experience haiku

But it wasn't until five years ago that his curiosity took him on a higin's journey - the path of a Japanese poet. "Poetry is a way of developing clear minds; you need an open mind to see something simple in life and what message it can bring." "This is particularly true in regards to haiku."Baird has published poetry in printed as well as internet magazines. He has written several books of which his most recent is entitled "A Field of Daisies". It's a book of haiku and tanka mixed. From lightheartedness to rich love: to deep loss and to silliness, Baird weaves the reader through wonderful experiences of imagery and pondering.In 2004 and 2005, Baird took 3rd place, respectively, in the Japanese Kusamakura Haiku Championships, a World Haiku Championship. His winning haiku were later published in a Japanese magazine.cherry blossoms flurryin the morning windlanding here and theretwo butterfliescelebrate such love"Tanka's are often love poems shared between lovers", noted Baird. The flurry of cherry blossoms is the fluttering of the lovers' hearts, even when they aren't together. The butterflies are separated by great distances but they still celebrate their love.afternoon shadowa frog jumps overhimself"Haiku attempt to trap the reader's mind in a moment in time, in such a way that there's a revelation or 'ahaa' moment," explained Baird. Here the question is how a frog can jump over himself. One image the reader might conjure is the frog jumping over his shadow - allowing him to jump over himself.oh snailyou were thereyesterday!The imagery, itself, is funny, but this is also a statement of mankind the propensity to continually put off dreams and goals. Here, "The mentor sees his student and is surprised," said Baird. "The student hasn't accomplished of anything since the mentor saw him last."on the beda sleeping dogruns"How can a sleeping dog run?" asked Baird. "The key word is bed." Sleeping on a bed and running - the silly dog is dreaming.meet me my dearestsomewhere in the pastour futureto share once againa perfect loveOne of Don's favorite tanka, the meaning is subtle and complex. The poet is asking his love to return to the past where at one point, was their future. He's asking her to go back and share their future again, a perfect love that they have always had.snowflakes flourishin the winter windtiny angels"There are layers in haiku - readers sit and meditate on what they read, focusing on the image in their mind and what it means," he explains. "There's always something else hidden - subtle meanings." "But they should always say what they say too - right on the surface!"a meadowof purple lilacyour essencedrifts upona subtle breezeHere an image is created of a meadow and the purple lilac reminds the poet of his lover's perfume or beauty. And then her essence drifts to him. She's suddenly there with him, her touch brushing against his skin with a breeze and a feeling in his heart.ah! such pleasuremystery and romanceentwinedin the nightof a cloudy moon"Not all tanka were written by "married' lovers." Baird smiled, a mischievious twinkle in his eyes. "For this man the pleasure was entwined in the mystery of who the woman was, and also the romance." And of course, cloudy nights are the prefect time for 'hidden' meanings.on his nosea koi balancesthe moonHow can a koi balance the moon on his noes? Perhaps it is a reflection in the pond. And who is seeing this, a casual observer or the moon?Baird's poetry touches the minds and hearts of his readers. It causes thought and often deep self reflection.3rd Place 2005Kusamakura International Haiku ChampionshipKyoto sunset-an orange koinibbles the moon3rd Place 2004Kusamakura International Haiku Championshipfrozen pondthe moon sees an old face