Book Review — Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, edited by Gabriela Marie Melton
With over 160 poets, most writing 4 poems apiece, it became my morning meditation with first cuppajoe and a cat on my lap and one by my side, to read through several pages in each sitting. My original intention was to mark the poets and the verses that I liked best, but it didn’t take me long to figure out there would be way too many to single out as favorites to share in this review.
As was shared in the editor’s intro, many of the verses are in loose haiku format. Many also are more closely connected with the senryu form. All are 3 line-poems. What impresses me about them is that the voice of each poet comes through clearly. Time and care were put into them.
Subject matter varies widely but continuing themes include:
–stages of life
–grief, happiness, joy, and other emotions
–insights on the human condition
–philosophy
–the ways of life forms
–change of seasons
–nature’s instruction and illustration
–the ways of nature and humans as part of nature
–daydreams
–the sacred
The cover art by Hikari and Naoki Kimura against a white background is beautiful and compelling. The size of the 6″ x 9″ paperback volume is easy to hold.
I know I said I couldn’t choose favorite poets and poems out of Petals of Haiku, but I must name my top 4 poets from it, in no particular order.
–Agnes Wilson-Kang (page 169)
–Aljoša Vuković (page 139)
–Sandy Lender (page 173)
–Tom Bajoras (page 138)
For full disclosure, I have 4 poems in this volume; further, I know none of the 4 poets I chose as my favorites. My review expresses my true feelings about it. It is well-curated, includes the work of skilled wordsmiths, and it has my recommendation if you are looking for short-form poems on myriad topics.
Tao Talk 
I will definitely buy this book and read it! I love poetry and this one is right up my street! X
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Happy to hear it, Carol Anne. I sure enjoyed it and will read it again.
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Hi Lisa, a lovely review. I have also finished this book and need to get my review written. I have four reviews to write.
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Thanks, Robbie :) I enjoyed the book so much. 4 reviews to write — yipes! Good luck, my friend.
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I’m always behind with reviews. I read to fast.
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful review. You are the first one to do a review of the book – I do not ask for reviews – therefore it makes it special. I am deeply honored and grateful for your beautiful words. Indeed it’s hard to choose. There are so many talented poets. You picked some good ones. Some authors in this book have prizes in haiku contests. Thank you again.
Gabriela
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You’re very welcome, Gabriela <3
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Very strange. I am not Anonymous!
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Congratulations again for being included in what sounds like a wonderful anthology. (K)
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Thanks much, Kerfe.
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This sounds fabulous Li, thank you for sharing.
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