On behalf of the Australian Haiku Society, I would like to thank you for your entries from Australia and other countries.
Many of the entries described the image. As Ron Moss (well-known poet and haiga judge) has stated …
“Ideally, a ‘link and shift’ will occur between the written word and the image: the two separate elements brought together to make something that resonates on a level higher than when they were separate. It’s a challenge to bring two disciplines together to make all the elements sing and best portray the haiku moment, but I strive to capture that ideal.”
The awarded images achieved this with exceptional skill and a profound understanding of haiga.
1st place
that dark spot
on her pale skin
looming storm cloud
Carol Reynolds, Australia
Carol’s haiku/senryu displays the classic phrase and fragment structure— how is this enhanced by the image to ensure a stand-out haiga? Line 1 immediately grabs attention, as does the bright remaining leaf in the image, set against a lighter background. Line 3 intensifies the mood, for both the potential diagnosis for “her” and the winter solstice. In a few words, this haiga packs a lot of emotion. Well written, Carol.
Highly Commended
winter war—
her unflagging fight
for survival
Radhika De Silva, Sri Lanka
War in Line 1 is an image often brought to mind by the daily news cycle. Radhika has narrowed the focus down to one person’s struggle to hold onto life, which is also represented by the single leaf. I do like the alliteration, which enhances the smoothness of the presentation when read aloud.
Highly Commended
winter solitude
should I tell her
what she means to me
Ravi Kiran – India
In Line 1, the two words set the mood and sum up the image. In the phrase, that mood is extended into the dilemma the poet is considering. I like how it leaves me wondering about the final decision. A beautiful haiku and a beautiful haiga.
Wanda Amos
(Haiga Judge)
Australian Haiku Society 