THE RESULTS OF A LITTLE IRIS HAIKU CONTEST, CROATIA 2020
JUDGE’S REPORT
Neal Whitman, CA, USA
In the midst of the pandemic, it was a dose of medicine to read 323 haiku submitted by 114 poets from 27 countries. Reading haiku always lifts my spirits, even those which bring me a feeling of sorrow, as well as joy, because of the creativity that goes into the art of concision. This year’s contest was based on the United Nations theme of strengthening actions for Nature to achieve sustainable goals. It was uplifting to see that haiku poets around the world were “reading” Nature’s warning signals that we need to take action and to learn of the many ways they “see” how Nature can be the solution and how we can help it be so.
1st prize: Eduard Țară, Romania
all these trees
he planted years ago
new whispering leaves
The substance of this haiku directly addresses the contest theme. Trees, of course, absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, so these trees planted in the past were an investment in our future. The person who planted these trees must have had faith and patience that some day they would help future generations. This person may or may not still be alive, but his trees are. Maybe that is what the leaves are whispering. I found this haiku refreshing to recite out loud. It is lyrical in sound and balanced in sight.
2nd prize: Karin Hedetniemi, Canada
woodpecker tapping —
the steady click of
knitting needles
Woodpeckers are natural helpers! They eat wood-boring insects and insect larvae which are harmful to tree health. A bonus is the grin their tap, tap, tapping brings to those of us nearby. What drew me to this haiku was the second audio image. I can hear the click, click, clicking of a knitter working on a home-made garment which means one less factory-made one. It might be a sweater or a scarf or a blanket. I can “see” the knitter’s focused attention and wearing a smile, thinking of someone who will be warmed by this labor of love. It might even be a gift. I much liked the repeat k sound of click and the repeat of the n sound with knitting needles.
3rd prize: Cezar-Florin Ciobîcă, Romania
Earth Day
on every banner wave
forget-me-nots
When I think of Earth Day I recall attendingthe the very first one on April 22, 1970. On our local fairgrounds, in addition to speakers there were exhibit booths and many colorful banners with slogans. One connection to forget-me-nots is that flower petals are sometimes called “banners” and this one has five! But, wait. There’s more. This particular flower symbolizes loss, but also hope. The observation of Earth Day and the celebration of this colorful flower bring optimism that there is still time to remedy environmental harm and make repairs needed to make a better future. Earth Day is action-oriented, which the U.N. theme calls us to take. This past year marked its 50th anniversary and its voice remains strong.
COMMENDATIONS
Hassane Zemmouri, Algeria
tree planting campaign…
as many seedlings
as children
Srinivas S, India
no-fly zone
the koel begins
to sing again
Julie Warther, USA
river cleanup
removing a tire
leaving the moon
Hifsa Ashraf Pakistan
paper recycling…
the wind whistles through
a canopy of trees
David Watts, CA USA
the river
feels its own way
dam removed
Julie Bloss Kelsey, Maryland, USA
steam rising
from the compost bin
morning tea
Sanela Pliško, Croatia
confronting fear
I put the little spider
back in the garden
Congratulations to all authors,stay well and safe!