From the Judges:
“A series of seasonal haiku verses which conveys an entire narrative within its delicate descriptions and easily evokes images of Kyoto’s enveloping nature and pastimes while recalling the 17th century master of this poetic form.”

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Basho in Love

who could give a name
to cherry blossom color
or her sudden blush?

*

empty cup
and I’ve done nothing
but think of you

*

third date, fishing—
dragonflies coupling
on tip of the rod

*

the black spaces
between the stars
whisper your name

*

drift of wild cosmos
butterfly and honeybee
exchanging flowers           

Photo Credit: Karen Lee Tawarayama

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Back in the last millennium John Savoie first came to Japan as a Mombusho English Fellow and went on to teach another five years at Kyoai Gakuen in Maebashi, Gumma. He currently teaches great books, Homer to Basho, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. His first poetry collection, Sehnsucht, has recently won the Prize Americana.

For the full list of this year’s competition winners, click here. For this year’s original competition notice (with prize details), click here.