Flitting ball
trajectories fill
deep-cut space.


深い間を弧の満たしけり弾む球

ふかい ま を　こ の みたし けり　はずむ たま




NACOS tips for writing English haiku

Euphony refers to the pleasing sound of a poem. It encompasses rhythm and tone. While writing the above senryuu, I tried to strive for Euphony. I began the poem with a clear image in mind, but waited to settle on the details until something with resonance popped into my mind. I ended up staring at the first two lines for around five minutes while waiting for a visit from the third. In other words, I let the language guide my meaning rather than the other way around.

When poets strive for artistic form, they open their minds to the muse’s input.




Frustrated by Michiko: Illustrated by Michiko