This
collection is entitled first date for two reasons.
First, it is the first line of my signature haiku, which is
printed last in this collection. This haiku is a favorite
of mine and I believe best illustrates the work I have done
thus far with haiku. Also, it is a senryu and very indicative
of my style.
The
title first date is also meant to evoke the
feeling of freshness or newness so often felt on a first
date. Many of my poems take otherwise insignificant moments
and make them feel special, or new. I like to think of my
haiku as a celebration of unique everyday moments that challenge
the reader to see the beauty in the commonplace in their
own lives. Though perhaps some of my haiku fall short of
this lofty goal, I hope that the reader can at least relate
to one or two of these haiku and appreciate this sense of
freshness.
Finally,
this whole experience writing haiku has been something of
a first date for me with poetry writing in general, and
I want the reader to recognize that. Some of these poems
will need revision in the future and some will stay the
same, but they are testaments to my first attempts at poetry.
Even though some these poems may seem extremely bad to me
in a few years, they stand as my early creations, and I
am pleased to have them all in one place, so that I may
look back in a few years and see how I expressed myself
earlier in my life.
I hope you find at least a small bit of enjoyment in my
first time out with poetry.
~Meg
Schleppenbach
Reader’s
introduction:
The
haiku of Meg Schleppenbach highlights daily life in exceptional
haiku and senryu. Her mature style takes everyday moments
and makes them memorable. Each haiku encourages the reader
to focus on the small things in life. She shows the reader
how sometimes seemingly insignificant moments are the most
influential.
My
personal favorite of Meg’s haiku is what some may call
her signature haiku:
first
date
I
pretend
to
be cold
This
haiku demonstrates Meg’s the unique style and creativity.
She tells the reader only what they need to know to appreciate
the moment. In this short haiku she provides a wonderful
image and expresses a touching emotion. This haiku was accepted
for publication in Modern Haiku magazine earlier
this year.
Meg
and I have worked together extensively on our haiku. I have
seen the time and dedication she puts into writing excellent
haiku and senryu. Many people respond to her effort and
voice their admiration of her work. I have enjoyed watching
Meg grow as a haiku author and hope she will continue writing
into the future.
~Kerry
Hammergren
