Grace Galton

1. How did you get started with haiku?

I first became interested in writing haiku in 2014. Until then, I had written only longer poetry and short stories. I loved how haiku could bring images to life so succinctly.

2. Tell us more about yourself.

I left school at fifteen because of family circumstances. At eighteen I joined the Women’s Royal Army Corps and served as a sergeant physical training instructor. I was fortunate to be posted to Singapore, where I feel I learned more about the world than I ever would have at school. In the first 36 years of my life I moved home 24 times, having met and married a soldier in Singapore. Now, at the age of 80, I am settled in a tiny village in Somerset, England, surrounded by farmland and glorious countryside. I love any activity connected to words, and play Scrabble on the Internet, where I meet and chat with people from all over the world. I love to travel, to visit with my family and seven great-grandchildren, and to share time with my dearest friends. I also write a daily blog, called “Passing Clouds.”

3. What does NaHaiWriMo mean to you?

Apart from the obvious benefit of the mental exercise on a daily basis by following the prompts on NaHaiWriMo, I get tremendous pleasure in observing nature closely throughout all its seasons.

4. What one piece of advice would you offer to those who are new to writing haiku?

Remember your first attempts (like mine) will probably make you flinch in retrospect. I would advise people to read, read, read haiku, not only the great Japanese masters but also modern haiku. The more you read, the more insight you will gain into the art of writing haiku. You will never stop learning, and that is a wonderful thought.

5. Please share three of your favourite or best haiku.

spring again . . .

a smile from the girl

in the polka dot dress

beachcombing . . .

an empty bottle

full of sunshine

wildlife park

after the shower a rainbow

of macaws