open sky :: SAMVAAD/ 3rd August
- Aparna Pathak
- Aug 3
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 5
hosts : Sanjuktaa Asopa & Aparna Pathak
trial separation
another inch of snow
in the gin bottles
-Lew Watts
( Henderson Haiku Contest, 2017, Honorable Mention; Frogpond, vol 40.3, 2017; shortlisted for Touchstone awards)
This is what Lew says about the poem:
The story behind it is quite simple. I was starting m first “Dry January” when some people decide to forego alcohol for a month. A friend said he was impressed, and I replied jokingly that it was “just a trial separation.” That got me thinking of the more common use of that term in a relationship. So, I needed a second line that would initially throw the reader off track, and landed on “another inch of snow” since it was a kigo. I really did put my beloved gin bottles outside. When I relented halfway through the month they were ready-chilled and perfect for a martini.
Best,
Lew
There is something captivating about this ku yet i am not able to get it. 'Trial separation' could signify separation between a couple or with alcohol. The lower tercet is not clear as i checked, gin per se doesnt freeze (or it does at minus 27 deg C) So either it's very cold or there is water in the gin bottle. Or perhaps the author replaced gin with water in an attempt to wean off alcohol?