In the Beginning – Poetic Prose – Poem by Gabriela Marie Milton
In the beginning, the sky was dark, swollen with braided longings. The earth lay beneath it, clothed in smiling flowers and the slow breath of gods. Petals parted like whispered confessions, damp with promises. Desire had no name.
On that day, I bent and chose one bloom. My fingers lingered,. At the first trembling touch love burst from the ground.
The earth arched upward, aching, rising to meet the weight of the sky. Roots tightened, winds sighed, and the night thickened with roses and heavy steps. Your name became the name of desire spoken by birds.
The second day of creation started.
Gods of my many worlds, I beg your forgiveness.
Featured Art: Shutterstock
A thought and some reminder
I was asked in an interview how I write “lush poetry” and “haiku”, such different poetic genres. The answer is I do not know. I just can. I leave the beauty of both genres raining over me. I became one with my writings.
Please do not forget our fabulous Artist in Residence, Hikari, and me published Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony, and Power in Japanese Art.
Literary Revelations is thrilled to announce an open call for submissions for our upcoming anthology, Haiku for Soulmates. Whether you have a soulmate and wish to celebrate your connection, or you dream of finding one, we invite you to share your poetic voice. If you have a soulmate, please compose five haiku for him or her. If you do not, let your imagination shape five haiku that describe the soulmate you hope to meet.
To participate, please submit your five haiku to literaryrevelations@pm.me and clearly label your email subject as Haiku for Soulmates. Please note that unlabeled submissions may be misplaced and not read. The submission deadline is February 25. Your five haiku will be accepted or rejected as a block.
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.
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!
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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.
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 subtletyโa choreography of brush and spirit, of line and stillness, tracing the arc of centuries. Hikariโs 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, Hikariโs 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 lyricismโa 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.
Many thanks to Japanese artist Naoki Kimura, who translated my haiku into Japanese.
Relevant picture by Hikari
Advertising the book:
Sharing the exhilarating news of a prestigious award that my publishing house, Literary Revelation, has proudly received! BEST POETRY PUBLISHER IN THE US OF 2025 – EVERYGREEN AWARD.
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.
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
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.
ๅชใใๅ ใใใชใใใชใ้ฐใใก โ ใใฎๅใใฏใๅใชใใปใฉใซ็พใใ ไฝใฟ โ ๅชใๅพ ใก็ถใใ The light is tender, the shadow falls with graceโ delicate, it stirs the ache of beauty. I linger, awaiting the hush of the lull.
ๆจ ๆ ๅฐ ๆจน Naoki Kimura ๅชๆฏ 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 unsaidโthe 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.
