Ohayo Haiku

by Nancy Brady

For years students have been taught that haiku follow a specific pattern of lines and syllables. Five-seven-five was considered the correct formula. Today poets are aware that this Japanese pattern doesn't always translate very well into English rhythms. More and more, the haiku style is thought of as short-long-short with the idea that the thought should flow in one breath. Ohayo Haiku are first written in five-seven-five and then edited for clarity. In this way, the author attempts to achieve both the form and the spirit of haiku.

Genres: Poetry

56 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[J9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haiku was never something I put much stock in. As far as poetry goes, I felt it was too easy to create a work of art, based on syllables, and it being so short, have any real meaning. Brady blew this theory out of the water. I've never read Haiku that touched me so immediately and deeply both at the same time. Perhaps it's because we're fellow Ohioians. Many of my favorites poems from this book had to do with weather, which I love in Ohio. Right now it's Autumn, my favorite, and her poem, Falling Leaves, encompassed my feelings of fall so completely. I also love snow and her poems on snowy Ohio weather warmed my heart. Ohio's Tundra, Silent Earth, and December delights were my favorite. And the ones on love, well, anyone who knows love can relate to these beautiful homages about the experience. Just to be clear here, when I reference the poems, I use the last line of each poem to name it, because I felt it was fitting. But Brady doesn't title these poems so I hope I don't glean her ire upon doing this. It just seemed the best way to distinguish between them. Also, Loved Ones, was one of my favorites. It elicited an overall feeling of protectiveness and beauty in me.

Overall, this enchanting book of poetry reads more like a devotional. You have to really absorb each poem individually to get the full experience. And it's not something you can rush through and you shouldn't read it all at once. Brady has a true talent for using few words, but potent ones to describe a feeling. This lovely and refined book of art is a wonderful addition to any library. I highly recommend it.

ClassicsDefined.com

[Ty Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always liked haiku, and this book is a prime example of why. It's such an economical form of poetry that finds great beauty in its simplicity. Nancy Brady offers a great collection that offers poems that celebrate her Ohio life. A great book to have and read a poem or two to start your day with a smile.

[Redfox5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a massive fan of poetry but really enjoyed this book of Haiku!

I especially loved the one about the cat.

As shown in the picture with my own black bundle of fur.

[Hannah Polley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice little book of Haikus that can be read in about 5 minutes.

A Haiku can be a beautiful little poem and there are some little gems in this book.

[Jerome Berglund · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Pure and true poetry, striking vignettes evincing stunning Americana relayed in a distinctive voice **

Rich imagery, lyrically rooted in the vivid landscapes and literary heritage of the great state of Ohio. Short form haikai verses that will please classical sensibilities, also including charming senryu which will elicit chuckles and pangs of empathy. The brand of economic, powerful micropoetry Kerouac advocated, which exemplify why haiku is so perfectly suited for capturing nature and feelings, in the West and English language no less than the Japanese, our present as much as the distant past. Highly recommended, her other collection Three Breaths is also amazing.... :D

[Rob Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little chapbook with snapshots made of words. It seems to me that's the essence of haiku.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic nature haiku that stems from the nature of Ohio