Haikus: for the One Who Needs Them...

by Becket

The two hundred and fifty haiku works in this poetic book meditate on the fullness of the human condition with minimalist and concise wording, utilizing the five-syllable, seven-syllable, five-syllable school, yet Becket adds his own method to the discipline to make each work as meaningful as possible. Ranging from the humorous to the heartrendingly poignant, these haikus exemplify his ongoing endeavor to simply and succinctly encourage the struggling, comfort the mournful, identify with the outcast, as well as contemplate on the more significant elements of life. This book of haikus is for the one who needs them—the one who feels abandoned and alone, the one whose mind needs relief from worry and fear, the one who seeks assurance that hope is attainable.

Genres: Poetry

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2015

About the author

Becket has a BA in music composition, an MA in Systematic Theology, and an MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

He was a diocesan seminarian for 3 years. He was a Benedictine monk for 5 years.

He has been working for Anne Rice since 2005, and he has spent that time learning from her the craft of writing.

Reviews

[Hyun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not really one who is lost and alone and “in need,” but I was looking for a book of haikus to read and this book looked like it had some nice, motivational poems in it. It started out strong and inspirational, but then it starts kind of repeating itself, saying the same thing with slightly different wording. One of the poems is a complete ripoff of a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote. The book is full of aphorisms and nice to read if that’s what you’re in the mood for. I liked a lot of the messages the author tried to convey about self-worth, kindness, and life being a journey that includes struggles to be overcome.

[بثينة الإبراهيم · Rating 1 out of 5]

لا علاقة له بالهايكو!!

[Sarah Cradit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy Becket compiled his haikus into a single book. Daily they inspire thousands from his Facebook page, and now we can have them all in one place, to hold close and cherish.

The haikus which resonated with me the most (was hard not to write them all down!):
5, 15, 21, 29, 36, 38, 41, 61, 72, 91, 110, 112 (proud to be a geek!), 118, 119, 133, 150, 179, 190, 215, 242.

And the two that will stay with me for a very long time:

29:
Whatever it is
let it go and let it pass.
You will be all right.

118:
You are like starlight
shining in darkness, keeping
secrets of new worlds.

This is a book to be kept in your purse, or your back pocket. Your glove compartment, your backpack, tucked into the back of your jeans. There's nuggets of wisdom, love, and encouragement here for ALL of humankind, whatever your purpose, whatever your heart. Each of these reminders, in only a few simple words, have the power to change your entire day. Most of all, they remind us that the power to be great... to love, to inspire, to persevere... lies within us and our trust in a power greater than ourselves.

[Megan Benjamin-Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyday I look forward to reading Becket's daily posts of Haiku's and Pi poetry on his facebook page. Becket has a truly enlightened soul that comes out in all of his writing, but I believe his most passionate writing comes out in his beautiful works of poetry.

(Excerpt from Becket's book)
The hurt you feel
now determines not where you go
or who you could be.

Every single haiku in this book tugs on my heart. They're real, down to earth and uplifting. There is a world of feelings and emotion in each poem, masterly crafted with insight and Love. When I come across rough times in my life, I read Becket's poetry. It helps give me strength and hope, when it's hard to find elsewhere.

(Excerpt from Becket's book)
Let not the world crush
the way you have always been
beautifully made.

I highly recommend this book not only for those who enjoy poetry; but for those that would enjoy a daily dose of positivity, hope and faith.

[Corey J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not so much haiku as cheesy greeting card slogans. There are a few decent showings but not enough to salvage the book.

[Sherry Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Becket's collection of poetry is an oasis of hope for those who are going through difficult times. Whether it's issues with self-esteem, loneliness, or general difficulties, these inspirational verses will help make it easier.

While haiku experts might note that following a seventeen syllable format is not all there is to haiku, and this collection isn't the purest form of haiku, the beauty in these writing is in the comfort it brings to those who need it.

This book is a great gift for those going through difficult times.

[Topher Dykes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review, a haiku

A trite collection
It's 'miso soup for the soul'
But it's not for me

(very much aware of the hypocrisy)

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational and Uplifting

I follow Becket on Facebook and occasionally he posts his wonderful haikus. He always seems to know when I need to hear at that very moment. So finally I purchased this book. I have it marked up with highlighted passages. It's a wonderfully inspirational and uplifting book. For those times when you need a little push, when you need to feel less alone, or when you just need a literary hug-I highly recommend!

[Daniel Blue]

Uplifting.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational collection of poetry written in the traditional Japanese style of Haikus. Each of them are worthy of quiet reflection.