Literary Revelations is thrilled to let you know that Full Moon Confessions, a splendid book of poetry, by Tracey Anne is a Top New Release in two categories before its official launch tomorrow! With art on the over by the award-winning Japanese painter Hikari, the book is a gem.
Please check it out here:
From Tracey, a beautiful poem for you:
December Diary
Words jump out of my head I hear them plead to keep them safe in secret tears accompanied to help ease the pain some find comfort hurdled along the creases against the grain December diary a few more nights left to hold burdens of heartbreaks and past memories
I write to let you know that Literary Revelationsis thrilled to reveal the full cover for the highly anticipated poetry collection, “Full Moon Confessions” by the talented poet Tracey Anne. This stunning book features gorgeous poetry that will captivate your heart and soul.
Tentative release date: end of September
The art for “Full Moon Confessions” was created by the award-winning Japanese artist Hikari, whose breathtaking work perfectly complements the lyrical beauty of Tracey Anne’s words. Sheer artistry and emotion radiate from Hikai’s art and the design that Iuliana Irimia created for the cover.
“Full Moon Confessions” is a must-read for poetry lovers and anyone seeking a profound, introspective journey. With Hikari’s masterful cover art, this book is sure to become a treasured addition to your literary collection. Stay tuned for more updates on the official release date.
It is my pleasure to read one of Tracey’s poems included in the book.
Cherry Blossom Dream
Cherry blossom skies captured me with your mischievous smile a kiss irresistible sweet lips a playful tease come and go as you please promise to be there for spring and forget to mention youโll flee before our love story begins
Come with me where fish are born and horizons melt like chocolate on the tongue of a child.
Waters.
I want to remark that the italic text above has been used by two writers after being posted on this blog. My advise: Be you!
Please do not forget to check out Literary Revelations‘ #1 Amazon bestseller in Haiku and Japanese Poetry, Petals of Haiku: An Anthology. This superb collection features the work of over 160 talented poets. The art on the cover by award-winning painter Hikari sets the tone for what awaits inside – a world where words dance off the page and into your heart. The background photo by award-winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura adds another layer of beauty to this already exquisite collection.
The book together with Hikariโs painting of the cover will be displayed in the Treasure House of the Rinsenji Temple, Japan,
Gabriela Marie Milton 2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
I am eternally grateful to Hikari, and to the Head Priest [Sasagawa – ็ฌนๅทไฝ่ท] of the Rinsenji Temple in Japan for choosing to display a picture of Petals of Haiku together with Hikari’s original painting for the book cover in the prestigious Treasure House of the Rinsenji Temple. This is an immense honor that fills me with the utmost gratitude.
Hikari’s stunning artwork has elevated the beauty of theLiterary Revelations‘ Petals of Haiku collection, and I am humbled that her creation and our book will now reside in such a revered institution as the Rinsenji Temple, where they will be preserved for generations to come. Hikari’s work and the essence of our book Petals of Haiku will be immortalized, touching the hearts of all who will behold them.
The Rinsenji Temple was founded in 1497 by the samurai Nagao Yoshikage (้ทๅฐพ่ฝๅฝฑ1464-1506). Remember the samurai were not only exceptional fighters. They were also highly educated. Eou (ๆตๅฟ1424-1504) was the first head priest of the temple. The current head priest is the 41th head of the temple. Could you imagine the Treasure House of the Temple? When the head priest decides the exact placement perhaps will get a picture.
Honored hardly begins to describe what I feel.
Congratulations to all contributors.
The head priest was extremely gracious and allowed Hikari to enter the temple and take a picture for Literary Revelations.
Hikari, the head priest, Hikari’s painting and our book.
Hikari’s picture of the temple, her art, and a short video she took in the garden of the temple where she painted the original art work for the cover.
If you are in Japan please visit the temple.
You can check out the book here.
Thank you everyone! I am truly humbled.
Gabriela
Gabriela Marie Milton 2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
In the US “Petals of Haiku: An Anthology” published byLiterary Revelationwent to #1 Amazon’s bestseller in Haiku and Japanese poetry before the launch day. In the US too the book was and still is a Top Release in Haiku and Japanese poetry, as well as Nature Poetry, and Poetry Anthologies at the hour I write.
In Japan “Petals of Haiku: An Anthology” has reaches #1 Amazon Bestseller in Haiku and Japanese Poetry and Poetry Anthology.
In the UK we have reached Top Release in Haiku.
In Germany we have reached #2 Top Release in Haiku and Japanize poetry. Surprise! Surprise!
I cannot tell you how humbled I am. Thank you to each and one of you for your beautiful haiku. Thank you to our award-winning Japanese artists Hikari (art) and Naoki Kimura (background photo) who contributed to the book cover and who now are my dearest friends.
A glimpse at how the cover evolved:
Beautiful Haiku by Dawn & a promotional video.
cats at the window stare hard at luminous stars, enthralled by heaven
falling star flashes in the night and disappears from sight all too soon
And please remember gifting books is precious. The other day one of my best friends came to visit. I told her that I just don’t know what to do anymore with so many mugs. I asked her if she wants them. She laughed : “Please no, I just threw mine away.”
Books make better presents than mugs!
Gabriela Marie Milton 2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Petals of Haiku: An Anthology published by Literary Revelationsretains its #1 Amazon Bestselling Place in Haiku and Japanese Poetry. We are still Top New Release in Haiku and Poetry About Nature. We were briefly #1 Top Release in Poetry Anthologies. I am thrilled.
Thank you for your likes, your kind comments, and your support. I am very grateful to everyone who have helped us. Sending you love.
A few haiku from the book
butterflies flutter in the bushes red bougainvilleas
synchronised courting danceโ the grebes paddle furiously
Christina Chin
lightningโs brilliance strikes, tree falls in the whispering dawn, my body echoes.
lifeโs depth beyond pride, loveโs essence, more than wordsโ fodder, deathโs fear, left behind.
Virginia Mateias
harvesting cassava the widowed woman babywears her child
I was planning to launch Petals of Haiku: An Anthology by Literary Revelations tomorrow May 30. However the book became a New Amazon Top Release before its launch. I am in heaven. Congratulations to all contributors. Thank you to everyone who helped us. Love to everyone.
Gabriela.
You can check the book out here.
Gabriela Marie Milton 2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Books:
Literary Revelations will publish Petals of Haiku on May 30 (tentative date). This is a reading done by me of two beautiful haiku written by Maria Carvalho. I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you for the visit and the support.
Gabriela Marie Milton 2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Books:
Literary Revelations plans to release Petals of Haiku: An Anthology on May 30 [tentative date].
I would like to share with you the foreword I wrote and my reading of two wonderful poems written by one of our contributors David Garcia. I hope you enjoy. Thank you!
Petals of Haiku – Foreword
Literary Revelations invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of “Petals of Haiku: An Anthology.” This superb collection features the work of over 160 talented poets, each contributing four exquisite haiku, in just a few cases only three.
Petals of Haiku is not just an anthology that Literary Revelations is proud to publish. Itโs a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of haiku poetry. The spectacular haiku writers featured in this collection bring to life the delicacy of seasons and the profound range of human emotions, from joy to grief, in a way that is both delightful and deeply moving.
Haiku, the beloved Japanese poetic form, has the power to distill life’s fleeting moments into magical verses. Within the pages of โPetals of Haiku,โ you’ll discover both traditional and nontraditional interpretations of this timeless art, each one a masterful display of precision and emotion.
This anthology is a true feast for the senses, inviting you to pause, reflect, and savor the simple elegance of these poetic gems. Whether you’re a seasoned haiku enthusiast or new to the genre, โPetals of Haikuโ will leave an indelible mark, inspiring you to see the world through fresh, enlightened eyes.
We would be truly honored if you would immerse yourself in this captivating collection. Prepare to be transported, moved, and transformed by the โPetals of Haiku.โ
The art on the cover is done by the award-winning painter Hikari who sets the tone for what awaits inside โ a world where words dance off the page and into your heart. The background photo belongs to award-winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura and adds another layer of beauty to this already exquisite collection; and the beautiful cover is designed by Iuliana Irimia, a wonderful Montreal artist.
Gabriela Marie Milton, Editor, Author, Publisher
Two haiku by David Garcia and a short introduction – a reading
Gabriela Marie Milton 2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Books:
It is with great pleasure that we bring to you the full cover design of Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, a superb book that Literary Revelations plans to release mid to late May 2024. We are humbled by your submissions. Over 150 poets are included in this anthology and we are profoundly grateful to the award winning Japanese painter Hikari whose art work is phenomenal, as well as to the award winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura who provided the background photo.
We are also proud of the wonderful and innovative cover design, done by Iuliana Irimia, a young and talented artist, based in Montreal, Canada. Iuliana worked with Hikari’s beautiful cover art and the end result is a gorgeous marriage between Hikari’s Japanese art and Iuliana’s Western take on the conceptualizing of haiku. This marriage is highly reflected in the haiku included in this book.
A Few Words about the Anthology
Petals of Haiku is not just an anthology that Literary Revelations is proud to publish. It’s a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of haiku poetry like never before. The spectacular haiku writers featured in this collection bring to life the delicacy of seasons and the profound range of human emotions, from joy to grief, in a way that is both delightful and deeply moving.
The art on the cover by award-winning painter Hikari sets the tone for what awaits inside – a world where words dance off the page and into your heart. The background photo by award-winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura adds another layer of beauty to this already exquisite collection.
A few words about Japanese haiku
Before Literary Revelations publishes the anthology I want to share with you several thoughts advanced by Westerns and Asian scholars on haiku. The traditional haiku form is one thing 5-7-5 syllables and it is generally known by all writers of haiku. However, most importantly for Literary Revelations is what we discovered in the haiku included in our collection. That is to say how the poets included in the anthology expressed their feelings and how haiku evolved since its inception to the present.
As Bruce Ross argues in the The Essence of Haiku (Modern Haiku, 2007), “affective feeling generated through the absolute metaphor of haiku became associated with different kinds of aesthetic values in traditional Japanese haiku. Mono no aware, โthe pathos of things,โ is an overall term for how one is affected by things. Other aesthetic values in haiku include wabi, โsimplicity,โ sabi, โmetaphysical loneliness,โ and yรปgen, โmystery.โ Contrary to Western poetics (aside from Romanticism), for example, Oriental (sic!) poetry and poetics was centered upon such states of affective feeling…. So rather than being a senseless thing, a flower in a given context could radiate affective feeling for the Japanese haiku poet not as symbol, but as an existentially valid presence.”
The last sentence here is of great importance. Symbolists will disagree that a flower is a senseless thing. However, they will argue that the symbol behind the flower is magic and meaningful; the real flower is just “charming.” Yet, this does not mean that symbolists cannot understand or feel what haiku transmits. Poetry is art and as Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson claims art “helps us identify with one another and expands our notion of weโfrom the local to the global.โ One can go ahead and look at the work of scholars who study the neuroplasticity of the brain and decide for himself/herself.
Bruce Ross continues, “It should be noted, additionally, that the โfeelingโ in haiku is usually not the demonstrative emotion of Western poetry. Haiku is not used to express strong emotions, which are usually reserved for tanka. Rather it is a mode of receptive feeling between a poet and his natural subject, even though the poet’s emotional climate often affects and even directs his/her relation to the subject.”
While the first part of the paragraph is clear the second claim appears questionable. If the emotional climate affects and directs the relationship to the subject is then the flower only “an existentially valid presence”?
One way or another Bruce Ross’ essay is extremely valuable. You can find it here
Again, we are thrilled to release the gorgeous cover and we hope you enjoy it.
Gabriela Marie Milton 2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Books:
