Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton.
Featured image by Hikari
My dear readers and subscribers,
I present you again with Literary Revelationsโ newest #1 Bestseller, Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton (me) The Literary Revelations Website is now under update, welcoming visitors with an even richer experience (You can still visit and subscribe). In celebrating the art of haiku and tanka, we invite you to discover the subtle elegance and profound depth these forms of Japanese art and poetry bring us.
In Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton, haiku distills emotion and love into just a few lines, creating a moment of reflection and wonder with its carefully chosen words. Hikari’s tanka, with its slightly longer structure, allows for more personal expression, weaving together images and feelings into a tapestry of thought, history, and justice.
Japanese art, paired with haiku and tanka, reveals layers of meaning through simplicity and refinement. Each poem echoes the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms, the tranquility of gardens, and the stirring energy of seasonal change. By embracing these forms, we connect with centuries-old traditions that celebrate the fleeting nature of beauty and the diversity of human experience. Let the site’s new features inspire you to craft your own verses and appreciate the artistry behind every word and brushstroke. Each open reflects also power and justice.
The album’s structure allows you to add your tanka and haiku to each painting. Add them, and you will have one of the most beautiful gifts for the holiday and for years to come.
Promotional video
Gabriela Marie Milton 3 x times #1 Amazon bestselling author Founder and Editor in Chief of Literary Revelations
I am thrilled to let you know that Literary Revelations’ new poetry and art album Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art is #1 Top Release on Amazon in the US and #1 Bestseller in Japan ! The book is authored by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton (me)
Please check the book here:
Thank you to everyone who helped us.
I realize it is not cheap, but it’s an art album, and we cannot lower the price because of production costs.
All my love
Gabriela Marie Milton
PS. I am very sorry I cannot like your posts. WordPress banned me from giving likes on the day of the launch, right after I posted.
Literary Revelations is thrilled to let you know that Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton is now live on Amazon!
It is a superb album of painting and poetry that highlights perspectivism in art. Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton brings together Japanese and Western traditions.
I want to thank, from my heart, my fabulous co-author, Japanese artist Hikari, for presenting us with 88 new paintings, unseen before. (I used 2 of them for promotion). She has worked for months on these new paintings, and I will always be grateful to her.
You are getting an exceptional album of poetry and art:
88 new paintings never seen before
Tanka for each painting written by Hikari.
My perspective on Hikari’s paintings is expressed in my haiku that accompanies every painting.
One of the most beautiful gifts for the season.
Amazon premium color paper Trim 7X10 inches Paperback – glossy cover Language: English – Japanese
Experience the enchanting collaboration between Japanese artist Hikari and American poet Gabriela Marie Milton in Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art. This stunning poetry and art album gracefully bridges Eastern and Western sensibilities, inviting readers on a vivid journey through tradition, perspective, and creative imagination.
Hikariโs masterful paintings immerse you in the splendor of Japanese art, each brushstroke echoing the beauty of cultural heritage and the depth of historical narrative. Her tanka, deeply rooted in Japanese traditions, transports readers to landscapes and moments of spiritual introspection.
In contrast, Gabriela Marie Miltonโs evocative haiku offers a fresh, Western perspectiveโcrafted in direct response to Hikariโs artwork. Her concise yet profound verses highlight the magnificence and subtlety captured on canvas, creating a dialogue between image and word that transcends borders. This unique approach allows readers to view the same artwork through two distinct cultural lenses, underscoring the rich possibilities of artistic perspectivism.
Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art is more than a collection; it is a celebration of cross-cultural dialogue, artistic harmony, and the transformative power of words and images. The album dazzles with miraculous colors and powerful, lyrical language, making it a must-have for poetry lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone yearning for inspiration.
Let poetry and art fill your soulโdiscover this splendid album and embrace the fusion of East and West. You wonโt regret it.
Itโs Gabriela Marie Milton hereโsome of you may also know me as Gabriela M. Iโm delighted to reconnect with some of you after a long period of time.
I apologize, but I didn’t realize you weren’t receiving my posts by email (one of my old followers wrote to me asking me if I still blog). I sincerely hope that all my followers and subscribers (some of whom have been with me since 2017, when I first started blogging) are well and happy. Especially for those who stopped blogging, I miss you dearly, and I hope to reconnect with you again. Please reach me at literaryrevelations@pm.me , on IG @Gabriela_Marie_Milton and on X @shortprose1
Life and exciting new projects kept me busy. Iโm thrilled to be back and eager to share all the wonderful things happening in our creative community!
Introducing Literary Revelations Publishing House
At the end of 2023, I embarked on an incredible journeyโfounding Literary Revelations Publishing House. This dream grew out of my passion for poetry, art, and storytelling, and it blossomed thanks to the enthusiastic support of writers and readers who continue to follow me. Literary Revelations has quickly become a vibrant home for poets, artists, and visionaries from around the world.
If you havenโt already, I warmly invite you to visit our website, explore our publications, and subscribe to stay updated on our latest news and calls for submissions. We also run a journal dedicated to creative voicesโplease consider submitting your work. Your words and art are always welcome here: https://literaryrevelations.com/
Celebrating Achievements and Awards
Thanks to our talented authors and the incredible literary community, Literary Revelations has already celebrated several milestones. We are proud to announce that all titles we published have reached #1 on Amazon bestseller lists or earned โTop Releaseโ status, and have been featured in major media outlets. In 2025, we were honored with three major literary awardsโan achievement that still feels like a dream come true.
Best Publisher in the US of 2025 – Best of Best Review
Best Poetry Publisher in the US of 2025 โ Evergreen Award
Best Publisher of Artistic Excellence in the US 2025 โ BIZWEELY
These successes belong to all who submitted to Literary Revelations, and I couldnโt be grateful for everyone’s support in making them possible.
Recent and Noteworthy Publications
Haiku Anthologies: Our anthologies of haiku poetry have gained international recognition, including entry into the prestigious Museum of Haiku Literature in Japan. Itโs a joy to see our contributorsโ voices celebrated on such a respected stage.
Our latest publication, Fine Art Photography: Lullscapes in Light and Shadow, by Japanese artist Naoki Kimura, offers a breathtaking journey through light, shadow, and tranquil landscapes. The poetry and art within its pages invite readers to pause, reflect, and find beauty in subtle moments.
Upcoming Releases: A Sneak Peek
Iโm thrilled to give you an early preview of our upcoming art and poetry album,Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese Art. This album, authored by Japanese painter Hikari and me, weaves together delicate poetry and evocative visuals, exploring the depth and resonance of Japanese art forms. We canโt wait for you to experience this union of words and imagesโstay tuned for its release details, which will be shared soon after Thanksgiving.
My dearest followers, I wish you a beautiful and magical November.
The purpose of this post is two fold:
A poem by me
An exciting update on Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton.
Let’s start:
November Hues by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton
Somewhere in Northern Europe – My Photo
In Novemberโs breath, the law of beauty sleeps โ a hush of gold dissolving into dusk. Even the dying light adorns the world, as if farewell itself was made of grace.
An update on Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese art.
Literary Revelations is pleased to announce that Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese Art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton is scheduled for publication at the beginning of December, just in time for Christmas presents. Please read more about the book and perspectivism in art HERE. If you go to that post, you will also have the possibility to write haiku or tanka on a new fabulous picture by Hikari.
This post will explain what to expect from Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese Art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton, forthcoming from Literary Revelations.
I want to make it clear from the beginning: Hikariโs fabulous contribution is much bigger than mine. She painted the art and wrote the tanka. I only wrote the foreword and corresponding haiku, approaching her paintings from a different point of view.
So letโs start, because at the end I have a surprise for you.
Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese Art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton
Trim: 8X10 inches Text: English-Japanese Amazon premium paper glossy Foreword and bios in English and Japanese Hardcover and paperback
The novelty brought by the book – Different interpretations of the same image
Hikariโs vibrant brushstrokes capture emotions and moments in time, while her tanka adds layers of meaning that resonate deeply with each piece. My haiku serves as a reflective lens, offering a different perspective on the same visual stimuli. This interplay between our approaches shows how art can be perceived through varied lenses, highlighting the beauty and meaning of our individual interpretations.
In 2003, when my publishing house, Literary Revelations, was still in its infancy, fate brought me to Hikari through a dear friend. The moment I laid eyes on her paintings; I was utterly captivated; they were a breathtaking homage to Japanese art. Each piece resonated with an ethereal beautyโpastels blending seamlessly with the elegance of fans and the grace of swords. It felt as though time stood still for those few seconds as I absorbed the profound artistry before me. Hikariโs work transcends mere aesthetics; it tells stories steeped in tradition and culture, inviting viewers and readers of tanka into a world where every brushstroke holds meaning.
This encounter ignited a spark within me โ a desire to collaborate on a project that would not only showcase Hikariโs incredible talent but also convey my unique vision of the art of haiku. Hikari is Japanese, and she spent her young years in Europe. I am a European who now lives in the US. Together, we decided to create something extraordinary that honors both her heritage and my interpretations of the art of haiku.
In the name of our friendship, HAIKU AND TANKA: LULL, HARMONY AND POWER IN JAPANESE ART was born.
[from the foreword]
When you open the book, here is what you will find [the margins will not be there]
English translation of my haiku: Naoki Kimura.
Surprise
Hikari has painted a new fabulous piece for you and written a new tanka. I just wrote a corresponding haiku. Those pieces will not be included in the book.
Basque Lore – Witch (Sorginak)-Short Prose – Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton
Amaia moved as if the earth itself exhaled her name. The cup before her shimmered with fern, salt, and a shard of the seaโs first boneโthe one that once wrapped around her ankles like a lover unwilling to let go. She broke the root of a tree between her fingers, and the scent of sap rose, thick and sweet as memory.
Her dress slipped from her shoulders, pooling at her feet like dusk surrendering to night. Naked, she began to danceโslowly at first, then with the rhythm of wind through stone, of rivers through veins. The air bent toward her, the mountains listening. Mist gathered around her skin, luminous and alive, her hair trailing down her thighs like spilled ink.
We were children, hidden beneath the bed, breathless. Through the slats, we saw her summon the world back to itselfโone movement, one whisper, one trembling note at a time.
Reminder
Please do not forget that in November Literary Revelations will bring you a splendid art album (7X10) by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton.
Title, Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese Art
Authors, Hikari: Paintings and Tanka.
Gabriela Marie Milton: Haiku
To those of you who are my friends here, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your likes, comments, and support. Love you.
Cover Reveal – The Connection between visual art and poetry in Japan
It is with great excitement that Literary Revelations and I bring you the cover of our upcoming album, Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton.
The album is trimmed at 7 X 10, and it contains superb tanka and paintings by Hikari and Haiku by Gabriela Marie Milton.
Japanese culture is renowned for its harmonious integration of visual arts and literary traditions. Among these, the relationship between Japanese art and poetry stands out as a profound example of how creative disciplines can influence and enrich each other. The convergence of visual and poetic forms has been a hallmark of Japanese expression for centuries, reflecting a shared aesthetic sensibility and spiritual outlook.
From the Heian period (794โ1185) onward, Japanese poetryโespecially waka and later haikuโbecame closely tied to the visual arts. Aristocrats and courtiers often exchanged illustrated poems, known as uta-e (poem pictures), combining calligraphy and painting. This tradition continued through the ages, influencing emerging art forms and poetic styles.
I cannot use that word now. I am too happy and excited. Cover reveal of the upcoming art and poetry album, Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art
NATIONWIDE – OCTOBER 2025 – (USAnews.com) โ In 2022, as the literary world grew increasingly crowded with quick publications and fleeting trends, Gabriela Marie Milton made a bold choice. Already a bestselling poet, editor, and award-winning author, she founded Literary Revelations Publishing House. Her goal was clear: to create a publishing home that valued quality over quantity, authenticity over speed, and timeless art over momentary success.
What began as one writerโs vision has since become a distinguished independent press known for curating works of enduring literary and artistic significance.
Origins of a Literary Mission
Gabrielaโs decision to establish Literary Revelations was grounded in her belief that literature connects us to our inner lives. She saw the need for a publishing space where the written word would be carefully chosen, where authors and artists alike could be celebrated for their craft. With her own track record of success, including multiple Amazon bestsellers and recognition as Author of the Year 2019 at Spillwords NYC, she understood the power of careful curation.
Her guiding philosophy remains simple yet profound: โIn a world filled with noise and stress, literature in general, and poetry in particular, is a breath of fresh air and connects us with our souls.โ
Breakthrough Success in Publishing
The press quickly gained recognition with the release of its anthologies Petals of Haiku and Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku. Both collections reached #1 Amazon bestseller status across several categories in the United States and Japan.
Beyond bestseller recognition, the anthologies achieved cultural distinction. They were accepted into the Museum of Haiku Literature in Japan, solidifying their place within the global haiku tradition. In addition, Petals of Haiku, along with its cover painting, is now displayed in the Treasure House of the Rinsenji Temple in Japan.
For an independent publisher, this recognition was a defining milestone, proving that quality-driven publishing could achieve both commercial and cultural success.
Expanding into the Arts
While the press began with poetry and prose, it soon expanded into visual arts. Its latest publication , Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by artist Naoki Kimura, published just few days ago already reached #1 Top Release and it’s now a bestseller on Amazon. The photography collection, already exhibited at the Tokyo Hilton Hotel, showcases the pressโs commitment to publishing artistic works that cross disciplines.
By embracing visual art alongside literature, Literary Revelations strengthens its role as a cultural institution dedicated to creativity in all its forms.
The Literary Revelations Journal
In addition to publishing books, the press runs the Literary Revelations Journal, a curated platform for poetry, short prose, art, and interviews. Unlike many contemporary outlets, the journal does not accept all submissions. Instead, each piece is selected through a careful editorial process designed to highlight quality and originality.
The journal has already attracted prominent contributors. It includes an interview with Gaetano Camillo, a writer nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. This reinforces the journalโs reputation as a space for literary excellence.
My publishing house, Literary Revelations, is excited to announce the forthcoming release of its new album, which highlights the beauty of Japanese art and poetry. This unique collection, entitled HAIKU AND TANKA: LULL, HARMONY AND POWER IN JAPANESE ART, by Japanese Artist Hikari and Poet Gabriela Marie Milton, will showcase evocative haiku and tanka, and absolutely stunning paintings by Hikari, offering readers an immersive journey through the timeless elegance of Japanese poetic traditions and art.
JAPANESE TITLE:
ART ON THE COVER – HIKARI
IN LIEU OF A FOREWORD
In 2023, when my publishing house, Literary Revelations, was still in its infancy, fate brought me to Hikari through a dear friend. The moment I laid eyes on her paintings, I was utterly captivated; they were a breathtaking homage to Japanese art. Each piece resonated with an ethereal beautyโpastels blending seamlessly with the elegance of fans and the grace of swords. It felt as though time stood still for those few seconds as I absorbed the profound artistry before me. Hikariโs work transcends mere aesthetics; it tells stories steeped in tradition and culture, inviting viewers and readers of tanka into a world where every brushstroke holds meaning.
This encounter ignited a spark within me – a desire to collaborate on a project that would not only showcase Hikari’s incredible talent but also convey my unique vision of the art of haiku. Hikari is Japanese, and she spent her young years in Europe. I am a European who now lives in the US. Together, we decided to create something extraordinary that honors both her heritage and my interpretations of the art of haiku.
In the name of our friendship, HAIKU AND TANKA: LULL, HARMONY AND POWER IN JAPANESE ART was born.
HAIKU AND TANKA: LULL, HARMONY AND POWER IN JAPANESE ART is an exceptional art album and at the same time a beautiful book of poetry. Hikari and I embarked on a unique and fantastic artistic journey that intertwines her superb paintings with her evocative tanka poetry, and my interpretations of her paintings expressed through haiku. This collaboration is an unbelievable exhibition of art and poetry, and at the same time, it is an experiment that invites you, the readers, to witness the confluence of two distinct creative rivers flowing calmly together and whispering different stories.
Hikari’s brushstrokes capture emotions and moments in time, while her tanka adds layers of meaning that resonate deeply with each piece. My haiku serves as a reflective lens, offering a different perspective on the same visual stimuli. This interplay between our approaches shows how art can be perceived through varied lenses, highlighting the beauty and meaning of our individual interpretations.
As you turn each page, you’ll discover how our voices harmonize and divergeโan exploration of creativity that encourages you to reflect on your own interpretations. Join us in this artistic dialogue and experience that shows firsthand how two souls can connect through the universal language of art. My haiku included in this art album is translated into Japanese by aclamed fine-art photographer and poet Naoki Kimura.
Gabriela Marie Milton Editor-in Chief and Founder of Literary Revelations
Announcements:
Please stay tuned for more info. Visit Literary Revelations, Hikari and I on our social media:
@lr_publisher on X and IG @gabriela_marie_milton on IG and @shortprose1 on X Hikari on IG and X @hikari2162554
