Haiku

along the mountain road
somehow it tugs at my heart
a wild violet
—Basho

Originating in Japan, the haiku is a tiny poem that is usually only three lines long and contains a total of seventeen syllables. A universally appealing form of poetry, a haiku is able to capture an intensely human—and ordinary—moment and turn it into something extraordinary.

Haiku: Poetry Ancient & Modern is a gorgeously illustrated anthology of over 200 poems from 100 of the best haiku poets in America and around the world, as well as translations of the Japanese masters. The poems range in time from the seventeenth to the twentieth century's, and follow the elemental themes of earth, air, fire, water, wood and metal. This exquisite collection of haiku is a joyful read for anyone, whether new to haiku or looking to expand their collection.

Haiku authors include:

• Dakotsu
• Patricia Donegan
• Humberto Gatica
• Jackie Hardy
• Kikaku
• Shiki
• Kenneth Tenemura
• Nicholas Virgilio