friends who I have met who also have children on the spectrum.

This is a MUST READ for any/everyone who loves, works with, or knows people that are affected by autism.

As a mother of a child with autism, I feel as though the author looked inside me and read my soul. Then, she put into words every emotion that I have felt since my child was diagnosed. What a precious gift she gives us, sharing such intimate writings about her daughter and her life. I bought this book for some friends that have children with autism, but I also bought it for some folks that I thought needed to understand more about autism. When I first got the book, I had to sit and read it cover to cover. Now, it is never far from reach for when I need to take a few minutes to read one of the poems to comfort or inspire me. It is a beautiful book, beautifully written and the photographs are amazing.

This is an amazing book. A must read for all who might be connected to a person who has a disability and their amazing families- from dentist, to teacher, to the ice cream store owner! It's pausing and gives wise perspective.
This book is pointing to every breath a mother takes in the love of her child and her family. We can never be reminded enough about the impact we potentially have when our worlds collide- like the two mothers in Hurricane Dancing. Working in human services isn't just a job and we should take the time to look at the work we are doing and constantly self-monitor our growth as a person and as a professional.
Julie Lambert- Senior Clinician, Integrated Clinical Solutions, Georgetown, MA

Great poems and photos of her daughter--cried many tears over a number of the poems. Feelings were communicated so well.
These poems enable those of us who have never experienced this type of daily stretching of our very being to understand both some of the joys and frustrations that bringing up such a bundle of energy involves. It also enables us to be more patient, kind and helpful in our interactions with all parents and children, particularly in public. I highly recommend to any who read this review to read, enjoy(and yes, even cry)over the poems in this book. And then to encourage your friends and acquaintances to also purchase this book as I know they too will be well pleased they did so.
I look forward to D. Alison Watt's next book of poems.

Hurricane Dancing by D.Alison Watt is a significant work that takes the reader to the heart of what its like living with, caring for, and loving, a child with Autism. I predict that selections from this insightful book will be read over and over at conferences and trainings for many many years to come.
While Hurricane Dancing is a readily accessible book of poetry with beautiful photograghy that everyone can enjoy and treasure, it should be required reading for all professionals who work with individuals who have Autism and their families.
If awareness and acceptance is what we are stiving for, then it doesn't get any better than this.
Hurricane Dancing, a little book with a very big heart, deserves wide distribution.
Marcel Charpentier LICSW, Mass. Dept. of Mental Retardation

Wow....I enjoyed it thoroughly. At moments you may become enthralled in controversy and then settled with expressions of love and intimacy. The author has an understanding of pulling readers into her thoughts and in opening closed-minds. Hinton's personality reads strong as well as sensitive in her writing. There is so much to be appreciated and admired in this book. If you love good poetry, you'll embrace this book, so don't miss out!

Hollie Hinton captivates you in just a few short sentences when you realize she truly writes from the heart. A wide variety of topics are expressed through this artistic book of stories, poetry, and prose as the author takes you on trip to view the world through her own eyes. How often are we priveleged to escape our own reality and view the world from the perspective of another? Now make that perspective one that has overcome the personal tragedy, conflicted love, and the fight to keep her hopes and dreams alive. This book is a definite 5 stars all the way. Once I had it in my hands I couldn't put it down and most likely neither will you. Check it out.

H.Hinton is an excellent writer of poetry, her book is easy to read and is something that I can pick up and just ecsape from the everyday chaos. We've had similar experiences and it nice to see someone placing thoughts like mine in this form. I have this book on the coffee table and many guest grab it and always have different views which opens a great debate (which I love). This poetry is for the young, old and almost any who is in search for true poetry from the heart. I wish and hope that any fan of poetry pick this book up. You'll be Enlightened

The book is amazing I must of read it like ten times. Eveytime I read it I find something new in the words.

yo i think that book of poetry is MADDD GOOD. it shows many of todays problems in a very artistic manner. i enjoyed readin tha book and cant wait for book #2. yo hinton keep up tha good flowetry....i agree with all that stuff u waz talkin about...lets keep up tha movement..I'M OUT. one love