The Planets: a scifaiku poetry collection

by Wendy Van Camp

The planets have fascinated humanity since the dawn of time. We’ve looked up into the heavens and wondered what these wandering stars are and why they are different from their more stationary cousins. In modern times, humans have sent probes to all the planets in our solar system, sending back tantalizing views from faraway worlds. The planets are woven into our culture and history. They are signposts of our journey ahead.

This collection of 108 science fiction haiku poems (scifaiku) will take you on a journey of exploration showcasing tiny moments of wonder with each of the planets of our solar system.

Come share the adventure.

Genres: Poetry, Science

86 pages, ebook

Published October 16, 2019

About the author

Wendy Van Camp writes science fiction, fantasy, historical regency, along with poetry and non-fiction essays. Her poetry and essays have appeared in Indie Author Magazine, Star*Line, Scifaikuest, and Worlds of IF. Her books include The Curate's Brother and her speculative poetry collection The Planets. She has edited four issues of the sci-fi poetry anthology series Eccentric Orbits, was inaugural editor and creator of two issues of Anaheim Poetry Review, and was a guest editor for issue #46 of SFPA's Eye to the Telescope. Wendy was named Anaheim Poet Laureate (2022-2024), has worked as a television producer and director, and currently works at her woman-owned small press, an editorial and writing coach business. She lives in her studio between a writing desk and jeweler's bench in Anaheim, CA. You can learn more at wendyvancamp.com.

Reviews

[Mary Soon Lee]

I have a soft spot for science poetry, so it is no surprise that this chapbook of short poems — scifaiku — about the planets appealed to me. Several prompted me to look up the science behind the three line poems, which I consider a good thing. The poems range from Mercury out to Pluto, encompassing their moons, rings, science, and history. They are by turns serious, humorous, and moving. I spotted what I think are a handful of typos, but otherwise the small book is nicely presented.

[Joshua Gage · Rating 1 out of 5]

While there are fewer science fiction poems in this collection than science and history poems, science fiction readers will not be disappointed. My main issue with the collection is Van Camp's definition and execution of scifaiku. Scientific knowledge and history are deep and rich here, but the poems themselves are often merely descriptions in three lines, and do not create emotion for the reader. While a bold venture, The Planets will disappoint scifaiku purists.

Full (highly edited!) review here: https://www.sfpoetry.com/sl/reviews/1...

[Ken Goudsward · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this collection of poems Wendy captures the essence, or rather, the myriad essences of the wildly individual planets in our Solar system. Her vivid imagery and suggestive language prompt us to look past oversimplifications and preconceptions of chunks of rock and balls of gas, to see each living world in it's own light. In this light perhaps we are able also to decontextualize our own mundane experiences on this beautiful spinning ball within the great dance of the universe.

[Brooke Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, the concept of ‘scifaiku’ (sci-fi haiku) is so interesting! The style of the genre—& the way Wendy wrote it—gives me a mix of different vibes that go together a lot smoother than I thought they would. Combining science/science fiction with a little bit of history, focus on the planets, & dressing them up like modified haikus actually works pretty well!

Full disclosure: As much as I LOVE the Japanese culture, I don’t know that much about haikus. We didn’t really spend any time on them in English classes either. Still, I love their structure & intention. On the flip side, I’ve always been a little interested in space but never had too much of a vested interest.

BUT, I would love to read more scifaiku after reading this book! I can see how it might belong to a specific niche of readers but if you want an ‘out of your comfort zone’ experience, love space &/or science fiction, or are intrigued by these types of poems, give this book a chance!

[Lillian Nader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic Space Travel

Wendy Van Camp’s original scifaiku poetry collection is a fun and unique way to learn about our solar system and become curious enough to want to learn more.

[Lillian Nader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy Van Camp’s original scifaiku poetry collection is a fun and unique way to learn about our solar system and become curious enough to want to learn more.

[Elena Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical and deep.

[Kendall C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short punchy poems with beautiful illustrations that leave you thinking about how small our little human world is.