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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A gathering of silences, January 27, 2000
The point is often made that haiku is an increasingly popular poetic form in English, although the truth is probably more that Americans, among English speakers, have for some reason particularly taken to this classical Japanese discipline. Almost without exception, the 89 writers featured in this anthology are from the USA or Canada, losing it a star - in my estimation - for lack of global range. That said, this book contains many delights. There is a clear and useful introduction explaining the technical differences between classical haiku forms (with their zen-like focus on nature, seaons, and a permanent present tense) and "senryu", which concentrate on human relationships and the distinctly human condition. An anthology survives on its works, however, and there is much here to intrigue. The late Nicholas Virgilio's best known work is included here, full of classical Japanese haiku spirit. lily:/ out of the water../ out of itself Some of the senyru owe as much to Homer Simpson as Basho or Buson. Try Alan Pizzarelli's the fat lady/ bends over the tomatoes/ a full moon Many deal with unequivocally modern subjects. For example, Alexis Rotella's Discussing divorce/ he strokes/ the lace tablecloth For a non-American, many of the works here seem too self-absorbed - the very opposite of haiku's original intention. There are also too many works that are meretricious, that seem dashed off, as if their slight size makes haiku light weight. But in 850 works, there are plenty that achieve the elusive gift of transferring epiphany. This pleasingly bound little hardback should inspire writers, poets, readers. It will also, hopefully, direct the curious back to the great works of the Japanese Masters, Basho, Buson and Issa, in particular. Mostly though, it is a book to nag at us gently, infuriate us occasionally, as slowly its little gems work their way into our thoughts. my dead brother../ hearing his laugh/ in my laughter (N. Virgilio)
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