From Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese art – by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton (art album upcoming at Literary Revelations) & More Updates

My dear followers and subscribers, I wish you a fantastic week filled with joy and happiness.

Today I would like to:

Ignite your curiosity with the enchanting upcoming art album and poetry collection entitled Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese Art, crafted with heart and soul by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton.
Share the exhilarating news of a prestigious award that my publishing house, Literary Revelation, has proudly received!
Remind you of a few things.

Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese Art, by Hikari and Gabriela Marie Milton.

it is with a sense of reverence and anticipation that I welcome you into the luminous world of Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese Art. Within these pages, the inspired artistry of Hikari and the lyrical insight of Gabriela Marie Milton weave an exquisite tapestry, inviting you to witness the delicate interplay of image and word. Here, art and poetry converse, giving voice to the ineffable.

The tradition of Japanese art is a testament to subtlety—a choreography of brush and spirit, of line and stillness, tracing the arc of centuries. Hikari’s paintings, shimmering with the echoes of ancient customs and the gentle cadence of nature, are not mere representations but meditations. Each canvas offers a sanctuary for contemplation, drawing us into depths where the soul may linger for a while.

For every painting, two poetic visions arise: the tanka, Hikari’s powerful thread, unspools with grace, capturing the hidden currents of emotion, justice, and sometimes memory; the haiku, rendered by Gabriela Marie Milton, distills the moment into lyricism—a dewdrop reflecting the vastness of feelings. Both forms, though inspired by a single image, diverge in their journey, each illuminating facets the other cannot reach. In their dialogue, they evoke shifting patterns, perhaps a sort of adulterated perspectivism, as they try to find unity in ultimacy.

From the book.

TANKA – HIKARI

短歌: 誇らしく百花の王花開き育て主への敬意を捧ぐ
（林泉寺の住職ご夫妻に捧げます）

peonies, Queens of Flowers
bloom proudly
never forget gratitude
toward those who raised and taught them

-Tanka dedicated to the head Priest and his spouse of the Rinsenji-Temple, Japan

HAIKU – GABRIELA MARIE MILTON

magic sacred temple
how beautiful your silence
fresh flowers whisper

魔法の聖なる寺院
あなたの沈黙はなんて美しいのでしょう
新鮮な花々がささやきます

Many thanks to Japanese artist Naoki Kimura, who translated my haiku into Japanese.

Relevant picture by Hikari

Advertising the book:

I am elated to share with you that after receiving the BEST PUBLISHER IN THE USA OF 2025 by BEST OF BEST REVIEW, Literary Revelations has received the BEST POETRY PUBLISHER IN THE US OF 2025 – EVERYGREEN AWARD.

LINK: https://evergreenawards.com/awards/literary-revelations-publishing-house-best-poetry-publisher-in-the-u-s-of-2025

Reminder:

Please do not forget to check out Literary Revelations’ latest album: Fine Art Photography Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Japanese Artist Naoki Kimura. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Art-Photography-Lullscapes-Shadow/dp/B0FP9JL6TL

Follow Literary Revelations and subscribe: https://literaryrevelations.com/

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Portland Book Review
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: Love Poems and Poetic Prose by Gabriela Marie Milton in Manhattan Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings in San Francisco by Gabriela Marie Milton in San Francisco Book Review
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings by Gabriela Marie Milton In Manhattan Book Reviews

LITERARY REVELATIONS ANNOUNCES UPCOMING ALBUM, HAIKU AND TANKA: LULL, HARMONY AND POWER IN JAPANESE ART BY HIKARI AND GABRIELA MARIE MILTON

My dear followers and subscribers,

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 beauty—pastels 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. Hikari’s 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 diverge—an 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

Please do not forget to check out Literary Revelations’ latest album: Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Japanese Artist Naoki Kimura. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Art-Photography-Lullscapes-Shadow/dp/B0FP9JL6TL

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Naoki Kimura is now the #1bestseller in the USA and Japan – Publisher Literary Revelations

My Gorgeous Followers,

My publishing house, Literary Revelations, and I are thrilled beyond words to share some incredible news with you. The eBook edition of Fine Art Photography: Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by acclaimed Japanese artist Naoki Kimura has soared to the #1 Bestseller spot in Japan! Equally exciting, the book is currently the #1 Bestseller in the USA too.

This journey would not be possible without your unwavering support and appreciation for the art of photography and poetry. Each page of this collection is a tribute to quiet beauty, gentle illumination, and the delicate dance of shadows and words—a treasure designed to enrich the souls of all who encounter it.

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you for being part of this artistic adventure. Your enthusiasm inspires us every day, and we sincerely hope you continue to enjoy and share our eBook with others. With your help, this digital masterpiece can find its way to even more art lovers around the world.

May this book bring light and serenity to your days. Thank you for making this moment possible.

You can get the book here:

With deepest gratitude and excitement,

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Naoki Kimura, published by Literary Revelations, tops the charts in Japan and the USA – find some poems inside

My dearest followers and cherished subscribers, I am absolutely exhilarated to share the incredible news that Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Naoki Kimura has soared to the very top of the charts in both Japan and the USA!

#1 Bestseller in Japan in two Amazon categories

Top release in the USA in Black and White Photography

Bestseller in the USA

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support through your purchases and heartfelt reviews. Your kindness fills me with deep gratitude and joy.

LITERARY REVELATIONS

POETRY BY NAOKI KIMURA

優しき光、しなやかなる陰たち ―
その儚さは、切ないほどに美しい
佇み ―
凪を待ち続ける
The light is tender, the shadow falls with grace—
delicate, it stirs the ache of beauty.
I linger, awaiting the hush of the lull.

木村尚樹
Naoki Kimura
凪景 Nagikei
Lullscapes in Light
and Shadow

A few words about this haiku

Despite its brevity, a haiku can carry profound emotional weight. Its power lies in what is left unsaid—the spaces between words and the silence after the final syllable. This is truly a fabulous piece that lingers in the mind, echoing with gentle wisdom and stirring wonder. To analyze Noaki Kimura’s haiku is to appreciate his artistry and embrace the delight it brings to the reader.

A video for my dear followers

You can get the video here:

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

A Haiku by Gabriela Marie Milton – More updates on Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Naoki Kimura

My dear followers,

As another week gently draws to its close, I want to pause and wish each of you a truly fabulous weekend. May these days be filled with the gentle beauty of quiet moments, the laughter of friends, and the comfort of creative inspiration.

Haiku by Gabriela Marie Milton

I enter your soft dreams,
your lips linger, dew-kissed night,
silence breathes between.

Update: Lullscapes in Light and Shadow

I am delighted to share an update on Naoki Kimura’s remarkable fine art photography and poetry, Lullscapes in Light and Shadow, published by Literary Revelations. The album is still a #1 bestseller in Japan, a Top Release, and a bestseller in the USA. This splendid collection weaves delicate imagery and profound emotion into every line, exploring the interplay between illumination and obscurity in both poetry and fine art photography. Naoki Kimura’s work truly invites readers to wander through landscapes of dream and memory, where each poem is a moment of quiet discovery.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the book. Your enthusiasm and encouragement mean the world, and it is heartwarming to see Lullscapes in Light and Shadow finding its way to readers across the globe.

Thank you, USA!
Thank you, Japan!
Thank you, UK!
Thank you, Canada!

Your love of literature is what keeps stories alive and growing. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased and read the book. May this weekend bring you peace, inspiration, and the gentle glow of words well loved.

For you a poem from Naoki’s album:

Somewhere between heartbeats and breath,
golden whispers coil in stillness,
each filament a promise
that even silence
can wear its own light.
–Naoki Kimura

The featured photo also belongs to Naoki Kimura and it is included in the album.

AMAZON LINK

With warmest thanks and best wishes for the days ahead!

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Naoki Kimura is now an Amazon bestseller and Top New Release in Black and White Photography

優しき光、しなやかなる陰たち ―
その儚さは、切ないほどに美しい
佇み ―
凪を待ち続ける
The light is tender, the shadow falls with grace—
delicate, it stirs the ache of beauty.
I linger, awaiting the hush of the lull.

木村尚樹
Naoki Kimura
凪景 Nagikei
Lullscapes in Light
and Shadow

My dear followers.

Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Naoki Kimura, is now an Amazon bestseller and Top New Release in Black and White Photography.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who bought the book or spread the news.

I need your help more than ever.

WHY?

Because on Tuesday, the four major publishers of the world release their books, usually dragging down self-published books and small independent publishers. Literary Revelations is so proud of its accomplishments, but it is not Penguin Random House.

Literary Revelations

FOR YOUR INFO

Penguin Random House, the publisher encompassing the “Penguin” name, reported record global revenues of €4.9 billion (approximately $5.3 billion) for 2024, driven by higher book prices and broad title offerings. This marks an increase from €4.5 billion ($4.92 billion) in 2023, continuing a trend of rising sales despite earlier challenges.

That said, you understand.

You can find Lullscapes in Light and Shadow here. https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Art-Photography-Lullscapes-Shadow/dp/B0FP9JL6TL/

ABOUT THE BOOK.

The title “Nagikei” (凪景–Lullscapes) distills the profound tranquility and harmony embodied in “Nagi” (凪, Lull), weaving it seamlessly with the subtle appreciation for nuance and evanescence inherent in “Kei” (景, scenery or emotional landscape). In Naoki Kimura’s fine art photography and poetry album, this fusion becomes not merely an artful label, but a gentle invocation—an opening into a world where, between the shifting of light and shadow, time decelerates and the soul glides quietly toward contemplation.

Lullscapes in Light and Shadows is an artwork of interwoven monochrome vistas, with a careful curation of poetry—haiku, tanka, free-form verse, and brief prose reflections. Each literary piece is chosen to echo or counterpoint the visual narrative, inviting us ever deeper into the dialogue between image and word, between perception and emotion. The result is not a collection to be hurried through, but a presence to be lived with—an artifact for repeated visitation, wherein each encounter reveals new shades of meaning.

Nagikei is a quiet revolution—a call to reclaim the present moment from the relentless tide of haste and distraction. It is a living testament to the possibility of beauty in stillness, a sanctuary for those willing to see with eyes attuned to the delicate music of impermanence.

THANK YOU!

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Amazon Top New Release in Black and White Photography -Lullscapes in Light and Shadow by Naoki Kimura

My dear readers:

I am absolutely ecstatic to announce that Naoki Kimura’s mesmerizing art album, Lullscapes in Light and Shadow was released on Amazon yesterday and at the hour I write is already TOP NEW RELEASE IN THE USA IN BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY. Congratulations to Naoki Kimura, and thank you to those who decided to support us in any way possible.

Japanese Fine-Art Photography

Haiku, tanka, and Short Prose.

A collector’s magnificent album

Find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP9JL6TL

Description

Naoki Kimra’s Nagikei (凪景–Lullscapes): An Invitation to Japanese Fine Art Photography and Poetry, by Naoki Kimura
The Art of Stillness, Subtlety, and Impermanence

Placed upon a coffee table, Lullscapes in Light and Shadow, a superb album by Japanese artist Naoki Kimura becomes a vessel for shared reflection; opened in solitude, it becomes a companion for meditation. The pages of the album are thresholds—cross them, and you enter a world where the ordinary glimmers with the extraordinary, where slowness becomes a form of gratitude.

The title “Nagikei” (凪景–Lullscapes) distills the profound tranquility and harmony embodied in “Nagi” (凪, Lull), weaving it seamlessly with the subtle appreciation for nuance and evanescence inherent in “Kei” (景, scenery or emotional landscape). In Naoki Kimura’s fine art photography and poetry album, this fusion becomes not merely an artful label, but a gentle invocation—an opening into a world where, between the shifting of light and shadow, time decelerates and the soul glides quietly toward contemplation.
Lullscapes in Light and Shadow is an invitation to rediscover moments of serenity and ephemeral beauty that are often overlooked in the rush of daily life. Kimura’s monochrome photography is both an ode to visual and literary—to the hush that follows the wind, to the grace found in the silent corners of existence.

Suffused throughout Nagikei is the spirit of “Mono no Aware,” that uniquely Japanese awareness of the bittersweet nature of impermanence. To see with “Mono no Aware” is to encounter beauty precisely because, and not despite, its fleetingness. Kimura’s fine art photographs do not aspire to be mere records of a vanishing world; they are meditation spaces in which to linger, to mourn, and to celebrate the fragile radiance slipping softly through our fingers. Each image becomes a silent haiku, a moment’s flare of consciousness before it dissolves back into the quiet flow of time.

Interwoven with the monochrome vistas is a careful curation of poetry—haiku, tanka, free-form verse, and brief prose reflections. Each literary piece is chosen to echo or counterpoint the visual narrative, inviting us ever deeper into the dialogue between image and word, between perception and emotion. The result is not a collection to be hurried through, but a presence to be lived with—an artifact for repeated visitation, wherein each encounter reveals new shades of meaning.

Thank you!

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

A SUPERB PHOTO BY NAOKI KIMURA, A POEM BY GABRIELA MARIE MILTON, AND A VIDEO

Wishing all my amazing followers a truly enchanting weekend filled with magic.

Photo: Naoki Kimura

A poem by Gabriela Marie Milton

Memories,
static, a half-formed word.
The girls’ laughter
echoing through the hollow chest of a moment in time.

Gone now,
my eyes blurred
like rain on glass,
perhaps I dreamt them—

Young bodies flickering in the static,
their fancy emptied
like pockets after a carnival.
What did they buy from the pharmacy?

It smells like morphine—
sweet, chemical,
a day in life
dissolving at the edges.

I look through your eyes
at the girls’ nonexistent presence,
shadows in the room,
the laughter—
folded into silence.

I think of you.
Years inscribed on windows.
What did the girls buy from the pharmacy?

Sneak a peek at Naoki Kimura’s upcoming Photo Album from Literary Revelations.

Naoki Kimura, a celebrated artist known for his fine art photography, is set to release a breathtaking new album under the aegis of Literary Revelations. Tentatively scheduled for publication at the end of July, this highly anticipated album promises to be an unparalleled artistic experience and an exquisite addition to any coffee table.

Capturing the Essence of Japanese Sensibility

The album stands as a testament to the profound beauty of Japanese culture through the medium of monochrome photography. It artfully encapsulates cherished aesthetic principles such as “Mono no Aware,” the bittersweet awareness of impermanence; “Wabi,” the understated elegance of simplicity; and “Sabi,” the poetic grace of age and weathering. Each photograph invites viewers into a meditative space, allowing them to perceive the beauty hidden within the fleeting moments of life.

A Fusion of Art and Literature

Beyond its striking visuals, the album harmonizes the photographic artistry with the written word. It contains a rich tapestry of haiku, tanka, free-form poetry, and short prose, each piece carefully curated to complement the visual narrative. This literary inclusion elevates the album into a multidimensional experience, offering not just imagery but profound reflections that resonate deeply with the soul.

An Artistic Treasure for Every Home

Naoki Kimura’s album is more than a collection of photographs—it’s a piece of art that speaks to the heart. Its pages promise moments of introspection, beauty, and connection, making it the perfect centerpiece for contemplation and conversation. The fusion of visual and literary artistry ensures that this work will leave an indelible mark on all who encounter it.

Prepare to immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience when Naoki Kimura’s fine art photography arrives this summer. This album promises to be not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of the timeless essence of Japanese sensibility. Truly, a masterpiece destined to touch hearts and enrich lives.

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

“With lush language and lavish imagery, Gabriela M. evokes a fantastic world ripe with emotion.”
Christina Schwarz, the author of the New York Times Bestseller “Drowning Ruth.”

Play in the streets – Poem by Gabriela Marie Milton – and more new about Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku

My dear followers. I would like to share a poem that I wrote recently with you, entitled Play in the streets.

POEM

Play in the streets your mandolin for me
The sounds of love and Moorish winds
Born from the womb of the Mediterranean
With our bones, the Phoenix we can see

Shed the music of the mandolin on yellow walls
That meet us every day in hidden places
They bite the flesh of the cold statues, and the sun,
Stones and rays fall from the sky on our skin
Then comes the time when love gets thicker
Stories of the old Granada on your lips
On my breasts and ankles, angels fall
Kiss me my love
It’s the Apocalypse

NEWS

Now, more news about Literary Revelations and Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku.

Tranquility is currently the #1 top release in the US and the most gifted book in Japan.

Literary Revelations is deeply grateful to everyone who bought the book. That helped us to donate to several charities.

You can get the book here:

Literary Revelations and Victoria Onofrei of Bloomsbury Radio (Victoria in Verse Show), UK, will organize a Poetry Festival on Sunday, May 18, 2025 – 5pm London time. The festival will take place via Zoom.

All contributors will be invited, as well as, those who are not contributors but bought the book.

I will come back very soon with more details. Please follow us at Literary Revelations https://literaryrevelations.com/, @gabriela_marie_milton and @lr_publishers.

Thank you,

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Christina Schwarz, the author of the New York Times Bestseller “Drowning Ruth.”

Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku by Literary Revelations Publishing House tops the charts in the US and Japan

An outstanding and dazzling book filled with magic! Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku, published by Literary Revelations.

Immerse yourselves in its charm.

Get it for Mother’s Day!

An outstanding and dazzling book!

All contributors will be invited, as well as, those who are not contributors but bought the book.

I will come back very soon with more details. Please follow us at Literary Revelations https://literaryrevelations.com/, @gabriela_marie_milton and @lr_publishers.

Thank you and have a wonderful week!

My books (Only English)
#1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis)
#1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)

Thank you to all my followers who reviewed my books.
Please read other reviews here:

Christina Schwarz, the author of the New York Times Bestseller “Drowning Ruth.”