Between Light & Shadow: Haiku & Senryu

5/5 ( ratings)

Debbi Antebi produces social observations we can recognise in ourselves at least once in our lives, and if we are honest, possibly several times. The senryu are some of the very best I've read, and have that rare added essence of haiku at times. At other times the author includes distinctive senryu aspects into her haiku, absorbing qualities of both genres. Reading her senryu they are superior to one level jokes, or anecdotes, that we might only read once, enjoy, and move on without revisiting. Her senryu are incredibly touching and blisteringly honest, yet reassuringly comforting and necessary in times of need. Her haiku merge with a touch of senryu making them also highly re-readable, and not just once or twice more, but several times over the years. One particular haiku, with a senryu flavour, is one of the finest examples of how you can add an aspect of one genre to another: It begins with 'falling leaves', and is one I will keep close to my heart. I've already read many many times each poem, be it senryu or haiku, from 'running out of words', possibly one of the most contemporary and insightful senryu I've ever read, to 'family dinner', 'alone at home with a water leak', to 'catching up', and 'moving day' as well as 'visiting home'. I can't reveal these poems because I want you to have that honour. - Alan Summers, President, United Haiku and Tanka Society, Co-Founder, Call of the Page