The First Day of Rest, written by Christina Chin and Michael Hough is a modern take on classical short form Japanese poetry. Editor/Owner, Jerome Berglund, of Nun Prophet Press, brings another book at nominal cost for the reader’s enjoyment. The title comes from the haibun on page 28 of this collection.
The Zen sand garden cover photograph with two stones is subconsciously symbolic. It has the visual feel that sets the tone for this collection. The organic wavy lines evoke tranquility with a bit of disruption due to the angular slice through them. Life does have its ups and downs that we all deal with, sooner or later. The stones become haibun, the prose or backstory.
Raked sand lines on the cover invoke haiku and its three lines, which reveal more meanings with each re-read. The blank spaces in between complete the thoughts and allow them to breathe in. Images on pages facing the writings, or after are not incorporated into them like a haiga, create the haibunga in this collaboration.
The authors’ haiku have strong images that may seem unrelated, yet they are linked in thought. Juxtaposition creates “aha” moments throughout this book. The use of shorter syllabic count, not the 5-7-5 structure, is an acceptable way to write, no need to over pack the poem. Seventeen syllables or less conveys the snapshots of life, visual postcards per say.
Christina and Michael bring east and west cultures together. They share relatable experiences, reminding us that love and grief go hand in hand. The stars, trees and birds made the lock down years bearable. The magic of childhood shall not be forgotten. His photographs and her artwork pull it all together.
Now a glimpse into their writings:
“Dolphin Girl”, a six-part haibun, captures a fun family day at the beach. It gives us a set of binoculars to view the happenings as retold, story sharing at its finest. Last line of part five sets the wrap up very well.
“Feet on the sand bar, hands on her hips, she saucily looks for the next roller, which looms over her like a house collapsing”
Part six, tells the reader the rest of the story. This one
statement says it all, “I was sorry I
looked away…”
The accompanying haiku falls under the category of senryu. It is a close observation of the human condition that is written humorously to the serious, and everything in between.
The following double spread photo of sun bathers, a few surfers, and others enjoying the water makes for a “cowabunga” remembrance that I am still smiling about. One can even smell the ocean spray and waves, bringing us right into the surf zone.
Another stand out piece for me is “1200-year-old Sword Found by Goose Hunters”. This four part haibun travels back in time to an epic magical story that one can visualize unfolding into present time.
… The next thing I knew it was 1953, and I was five. I’ve been trying to figure out what happened ever since. It has taken me a lifetime to remember, and I still don’t have it all the pieces to the puzzle”
“The sword’s name is Truthgiver… I can tell you that…”
There is no image for this series, it allows for the reader's pure imagination to kick in. Line three, “my skinny hand” brings to mind how heavy the sword is, plus the frustration of remembering a vague dream that is a distant memory. The mysteries of life are so intriguing.
I appreciate that they acknowledged the time of the COVID pandemic, a shared grief. Quarantine made us slow down, grateful for these writers to share their experiences. It helps me to navigate current times.
Lockdown Eases Early
“Time crawls and lurches to a silent dawn, no drums: The early sky is a new mystery . . .”
Now I hear the first bird.
Christina’s ink wash drawing of three little birds spaced
out on a branch brings to mind Bob Marley’s classic refrain -
“It’s going to be alright”.
Numerous pieces of theirs have been featured in 18
prestigious haiku and literary publications. Word and visual imagery pulls the
reader into specific moments, their stories become ours. I recommend this book
as reference and examples for this writing style. Each time I explore these
pages more nuances and take-a-ways appear.
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