Tag: Gavin Austin

AHS Summer Equinox 2022 Haiga Kukai: Seasonal Results with Comments by Judge Ron C. Moss

1st Place

neap tide
the moon’s tug
on our blood

Marietta McGregor

There was an interesting mix of entries for the seasonal kukai. When reading through the poems, I’m always looking for those that resonate and have elements of shift and link, as well as those in which the two parts of the image and words merge into something stronger together. With Marietta’s haiku we are tantalised with a word that is not all that well known – neap tide – a period when moderate tides occur, usually seven days after a spring tide. The wonderful moon’s tug connects us with the universe and celestial bodies – the tug on our blood and the flow of tide all governed by the moon. Such a powerful poem resonates on many levels with the image and I’m thankful for the poet’s deep seeing.

Continue reading “AHS Summer Equinox 2022 Haiga Kukai: Seasonal Results with Comments by Judge Ron C. Moss”

AHS Spring Equinox 2021 Haiga Kukai: Seasonal Results with Comments by Judge Ron C. Moss

1st Place

snow melt
we unfurl our skin
for the wind

Nathan Sidney

This wondrous haiku struck me right away as a moment of deep seeing. The poet has taken us on a journey into the flower’s body and the feeling of exposing our petals, or skin, to the elements. After the chill of winter passes, we all can unfurl into the warmth of spring and the blossoming of life. So much is portrayed in a few carefully crafted words, which are the mark of a very fine haiku. I am very pleased to award this haiku by Nathan a very worthy first place in the Spring Seasonal kukai.

Continue reading “AHS Spring Equinox 2021 Haiga Kukai: Seasonal Results with Comments by Judge Ron C. Moss”

Drifting Sands: Aussie Style

The US based online journal, Drifting Sands, has had a particularly Aussie flavour lately with the January Special Feature: Girt by Sea overseen and including the works of poet-photographer Gavin Austin. This collection features pieces by a number of Australian poets. Some of the photographs may take a little while to load because of their high resolution, but they are worth it!

Also the current issue of Drifting Sands: issue 7, with a more international selection, has been guest edited by Marilyn Humbert and can be enjoyed here.