First Place
laid to rest
her body sinking
into stone
Quendryth Young
This is an evocative haiku that struck me on the very first reading. The art of linking to an image works best if it is subtle and full of interconnections that are not immediately obvious. The mention of stone is there, but then the imagination is let loose and we wonder who, or what, the body is and how it can be sinking into stone. So many of the finest haiku take us to places we would not normally go and leave us to explore the depth of their impact. The effect is a very pleasing haiga where we can journey between the image and words and find little treasures of insight.
Second Place
petting zoo
the elderly turtle’s
polished shell
Garry Eaton
This haiku brought a smile to my face. I enjoyed the strong shift from the image that was full of shape and texture to a similar construct found in the haiku. We can understand right away how the passage of time works with all the elements in play. This is a great example of a finely honed haiku that can bring more dimensions to the image it is paired with and vice versa. Garry has taken us to an unexpected place and we are the richer for the journey. The final haiga is fresh and full of wonder.
Highly Commended
last light
the shape
of the season
Myra King
This haiku links to the image in an interesting way. The passage of time is strongly portrayed and the wording “shape of the season” works well in conveying the dimensions of the leaf in the turning season. Light and its effect on the landscape is an important component of writing haiku and it is used to good effect here.
Highly Commended
old age
the leaf in my hand
has become me
Mike Rehling
This haiku expresses a wonderfully deep reflection that conveys a great deal of meaning. The mention of a leaf that could be held in the hand strongly links to the image, but also gives us space to wander and find our own connection to all of nature. The haiku and image together resonate like a Koan or Zen riddle, with no rational answer to be found, but with much to explore and feel.
Highly Commended
cool and clear –
a streamlet catches
the magpies’ tune
Lorin Ford
Ah yes, the beautiful sounds of a streamlet and magpies together is a joy to hear and Lorin has connected us deeply with the image and the sounds of a nature. The words are finely chosen and they resonate with a lovely rhythm that echoes the scene. There are lots of interesting links to be found and the leaf that is caught on the rock connects beautifully to the streamlet catching the magpies’ tune.
Australian Haiku Society 