Caught in a Hazy Dream: Contemporary Tanka Poetry

by Tiffany Mackay

Explore life's fleeting moments with Caught in a Hazy Dream, a collection of 100 tanka-inspired poems, each paired with digital watercolor art.

Inside, you'll find:
Five themed memory, love, growth, transformation, and dreamscapes
Contemporary themes blended with tanka-inspired elements
Moments captured in nature and everyday life
Each poem is uniquely paired with visual art, reminiscent of hagia

Perfect for poetry lovers seeking a modern take on a classic form, readers who appreciate brief, impactful verses, and anyone looking to explore the spaces between waking and dreaming, past and present.

Here's a glimpse of the tanka:

endless blue above
mountains melt to watercolors—
sun-warmed grass cradles
my drowsy thoughts, blurring
reality into hazy dreams

Tiffany Mackay's work has been featured in various publications, such as Humana Obscura, Cold Moon Journal, Plum Tree Tavern, Japan Society London Haiku Corner, Haikuniverse, and Scarlet Dragonfly.

Note: This collection contains freestyle tanka poetry that often breaks from strict 5-7-5-7-7 syllable patterns to better suit contemporary expression while also creating a visual experience reminiscent of Hagia.

Genres: Poetry, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2024

Reviews

[Carissa Sosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Caught in a Hazy Dream** by Tiffany Mackay is a breathtaking ode to the delicate beauty of tanka poetry, rendered with a contemporary touch that both dazzles and deeply moves the reader.

This collection is ingeniously structured into five evocative segments—Misty Mornings, Sun-Dappled Days, Twilight Reflections, Starlit Journeys, and Dreamscape—each painting a different shade of human experience with vivid emotional palettes and imagery.
Mackay's mastery of the tanka form is evident in her succinct, yet profoundly expressive language. The poetry flows seamlessly, binding the simplicity of traditional tanka with modern sensibilities and themes. Each tanka in this collection is a gem.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is its visual component. Mackay pairs each poem with a unique digital watercolor illustration, enhancing the ethereal quality of the verse with visual echoes that spur the imagination. This fusion of text and texture invites readers not just to read but to linger within the hazy dreamscape Mackay constructs.

The emotional depth Mackay reaches throughout the collection is commendable. From the nostalgic echoes in "Misty Mornings" where past and present blend in delicate recollection, to the hopeful glimmers within "Starlit Journeys" that embolden one to gaze upward and forward, the range is both universal and intensely personal. Her ability to draw beauty from everyday moments, urging her readers to pause and recognize the sublime in the mundane, is nothing short of magical.

Moreover, Mackay’s notes and heartfelt acknowledgments add layers of intimacy to the collection, making readers feel as though they are partaking in a shared journey of discovery and reflection. Poems like "glittering stars dance across the lake" not only capture a moment but seem to freeze time, allowing one to dwell in the fleeting sensation of awe that night skies and first kisses bring.

In essence, **Caught in a Hazy Dream** is more than a book of poetry. It is an artistic expedition into the interplays of shadow and illumination, memory and present perception. Tiffany Mackay invites us all to lose ourselves in her lyricism, to find solace in her crafted words, and perhaps, find a part of ourselves that only poetry can reveal. This collection is highly recommended for lovers of poetry and fine art alike; a true masterpiece that deserves a special place on the bookshelves of contemporary poetry connoisseurs.

TLDR: "Caught in a Hazy Dream" by Tiffany Mackay is an enchanting collection of contemporary tanka poems divided into five thematic sections. The book masterfully intertwines traditional tanka forms with modern themes, enhanced by personally made digital watercolor illustrations. Mackay's expressive language and deep emotional insights invite readers to explore a vivid dreamscape, making this a must-read for poetry and art enthusiasts alike. So glad I got to be the first one to leave a review, hope this helps!

[Bethany Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very beautiful tanka poetry and watercolour pictures. The experience I had while reading these was very relaxing and I'm glad I was granted an ARC by Netgalley and the writer.

[Julie Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Horizon Literary House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Caught in a Hazy Dream is a beautiful collection of tanka-inspired poetry, containing no less than 100 poems on gorgeous coloured backgrounds that reminded me of water colour paintings!

The poems deal with memory, love, growth, transformation and dreamscapes, and are divided into these five sections. All are beautifully written, but personally I connected more with the memory and transformation ones.

This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys contemporary poetry!

[L K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unfamiliar with Tanka form of poetry before reading this. This was a wonderful introduction.
The author's artwork is sublime and is almost essential to this collection. Together, they make a beautiful book.

The imagery is aesthetically perfect.
I appreciate my ARC that I received from Goodreads.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanka and Haiga combined make a memorable and beautiful essay in short form poetry moving comfortably between seasons, emotions and lazy dreams of delicate gossamer.
Caught in a Hazy Dream from Tiffany Mackay captures fleeting moments forever with gentle wording, which can be read as singular pieces or over several pieces to gain an impression of seasons changing, dreams forming then slipping soundlessly into the ether.
One hundred small but perfect poems capture many of life’s special moments, some as simple as a smoke filled sky or a misty morning overlooking a lake, to the astounding beauty of a towering maple trees, to introspective moments which we all, at some time in our life journey, contemplate.
Tiffany Mackay was facing change in her life, passing through a period of introspection which offered her the time to sit and observe; to be able to watch nature at work, the changing seasons and the often unnoticed emotions captured in the fragmentation of time.
Over this time she has, in delicate strokes, used the time old form of Tanka poetry to create what she considered as often spontaneous moments of inspiration.
The journey through Caught in a Hazy Dream is one of comfort, as each piece has been carefully wrapped in delicate washes of colour, following the traditional Japanese art form of Haiga which makes the perfect pairing. It is her hope, that the words reach out and invite all who indulge in the moment to pause, allow nature to touch and transport you to a place of refreshing energy,
Contemporary, timeless and a collection to be returned to time and time again, Caught in a Hazy Dream is pure elixir for the soul.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gem of a book is a delightful combination of tanka-style poetry and digital watercolor abstract art. The poetry is quite evocative while the art brings another dimension to the reading experience and enjoyment of the book. The poet, as is common in modern haiku/tanka/haiga written in languages other than Japanese, does not stick rigidly to the traditional 5-7-5-7-7 format. This is a wise decision, because it allows the poetry to express her thoughts and feelings in a much deeper way than if she'd been trying to limit her words to fit into a particular structure. The art also invites readers to stop and look at what's there. It quiets the mind. I sat down on a rainy, windy day with a mug of tea beside me and allowed myself to be carried along on the poems and images. What a lovely, peaceful, tranquil experience. This book would also be a great one to leave on a bedside or end table, to be picked up whenever there's an available moment, to be opened at random and enjoyed. It's a lovely book.

I thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the poet for a digital review copy.

[Kritikal Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

For her debut poetry collection, poet Tiffany Mackay exhibits enviable clarity on the themes she wants to explore and ponder in her words: nostalgia, memory, love, and discovery in each fleeting moment. Her 100 contemporary tankas — which she calls micro poetry because they don't strictly adhere to the traditional structures— but Mackay ensures they’re not without a dollop of tradition sprinkled over.

With calming digital watercolor art, the tankas take flight. There’s much to unpack

The collection flows across five sections with themes informed by the hues of the sky. Misty Mornings, Sun-Dappled Days, Twilight Reflections, Starlit Journeys, and Dreamscape. It promises us the analogy of human journey through these themes, much like a sky’s journey. Themes include memory, love, growth, transformation, and the blurring of reality and dreams

She pauses and forces us to pause, and lives up to the promise of reflection with grace.

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publishing date: 23.08.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Horizon Literary House for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

I expected: A beautifully illustrated collection
I got: Exactly what I expected
The book left me: Wanting to read more tanka

Poetry style:
Contemporary tanka, visual poetry

Amount of poems:
95 poems, one page each

Features:
Full color "illustrated" pages, poems invoking an emotion or a memory (at least for me)

Final ranking and star rating?
4 stars, A tier. These kinds of collections are always banges. I love full page coloration or illustrations already. A whole book with every page colored is a great treat for me. Every poem invoked a specific feeling, a memory, or longing for a special place. This was the perfect way to turn off my brain a little bit and just live in my own head for a while.
Highly recommend it.

[Jade Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Tanka poetry, and it was lovely; each poem was short, yet it was able to portray tremendous feelings with only a few words. Within the five parts of the poem, each poem has its own unique inventiveness; the colors and abstract art that accompany each poem were appealing to me as I read since they precisely portrayed how I would feel as I read each one. The poetry did not rhyme, but it was still able to convey the poem's point and was vivid; it was extremely calming, and I am glad I tried this form of poetry and liked it so much!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tiffany Mackay for this ARC read!!

[Sophie · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.75⭐ Thank you, Netgalley, for the chance to read "Caught in a Hazy Dream" by Tiffany Mackay. This simply wasn't for me; I'm not in the best of places mentally, so reading this very repetitive little book was honestly annoying.

I would say give it a go though; it's only little, so not too much of your time will be wasted if you end up disliking it.

The one-star rating may be a little harsh considering I don't know whether it's the reading slump I'm in that made this so boring or if the book really is boring, but that's my rating. 

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Caught in a Hazy Dream” is a delicate and modern take on traditional tanka poetry. Each poem, brief and beautiful, captures deep emotions like love and loss with simple, vivid images. The collection is easy to read yet leaves a lasting impression, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys poetry that touches the heart. A graceful reflection on life’s fleeting moments. I highly recommend this remarkable book to all.

[Seher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this!

I was too late in downloading this, which is why I ended up reading this via kindle unlimited.

In terms of poetry:
2 stars
Boring white girl poetry which is interesting because this is supposed to be tanka.
'
Aesthetics;
5 stars
will make a fantastic present!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

This is a masterpiece of beautiful words and amazing artwork. It is thought provoking, memory evoking and it honestly feels as if the poet took a piece of her soul and poured it onto the pages to share with us. It doesn't take very long to read, but it will definitely stick with you. ❤️

[Gordon]

A thoroughly enjoyable collection of works written from the heart. One can often feel the emotions the author must have experienced whilst writing or recollecting her memories. Very readable and highly recommended.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short form modified Tanka poetry pairs with dreamy watercolor backdrops to distill flashes of feeling. Themes of love, memory, support, and loss are sure to resonate with a variety of readers. The watercolors complement the poetry evoking deeper feeling and meaning. Worth savoring over and over again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stella Marchione · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the verse and imagery in this one. It feels like it's telling the most beautiful story. Definitely recommend!

[Verne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that should be on the coffee table for all to pick up and take a break from the fast pace of life. The tanka - inspired poems allow one to pause for thought, re - live memories ( some long forgotten) and visualize the images, the author’s beautiful use of words evoke. Every page reflecting each poem, is a beautiful watercolour , each with its own subtle patterns. This adds to the calmness one feels when reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the memories and visual images I experienced. This lovely book allowed me to “take time out” and I highly recommend “ Caught in a Hazy Dream”

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught in a Hazy Dream is a wonderfully peaceful read by Tiffany Mackay. Each poem paints a beautiful picture of the scene or moment. The artwork on each page adds to the dreamy theme of the book