There was a time when I didn’t understand Haiku. I thought anybody could write those three lines, which hardly evoke any emotion till I tried to write this form and stumbled; till I came across brilliant haiku! My prejudice fell apart, as I started exploring more about this form of poetry.
The inspiration came from my blogger friend Bette A. Stevens who evoked my interest with her brilliant haiku that she keeps sharing at her blog. My Experiments with Haiku seem to fade into insignificance when I read My Maine: Haiku through the Seasons by Bette Stevens. There are some books that leave a profound impact on you, that stay with you long after you have read the last page. Bette’s new release is one such book and I would like to share my reflections about this book.
My Maine: Haiku through the Seasons by Bette Stevens is an exhilarating journey through the seasons, brilliantly defined in the form of haiku, each one a vivid treat for lovers of nature. Bette takes us along as she walks through the breathtaking woods and vales of The Pine State. Here, spring emerges from ‘wintery boughs,’ breaking their stony silence, as birds, bees and butterflies return to lend a riotous glimmer to the landscape. We watch in delight as mother earth divests her icy mantle, blossoms smile in harmony with the clouds as they roll in to add their sparkle to them. The shimmer brightens with the rich imagery of the poet. Awestruck, I walk further to explore more of Maine!
Summer sounds come alive in these haiku and I could almost see and hear the revelry that mingles with the ‘red, white and blue hues’ – craft fairs, festivals, dinners and timeless tales evoked by ‘crispy, crunchy leaves’ are retold by Stevens in a succinct manner. Life comes full circle as ‘icy crystal robes’ return, ‘lilacs stand naked’ and the poet is enchanted by white confetti falling on white pines! Bette’s style is so captivating that one reading of this book is not enough. I have read it twice but would keep returning to this book to savor the charm that flows through it. My favorite picture is the one with a clear rainbow heralding spring. A must read!
© Balroop Singh
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A lovely review, Balroop. I also loved Bette’s book and it gave me a whole new appreciation of haiku. ❤
Thanks so much for your lovely note, Diana. ❤
I am delighted to know that Diana. This book has changed my perspective about haiku, as they flow naturally from one to another.
Lovely review, Balroop. I loved Bette’s book. Not only was the writing beautiful, but for someone who has never traveled to Maine, I enjoy the wonderful photographs.
Thanks so very much, Jill. ❤ xo
You are right Jill, Maine seems to be a beautiful state, as it shines through Bette’s poetry.
Ever thanks for your wonderful reflections and review of My Maine on your blog, Balroop… I am honored and humbled by your gracious and thoughtful words of praise, my friend. Coming from a talented and inspiring writer/poet as you, your reflections have made my day overflowing with blessings. Thanks!
It is my pleasure to share my reflections Bette. Aww…thank you for your kind words, you made my evening tea sweeter. 🙂
A wonderful review of a lovely talented lady and her beautiful poetry 🙂
Thanks Christine 😊
Thanks so much, Christine.
My pleasure Bette 💕
Great review, Balroop! I was impressed with the story Bette told through Haiku and loved her book, too.
You are a poet at heart Denise 🤗♥️ Thanks for sharing your view.
🙂
Thanks so much for your lovely note, Denise. ❤
Looks like a really good book–and I love Haikus. And it’s doing great on Amazon!
It surely is! Thanks Jacqui.
Thank you, Jacqui. ❤
What a beautiful review, Balroop! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Jan, I am glad you liked it.
Thanks so much, Jan. 🙂 Balroop’s lovely review is an honor and a blessing…
A bright and wonderful review, Balroop. I do love how you pull the story and excerpts together so
softly and elegantly. Bette deserves all of it. Her heart and love of nature is always so clear.
Miriam
Thank you Miriam, Bette’s haiku could inspire any poet. 🙂
Thanks so much for your lovely note, Miriam. ❤
Wow, what a beautiful review! Congrats to Bette! ❤
Thanks Deb 🤗
Thanks so much, Debby! ❤
❤
Lovely review, Balroop! Cheers to Bette! 🙂
Thanks Natalie for coming over to read. 😊
Thanks, Natalie. Balroop’s lovely review is a special gift… ❤
Brilliant review, Balroop! Congratulations to Bette! 💕
Thank you Vashti.
You’re welcome. 🙂
Thanks so much, Vashti! ❤
Wonderful review, Balroop. Thanks for sharing. It’s great to find inspiration like you did in her work. I shall check out Bette’s book.
It is light reading Lisa, a book to be kept by our bedside.
Thank you, Lisa. 🙂
A beautiful review, Balroop!
Thanks Kevin.
Thanks so much for stopping over to read Balroop’s lovely review, Kevin. It is an honor to be highlighted by a wonderful poet and writer like Balroop.
The pleasure was all mine, Bette. 🙂
great review – and I agree – once you understand haiku – well we appreciate the masterful ones – and it seems Bette Stevens has a gift
Thanks Yvette, welcome to Emotional Shadows and thanks again for following.
My pleasure and looking forward to connecting via blog world
Thanks so much for stopping by to check out Balroop’s lovely review, Prior. 🙂
🙂
i never quite understood haikus either but your explanation and this interesting book seems to have peaked my interest. Can such few words convey so much significance.. Thanks Balroop!
Hi Vishnu, nice to see you. Haiku seems too easy to write till you try one and compress your thought into few syllables 😊
Thank you, Vishnu. 🙂
What a terrific review! Since you and Bette both have new books out, I’ve got to catch up on my reading. Looking forward to it… : )
Thanks Cath, I would look forward to it. 😊
Thanks so much for stopping by, Cathleen. I’m honored and blessed by Balroop’s lovely and thoughtful review. ❤
I know the feeling. I dip my toes every now and then in the land of poetry, but haiku is something i have yet to try.
Great review!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jina, much appreciated 😊
Thanks so much for stopping by to read Balroop’s review of my poetry book. Have a wonderful day!
What a beautiful review of Bette’s haiku poetry, Balroop. Congrats, Bette! I’ve read your prose but not your poetry. This sounds great!
Thanks so much, Cynthia!
Most welcome. And thanks for your support of other authors, Bette!
I thank you, Balroop and so many other awesome author friends for support as well, Cynthia!
Lovely share and review Balroop, I love reading this type of poetry and yet still never have grasped the nettle to try it 🙂
Sue, It’s easy to understand but difficult to write! Bette has done a fantastic job of writing about seasons and festivities connected with them.
She has 🙂