I want to thank my beloved poet and author, Dawn Pisturino, for her review of Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese art, a poetry-and-art album co-authored by Japanese painter Hikari and me.
Dawn has posted numerous reviews on her blog, spreading love and bringing people together.
Poetry Book Review: โHaiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Artโ by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton
by Dawn Pisturino on March 11, 2026
(Graphic created on Canva by Dawn Pisturino)
Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton (2025). Available on Amazon.
My Review
This book is so exquisitely beautiful! Every page has been carefully crafted to deliver an elevated experience. Hikariโs colorful artwork transports the viewer deep into the heart of Japanese culture. Masterfully composed poetry stuns the reader with its divine perfection. This literary masterpiece deserves all the accolades it has received.
If youโre looking for peace and serenity in a turbulent world, you will find it in this book. I give it 5 stars plus!
Learn more about the publisher, Literary Revelations, which has earned international recognition for its aesthetic melding of Western and Eastern cultures.
Gabriela Marie Milton, a Pushcart nominee, can be found on her blog, Short Prose.
Hikari is an internationally acclaimed Japanese artist who grew up in France. Her deep understanding of Western and Eastern cultures has markedly influenced her creative efforts. She can be found on Instagram.
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
Wishing all my followers around the world a wonderful weekend! May magic, love, and peace be with you.
Poetry in English and Basque & A Quick Reminder.
Poetry in English and Basque
I am who I am, and who I am breathes in the hush between desire and devotion โ hidden in the tears that slide down the cracked face of an iconoclastโs old church, glistening like skin after rain.
My essence stirs in the murmur of the waves that caress Bilbaoโs restless shore. There, beneath the trembling light, I unfold โ a secret pulse, a body made of memory and prayers, aching to be touched by the world again.
————————
Ni naizena naiz, eta naizena arnasa hartzen du desioaren eta debozioaren arteko isilunean โ ikonoklasta baten eliza zaharraren aurpegi pitzatuaren gainetik behera irristatzen diren malkoetan ezkutatuta, euriaren ondoren larruazal bezain distiratsu.
Nire esentzia mugitzen da Bilboko itsasertze bizkorra laztantzen duten olatuen xuxurlan. Han, dardarka dabilen argiaren azpian, zabaltzen naiz โ taupada sekretu bat, oroitzapen eta otoitzaz egindako gorputz bat, munduak berriro ukitzeko gogo biziz.
Haiku and Tanka, Lull Harmony and Power in Japanese art by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton in now #1 Top Release in Canada
After being the #1 Top Release in the USA and still a bestseller, the #1 Amazon Bestseller in Japan, Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art, published by Literary Revelations, is now a #1 Top Seller in Canada too. Australia, how are we doing? Thank you to everyone who bought our book.
Screenshot
A Reminder
Please do not forget to check my new #1 Amazon Bestselling book, co-authored with the fabulous Japanese painter Hikari, Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art.
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.
Exciting News: Upcoming Release of โHaiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Artโ
A Beautiful Collaboration Arrives Just in Time for the Holidays
Dear friends and followers,
I am thrilled to announce that Literary Revelations will soon publish a very special album: โHaiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power.โ This splendid collection will be available in early Decemberโjust in time to make the perfect Christmas gift for literature and art lovers alike!
The album is a true collectorโs piece. It features exquisite paintings and tanka poetry by Hikari, expressing traditional Japanese art. Alongside her stunning artwork, youโll find my own interpretations of her paintings, illustrated in my haiku. This collaboration celebrates the harmony between visual art and poetry, offering a unique journey through both mediums.
We understand the importance of accessibility, so Literary Revelations will make every effort to keep the price as low as possible. Our goal is to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy this remarkable album.
Stay tuned for more updates and details. Thank you all for your continued supportโI canโt wait for you to experience this extraordinary release!
With excitement, gratitude, and deep thanks for your continued support!
This video is optimized for IG. On your blog, the image may appear slightly blurred. My apologies.
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.
