In
general, I pull my influences from many different areas,
but my favorite authors by a long shot are Kobayashi Issa,
Matsuo, Basho, and George Swede. I appreciate the light
quality of the Japanese masters as well as the vivacity
and life found 'in Swede's work. I aspire to their likes
and can only dream that my haiku would have such an effect
on those that read them.
Finally,
this haiku has given me a space to do some thinking that
I've been putting off for along time concerning my immediate
family. As you read this collection, I would hope that you
could see shades of my father, mother, and brother as they
were the ones guiding me through the times about which the
poems were written. Above all, I intend to continue writing
haiku that make creative use of aesthetic as well as figurative
space, and that cover as much ground in as few words as
possible. I'm trying to paint the most beautiful paintings
with as few brushes as possible. Hope you enjoy the results
. . .
eric
sharp
decatur, il / may, 2002
Reader’s
Introduction
Explaining
the greatness behind Eric Sharp's haiku is a huge task for
any writer. Reading his work has been far more enjoyable
then one should have with a class assignment. Eric has really
grasped the style needed to create moving haiku. He seems
to fit in with all the greats from years ago with his peacefulness,
and ability to clarify a moment. He fits 'in with all the
great haiku artists by keeping all his haiku very real and
serene. Although he strays from his trademark haiku every
once in a while, most capture a moment in time and then
add a nature element bringing them down to earth. Several
of Eric's haiku are inspired by other authors. Using this
inspiration and really 'following in the footsteps' of the
best examples has given him the chance to really grab on
to what haiku is all about, and use that knowledge to create
his own wonderful haiku. Reading Eric's haiku has been a
pleasure.
—Rachel
Perry
Eric Sharp