For my collection, I tried to pick an array of haiku, rather than just stay with one theme. I feel I am best represented with an assortment of different topics. I would consider the two most prominent topics of my haiku to be nature and human characteristics. I find that love and nature are two of the most vital elements to my well being. I try to write about the two topics from all angles; the good and the bad. Throughout the Global Haiku Traditions course, I have realized that camping every year with my family for two to three weeks every July has been more integral to my life that I could have ever imagined. I am most often inspired by memories or unforgettable images from those precious times in Northern Wisconsin. The Northwoods have a mystical effect on me that I try to capture in my poems. One of my personal favorites which was inspired by camping memories is the following:
glimmering waters
i glide to the island
kayaking alone
There is a real brightness and sense of peace given off from this haiku. I get a serene feeling when reading this haiku. Although the person is alone, it is a good kind of alone. The kind of alone time that everyone in this world needs, but hardly anyone actually gets. Total rejuvenation is gained when reading this haiku.
Another topic I like to focus on is human characteristics in relation to human relationships. For example, focusing on just the eyes or just the hair. Interestingly enough, these haiku often seem to be associated with love or dreamy notions. I find it striking to focus on one simple object or characteristic and let that be the spark that awakens the reader's senses. Here is one in which I focus on the hair, eluding to a notion of romanticism:
lingering scent of summer
in her tangled hair
And another in which I focus on the chest; however, subtle passion is evident in the poem:
his head on my chest
i drift to sleep
I enjoy these two because they zoom in on one human characteristic, while simultaneously incorporating nature and/or human relationships, my two most prominent themes. There is a story or explanation for every separate haiku in this collection and I would love to explain each one to every reader; however, I feel that would take away from the benefit of free interpretation. So in honor of that, I chose to explain simply three, while at the same time explaining what is important to me in not only haiku, but also my whole existence. I hope the readers of my collection are able to get a glimpse at who I am as well as find some personal identification. I strive to live openly and honestly and want to convey nothing short of that through my haiku.
—Molly
Reading Partner's Introduction
Molly Pufall has a way of transmitting the serenity and beauty of both nature and human nature through her haiku. The subtlety of each haiku carries her reader through all the senses. Two that I really enjoy are the following:
neck of the oak
layers of moss
blanket the bark
fingers laced
on the gazebo
we share a moondance
These haiku, like many others, display Molly Pufall's careful word selection, creating a wonderfully soothing and successful haiku.
