June 6, 2006

Today has informally been called “Apocalypse Day” because of the date – 06/06/06. Or – 666 – the sign of the beast! Well, on this day, I’ve chosen to share some Haiku of classic Japanese Haiku writer, Basho. Haiku is a classic form of poetry that consists of a three line singular stanza, with the first and third lines consisting of five syllables and the second line having seven syllables. The subject matter is commonly something to do with nature or romance, and it is in present tense; which means that the poem is taking place as you read it. Now, keep in mind that Basho’s poetry in English doesn’t follow the syllable rule because it is translated, and the translator can only do his/her best. I’m going to include three:


Sparrows in eaves,
mice in ceiling –
celestial music.


Ebb tide –
willows
dip to mud.


Nothing more lonely –
heart-shaped
paulownia leaf


Notice the stark simplicity of these poems, yet, they each tell a full on story. It is amazing how effective words can be when harnessed with bit and bridal. What intensity of taking words and not letting them lead you. Make making them submit to your own personal literary courage as you force their grace on the page.

Words can be used for good and evil, like all things; technology, energy, money, etc. Without a fantastic vocabulary, one must face a greater challenge of using limited resources, but those of extended vocabularies must make sure that their arsenal isn’t permitted to reign free.

In that same vein, I envy those who have the usage of two or more languages. I suppose, if properly applied, expression could be limitless. I consistently have difficulty finding the right word for a situation in both my poetry and prose. But the bright side is that as I strive to embrace the new life given to me, I eagerly search and find what ever questions I might have.

Well, I don’t really read into the fact that today is “Apocalypse Day”, because that is just Neo-Christian jib-a-jab. But, I am grateful that I have been given another day to celebrate life!

Books, books, books...

I mentioned before that in lieu of my dreams to start a bookstore, I would start slow, real slow. My first thought was that I could start buying books at yard sales and such. Friday, my wife and I went to a church sale. They said that the story was that one of their parishioners died, and left behind his mystery book collection. Well, I bought the whole thing. I mean, this guy was serious. As far as I can tell, he has(d) the complete Agatha Christie. She wrote over one hundred books. If I remember right it is closer to two hundred, but that might not be right either.

Anyway, I paid $1.50 a box, and bought 18 boxes, all of it. This gentleman really kept his books in good shape. Carla and I discussed it, and some of the sets will sell on e-bay. And what doesn’t sell on e-bay will go to the book/yard sale. If you want a mystery book pre 2000, I just might have it. It is pretty cool. There are a few more books other than mystery books. There are some reference books that will make a great addition to my own collection. That is one of the bonus’ of book buying, other than the prophet we will be making off of them.

Now I need some romance books. The good news is that the Boyd County Library is selling a used romance paperback collection of 12 books for a $1.00. I can sell them at my yard sale for $.25 each, or 5 for $1.00. That is doubling my money (or near to there). I know that this is a slow start, but you need to start somewhere sometime.

Meanwhile, I’m still working on finishing J&tM16. I’m doing three, maybe four, short shorts for it. They will be sequential in order; meaning that each section will have on of these short shorts, and they will be telling a continuing story. So, perhaps sequential wasn’t the right word, but I’m pretty sure it is. Perhaps you know one better (rsvp)? One of my illustrations is Jesus (or the worldly image of Christ made by artist in the early millennia) holding a 9MM pointing off canvas. In the back ground is the three crosses of Calvary, and the center one is empty with a ladder on it. Do I want to put this on the front cover, or opposite to the “Hate on the Run” IN the book? Obviously with the title and this illustration I want to make an impact first impression, but I also don’t want it to really make many people mad. Is the illustration too much for the cover? Oh, you know what, I just had a new image pop in my head. I am going to go get it out now before it gets away. Till next time!