5th March 2024
Three of our group gathered on a pleasant early Autumn day at Prince Edward Park on the banks of the Woronora River – Margaret Mahony, Rita Potente and Carol Reynolds. Naturally we were disappointed that our other regular members couldn’t attend for various reasons. However, we were delighted to welcome Camille Mock for the first time. Camille’s interest in haiku was ignited by a workshop that Margaret Mahony and I presented last year at the Discovery Writers Group in Hurstville. We hope she will become a permanent member.
We began as always with morning tea, after which we got down to business. Using the theme of ‘water’ as our pre-set exercise, we discussed everyone’s contributions and offered commentary. Unable to attend, Patricia posted her usual extensive list of haiku memories and observations around ‘water’ and I know she will be elated to learn that a number of them stood with no suggestions for change. Ros met with Margaret and myself prior to the meeting with her list of haiku to discuss. We look forward to reading her revised haiku.
Camille’s time was limited so we concentrated on providing her with assistance with some of the basic tenets of haiku writing. To use capitals or not was one of the subjects discussed. The subject arose when a particular haiku was not understandable without the use of capitals. The inclusion of capitals immediately highlighted a location and a better understanding of the haiku itself.
Over our picnic lunch we read favourite haiku contributions to our haiku bowl and continued with friendly conversation until it was time to leave.
Carol Reynolds
Convenor, Illawong Haiku Group
Australian Haiku Society 