Finding
the way is a wonderfully apt title for a collection
of haiku, and in this collection, paul m.s first,
you will find the pleasure and serendipity of a well-chosen
path. The author has been writing since 1988, with many
of his haiku winning awards and recognition for their clarity
and gentle reach. Press Here publisher Michael D. Welch
states about this collection A serenity of quiet confidence
marks these poems, a serenity of having found the haiku
way. In an insightful introduction paul notes that
haiku of all poetry seems to most closely examine
the light that connects us with the seemingly disparate,
the intimate details of our lives and surroundings, the
echo of one thing upon another.
Although
finding the way is replete with haiku values and aesthetics,
I feel that what gives this collection a distinguished signature
is its use of this echo. Throughout this beautifully
produced book are haiku that demonstrate how a reverberation
between two images with one working against (or with) another
enhances both. For example
falling
leaves
the rusty wheelbarrow
heavy with stones
that
chipmunk again
river sunlight skipping
leaf to leaf
There
is much to delight in this collection as you discover how
finely and carefully paul presents the coming toa
clear intuition of what it is that speaks to us in a haiku
way. There is a strength to the evenness and consistency
in the tone of these haiku. There are keen perceptions and
thoughtful relationships that unfold slowly in the consciousness
at just the right speed. Many of the haiku appear to be
from hikes on trails and what was found off or beyond these
trails.
unpacking
the map
a mountain spring
crosses the trail
cold
wind
on the granite slope
marmot scat
One
feature in finding the way that seemed slightly disconnected
from the strength of the body of haiku contained are the
four field notes which are distributed throughout the collection.
These are brief prose passages detailing pauls mindset
on the trail about the trail. Although the field notes certainly
do not detract from the superb quality of this collection,
I personally did not feel that they added significantly
to what is conveyed marvelously by the haiku themselves.
With
extraordinary quality to the paper, design, and presentation,
this collection of haiku invites repeat visits for solace
and inspiration. At $5.00 this is an exceptional book of
haiku to add to your haiku library or give as a special
gift. Relatively small in size, finding the way is a book
you can easily carry along to a favorite reflective place
to savor the way these haiku will find you, finding the
way.
A
personal favorite in closing
uphill
trail
the scarred trunk
of a giant sequoia
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