Haiku Society of America
Merit Book Awards for 1994
for books published in 1993
unknown judges
Thank you to all who sent work to be considered for the 1994 Merit Book Awards. Each book is worthy of being included in personal collections. Decisions for awards were difficult ones to make, given the quality and the diversity of the entries. As judges, we sought to evaluate the submissions in the criteria traditionally invoked in discussing haiku and related forms. In each case there was a give and take of opinions before arriving at an agreement. After registering the “initial impact” of the work, we refined our impressions by further reading and discussion. We looked for achievement overall: appropriateness and precision of language, tone, and thought. Also, in the case of several forms (e.g., haiku, renku, tanka, haibun), one had to evaluate their interrelations, consonance, etc. That is, how were the parts articulated? It was agreed from the start that each judge would keep a record of notes from successive readings. Subsequently, we would collate our observations before making final decisions. All of this did not mean a pedantic adherence to “rules,” or a “value” applied mechanically without appreciation of “originality.” Lest the judges be too harshly judged, we plead honest hard work and possible fallibility.
First Place
Margaret Chula. Grinding My Ink. Lake Oswego, OR: Katsura Press, 1993.
Superbly sustained focus, centering in daily life at the place where she lived in Japan. Initially, she writes: “this collection of haiku is dedicated to the house at Icho da cho 10-1 and to John who shared it with me.” This is followed by an Introduction in which she masterfully creates the ambience. The brush calligraphy (kanji) which correspond to and set apart each section of haiku are exciting, and take us back to the title, Grinding My Ink. Each section has its special imagery, tones and moods. Indeed, this book is a good example of unity in diversity, a cohesiveness of all elements. Nothing seems extraneous.
Second Place
Charles B. Dickson. A Moon in Each Eye. Edited by Vincent Tripi. Gualala, CA: AHA Books, 1993.
Published posthumously, Dickson’s family dedicates the book to Vincent Tripi, who selected and edited the poems. The unity of setting, of “scene” in the poetic sense, is built of interrelated images of a rural world. There’s an integration of person, place and things observed. Simple (in the best haiku sense of the word) and delicately sensuous haiku.
Third Place
Francine Porad. The Patchwork Quilt: Haiku, Senryu, Tanka, Renku, Artwork. Mercer Island, WA: Vandina Press, 1993.
We find a clue to the book’s structure in the title. This is a sensitive gathering of haiku, senryu, and tanka. It is true to the author’s work in general, a blending of pathos, humor and wit. The book’s integrity is marked by a refreshing absence of pretentiousness, a tenderness without sentimentality. Also included are her monoprints. An excitingly versatile writer and painter.
Honorable Mention
Cyril Childs, Editor. The New Zealand Haiku Anthology. Wellington, New Zealand: The New Zealand Poetry Society, 1993.
The work of 19 contributors, all New Zealanders. A fascinating insight into the feel of another country and culture. A lively and vigorous collection.
Honorable Mention
Jean Jorgensen. Border Crossing: Haiku and Related Poetry. Edmonton, Alberta: Four Seasons Corner, 1993.
The title implies a literal border crossing and symbolic crossings—into puberty, growing up and leaving home, changes of season, etc. Poems animated by a charming wit.
Honorable Mention
David Priebe, Editor. Timepieces: Haiku Week At-a-glance 1994. Los Angeles, CA: Cloverleaf Books, 1993.
A calendar featuring winners of a contest calling for haiku on natural and seasonal themes only. An innovative service for haiku poets and those fond of haiku.
Honorable Mention
Michael Dylan Welch, Editor. Fig Newtons: Senryu to Go. Foster City, CA: Press Here, 1993.
Anthology containing senryu by Laura Bell, Garry Gay, Christopher Herold, vincent tripi, Michael Dylan Welch, and Paul O. Williams. A most amusing collection.