We are immensely grateful for the generosity of award-winning Japanese artistic photographer, Naoki Kimura who has graciously provided us with four stunning photographs to include in our upcoming poetry book, “Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku.” Each image encapsulates a unique essence of peace and beauty, perfectly aligning with the theme we wish to convey in this collection. Here is one of them entitled Mercy Blue.
As we eagerly await the completion of Hikari’s – a Japanese award-winning artist too – artwork for the cover, we cannot help but feel thrilled and inspired by this collaboration. The visual artistry will elevate our anthology and offer readers a deeper connection to the tranquility we aim to explore through words. We appreciate Hikari’s dedication and creativity, which will play a pivotal role in bringing “Tranquility” to life. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey!
Reminder:
Literary Revelationsinvites you to unleash your poetic prowess and be part of our upcoming poetry collection entitled Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku. With a cover designed by our of award-winning Japanese artist Hikari, and with artistic photos by award-winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura included, please do not miss the chance to have your words grace the pages of our anthology.
Submit 5 haiku (s) at literaryrevelations@pm.me Label your submission: 5 Haiku Submissions close on February 28.
My books (Only English) #1 Amazon bestseller, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis) #1 Amazon Bestseller, Women: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis)
Edited Collections: #1 Amazon Bestseller, Hidden in Childhood (Literary Revelations) #1 Amazon bestseller,Petals of Haiku (Literary Revelations) #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women (EIF)
I am thrilled to let you know that Literary Revelations will publish Full Moon Confessions by Tracey Anne, an excellent poetry book on September 22 (tentative date)
Here is a magnificent poem from Tracey’s book:
Autumn in Paradise
Lovers of a forbidden tale paisley teardrops sewn on my veil hidden truth of parting pain tracing rainbows through the rain love is a game and I dare not blame the trembling leaves or the autumn breeze for at least we once believed in our own fairytale
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. It’s 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 “Petals of Haiku,” 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, “Petals of Haiku” 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 “Petals of Haiku.”
The art on the cover is done by the award-winning painter Hikari who sets the tone for what awaits inside – 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, “the pathos of things,” is an overall term for how one is affected by things. Other aesthetic values in haiku include wabi, “simplicity,” sabi, “metaphysical loneliness,” and yûgen, “mystery.” 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 we—from the local to the global.” 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 “feeling” 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:
Happy Monday. May you have a fabulous week ahead. As some of you may know Literary Revelations will publish Echoes Lost in Stars, a wonderful poetry book by PS Conway, on March 17, 2024.
Below is my reading of the poem “gentle” included in Echoes Lost in Stars. I hope you enjoy it.
gentle, the night breeze sighs warm upon my cheek breathing short and gaspt along my ear sliding soft and tender ‘cross star-bared shoulders eyes close lips part
gentle, the night breeze sighs full into my soul pleading long and thick upon my heart searching hard and ancient anent my source eyes widen spirit departs
i am, the night breeze sighs
Please follow me at Literary Revelations for more updates, poetry, short prose, interviews, art.
Gabriela Marie Milton 2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Books:
My publishing house – Literary Revelations – will release Greenlandos by Virginia Witch on January 20th. I cannot tell you how excited I am. To learn more about the book please read the Amazon description below.
Thank you!
Amazon Description
Virginia Witch’s Greenlandos is a captivating book filled with humor, adventure, and ecological lessons. This extraordinary tale has an enchanting plot. In it all the characters are vegetables, adding a unique twist to the story. While it is a book for everyone to enjoy, it particularly resonates with middle graders.
Greenlandos is not just another entertaining read; it also carries important lessons about defending our environment and taking care of our planet. Through its delightful narrative, young readers will discover the significance of environmental responsibility in a way that is both engaging and educational.
What sets this book apart are its excellent characters. Each vegetable character possesses distinct personalities that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old alike. The story unfolds with humor woven throughout, creating moments of laughter that make the reading experience unforgettable.
Parents, teachers, and educators will find Virginia Witch’s Greenlandos an excellent addition to their collection of children’s books. It serves as a valuable tool to spark conversations about the safety of our environment while providing an enjoyable reading experience for young minds.
So whether you’re a child seeking an exciting adventure or an adult looking for a heartwarming story with meaningful themes, this book is for you too! Get ready to embark on a journey like no other as you dive into the pages of Greenlandos.
Gabriela Marie Milton 2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Books:
the rhythm of castanets awakens the moon on opal rings your kisses spin a cricket’s hitting a crescendo waves tattoo dark shadows on your skin sonority, you who vibrates the souls of those who haunt at night the Port of Cartagena
I toss in smells of apricots and plumes the Hand of Fatima takes off my veils your forehead sinks into the sweat of lovers who sever their veins oh, dream of the unknowns, you, latency, the sigh of blood which flows in spring both mud and flowers grow
didn’t you know that when you said I love you you stepped on roads of fables and folk tales? you glued your heart onto a purple sunset smells of lilac and of roses, impregnated strolls, seduction, it wasn’t me it was you who stole his soul
Published by Spillwords on June, 4 2019;
included in my upcoming poetry book Passion: Love Poems and Other Writings Passion: Love Poems and Other Writings also includes several poems translated in Italian by Flavio Almerighi. I am most grateful to Flavio for his magnificent translations. For more poetry in Italian please visit Flavio’s site here
