JanBeek

Yesterday I attended a meeting
at the EllingHouse in Virginia City, MT
where our Montana Poet Laureate, Chris La Tray
presented his poetry.

My post yesterday told you a little about him.
I went expecting to be inspired.
I was not disappointed.

He shared his history
and read poems from his books.
I bought the “One Sentence Journal”
and my friends, Ann & John,
bought his book of Haiku & Haibun
(which they let me borrow for a few days).

Chris explained that Haiku does not have to strictly adhere to a syllabic count of 5-7-5 because after all, it often is translated from its origin in Japanese… and so, of course, the English version won’t have the same number of syllables. But it does have those same tell-tale three lines.

My favorite from his haiku collection was the one that got a hearty laugh last night, just as he told us it tickles the fancy of school children when he shares it with them. Shows you where my maturity level is, right? Or maybe it is reminiscent of finding our puppy’s mess in the house – ah, house training is such a challenge!

bare feet skilled
at finding cat puke
in the dark

Mike Gibbons wrote the preface to Chris’ #2 book. In his commentary he said, “… take your time with this book, these seasonal discoveries in American haiku form. Spare and compact poems are best consumed slowly, thoughtfully, just like the Buddhist tradition they sprang from, snapshots – bird tracks on snow.”

I like that… “bird tracks on snow.” Do you relate?

In both of his books,
Chris La Tray separates the writing
into the four seasons.
This one would be in the winter section, of course.

fresh snow and ice
the bleary party-goer
turns for home

Haibun is a poetic form
that includes a prelude in prose
followed by a haiku.
Here is one of my favorites
from HIs book #2.

“A visit to Walden Pond with swimming.
The trees surrounding the pond are red and gold and green
and every shade in between.
Leafy reflections ripple across the surface of the water.
I feel no less reverent for having visited before.
In the year’s final quarter it remains hot and humid,
and the beach is populated with swimmers.
Who am I to resist?”

face down
the naturalist
writes our world

This “naturalist” is a proud member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He lives near Missoula, Montana. His writing reflects his Native American background, his love of nature, his talent in the art of short-form poetry, and as one reviewer said, “his humor, sensitivity and clear eye for ‘what is’…” (Holly Wren Spaulding).

I thank the Whites for inviting me and allowing me to share this delightful evening with them. I’m gonna go now and curl up with his “One-Sentence Journal.” See ya later.

Love,
JanBeek