Bookstore

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Reviews for three lines at a time

David Bingham
Former editor of Blithe Spirit Magazine UK

I love three lines at a time! You use the haiku form brilliantly. Your haiku are ‘in the moment’; but within each one there is a story. You use ‘kireji’ to great effect, sometimes leading the reader to a meaningful sense of ironic humour and at other times to a sense of sadness, part of the universal human condition. You evoke rather than tell … just as it should be! The tone is just right … very Japanese.  Wow, what a superb collection! Love it!

Joanne Marcom
Book review previously published in Haiku Canada Review and reprinted with permission

This small book is a veritable treasure chest of poetic gems about Mother Nature, human nature and the intersection of both.  The first haiku in the collection references spring with such delightful imagery that I had to smile when I read it.  Also noteworthy is the word play, as the ducklings “moon” the sky.

spring moon sinking —

six duckling bottoms

pointed to the sky

Smiles turn to sighs upon reading one of the collections very poignant senryu in which a simple image takes on great significance for the poet and readers who have experienced the loss of a parent.

mother’s grey hair

in the brush

only I use

Here’s another touching senryu that speaks volumes in just eight short words.  Yet each word is so meaningful that this tiny poem has the impact of a full-blown story or even a novella.

stage four

not the actor

he once was

The poet’s subtle sense of humour enhances and enlivens many of the poems, as in this slice of life example that most readers can identify with quite readily.

family reunion

at the centre of the crowd

the black sheep

I want to point out one more witty poem that made me chuckle because of the unexpected second line that reads like the punchline of a clever joke.

that book on snails

. . . slow going

Some of the poems in three lines at a time have been previously published, while others are making their debut. Kudos to Vera Constantineau and her editor Stanford M. Forrester for working together to create a sparkling collection to be treasured for years to come.

Betty Guenette

This touching book of Haiku poetry, so little but so full of diverse emotions. I found each prolific section pulling at my senses—reminiscence of the masks of comedy and tragedy in such a few pleasurable words.

Examples:

Giggling — ducklings bottoms

Poignant — broken promises

Hope — lawyers and brides

Memorable — stages of acting

Hopeful — slat light fencing

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