triveni spotlight A FEATURE EVERY ALTERNATE DAY! hosts: Teji Sethi and Kala Ramesh GUEST EDITOR: Nandita Jain Mahajan, July 2023
The thief left it behind:
the moon
at my window
by Ryokan
English version by Stephen Mitchell
Original Language Japanese
December 2022 Haiku about Hope
new winter boots
the moon arrives
on the front porch
Laryalee Fraser
https://thehaikufoundation.org/omeka/files/original/a669186de2ff30306848bb9ab25f8111.pdf
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to present my selection. Though the task of selecting haiku for Triveni Spotlight was very difficult, I found it very rewarding. I spent several hours going through poems available in the public domain and those from books in my personal collection. I read and re-read, shortlisted again and again paring down the list till I could do no more. It was a sheer joy to read such fantastic works - my heart is full ... so happy.
I tried to keep the poems different from what other guest editors had selected earlier. However, there is bound to be some repetition. I found myself leaning towards old Japanese masters like Basho, Issa, Shiki, and Ryokan but equally drawn to women poets like Chiyo-ni and Rengetsu. The simplicity, charm, and timeless quality is what pull me to their haiku. What a picture they paint! And, the space between what is said and what is unsaid. So many different interpretations which helped me connect to these poems.
Amongst the contemporary poets, I found myself opting for those that tugged at my heart. The poems span longing, sadness, hopelessness, hope, love, and gentleness. These are those that I could read over and over again, especially at dusk, when my mind is quiet and at peace. And then, something interesting happened. I realised that I could pair the masters with the contemporary - similar thoughts and subjects but different treatment. I hope you enjoy this selection. Nandita Jain Mahajan
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What a unique and refreshing way of handling this month's triveni spotlight selections! Watch out for this space, every alternate day, dear readers, you are in for a real treat! Thank you, Nandita. We are waiting to see the month unfold. _()_
Exquisite pairing! Enjoying reading these paired poems.
Lovely poems! The moon has always remained a constant in our lives… new beginnings or sad endings…
This new Spotlight is refreshing and young. I would like to compliment Nandita here in her choice of poems. The two “moon” haiku, one arriving, the other departing, signifying the constant duality in our lives are excellent. And thank you.
Such a wonderful read,
i Noted down both the pieces.
love that Ryokan poem—a reminder not to get too attached to material things.