With this issue, Frogpond enters its 40th year of publication. The contributions and service of 13 editors (one who served twice) has provided continuity and renewal for the journal from 1978 to the present. Editing a journal for a community of strong, outspoken writers is challenging, “behind the scenes” work that requires creativity, patience, diligence, and a thick skin. It is also one of the highest forms of literary criticism: the ability to judge the quality of writing, work with authors to improve their haiku and essays, then arrange the best submissions into an aesthetic and engaging reading experience. The Haiku Society of America has been blessed with talented editors who have helped shape the rich diversity of English-language haiku over the past 40 years. Each editor was/is also an accomplished poet, so to help mark this 40th year we offer a sampling of each editor’s haiku, all previously published in Frogpond.
Lilli Tanzer, Hopewell Junction NY: issues 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 2:1, 2:2, 2:3, 2:4, 3:1, 3:2; 1978–1980.
A jumble of words interspersed with messages uttered in passing
silent growth
centered in warmth
circled by snow
The vine declines my horizontal guide
twists upward on itself