J Michael Gospe M D

Through the Prism of Haiku J Michael Gospe M D

A poem by Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), a haiku master, struck me while I was on a three-day silent retreat. old pond, a frog jumps in, sound of water. (Translated by Robert Hass) I dove into the poet's silent pond. I swam with a school of white koi and Basho's small green frog. We played a game of hide-and-seek among the long thick roots of pure white lotus lilies. Ever since then, I pause to appreciate nature and life around me. I focus on events and objects that I once glossed over: clouds, gardens, and birds. Sounds play in my mind as they accompany me on quiet walks. Words and phrases form into beautiful unexpected designs, much as my old wooden kaleidoscope flashes colorful pictures into my eyes. My trusty Thesaurus and I transformed my thoughts into the fifty-four haiku poems that make up Through the Prism of Haiku: views of nature and life. Each of the nine sections in this book portrays different aspects of nature and life. I sincerely hope that this small collection will bring as much light to your life as it has to mine.