350: Haiku

"e;To vividly describe everyday life and events, trying to capture the essence of moments"e; – this is the best description of haiku that I have ever read, and it's what the poems in this collection strive to do. Written mostly in single-line, free-form style, they are in subject matter, as well as in the psychological disposition of their author, more or less traditional. Given the number and the genius of classic haikuists from the past, it's difficult for any Westerner to feel himself as any more than a student of the form, however eager he may be to please. That said, Hiroaki Sato is my particular personal favorite, and the poet I've taken most inspiration from. With regards to length, the collection can be read in an hour, perhaps less, depending on the amount of attention given individual lines. It's my opinion that the collection reads almost like a story – both of a life and a personality. The personality on offer here is, I hope, quick sighted, warm, and verbally interesting enough to amuse and engage you for the brief time I ask to spend in your company.