Reader's
Introduction
The
world of modem English-language haiku cannot but benefit
from the contributions of one of its most effervescent new
voices. The sheer tonal beauty of words in their own right
is an aspect of the poetry that many haiku writers embrace,
but that
Rachel
Perry employs to especially meaningful effect. In her collection,
lines like "mushy shoe slush," and "drippy
pickles to drooling dogs," roll off the tongue and
appeal not only to the aural faculties, but to the tactile,
olfactory, and other senses as well. Her sense of alliteration
and assonance add a rich texture to everyday events, while
staying true to the brevity of form for which haiku is so
beloved. When we write haiku we set out to capture a defining
moment that we wish to share with others. Rachel Perry's
haiku intrigue us with their linguistic structure almost
as much as with the actual subject matter.
Even
beyond her skillful treatment of the language, Rachel's
strengths find more than ample expression. For example,
not only does she tackle the everyday seasonal wonders of
growing up as illustrated in her snow haiku, but she also
addresses serious social issues in her pieces about physical
abuse, and relationships en mass. Far too often, we as writers
of haiku, tend to neglect the more serious subjects and
lean instead towards the principle of karumi (lightness)
in our work. While this is certainly a worthwhile path to
follow in many cases, it takes an especially brave author
to touch upon the seemingly untouchable subjects.
new
Bruises where he
"loved"
her
In
this case, not only does Perry address abuse in a relationship,
but she does it with so delicate a touch, that we are left
with a kind of haunting lightness instead of the more traditional
sense of the device.
Whether
describing the face-stinging cold of a winter sledding expedition
or the gay abandon of running barefoot after the ice cream
truck in the summer time, Perry's work also reminds us what
it is to be children. More importantly though, her pieces
show us the ways in which we can retain those childlike
qualities into adulthood, despite the ever-encroaching front
of grown-up concerns that we must face. Our lives are truly
multifaceted, and Rachel's haiku reflects and celebrates
this diversity.
—Eric
Sharp
