Randall Herman

1. How did you get started with haiku?

I started writing haiku because I’m interested in Japanese culture and aesthetics. Also, I’m one of those people at ease with words. I’ve always read poetry and I grew up with English and Spanish from day one. I write to keep myself in touch with the tangible world and its wonders.

2. Tell us more about yourself.

I’m a pastor in the Lutheran church and I used to be a teacher near the Texas-Mexico border. I now live in the Upper Midwest and find the natural world here different from Texas and it inspires much of my poetry, as does my interest in spirituality.

3. What does NaHaiWriMo mean to you?

To me NaHaiWriMo is a place to be inspired by the poetry of others, as well as being an outlet for my own creativity.

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

My advice to a new writer is to read lots of other poets, and read articles by poets on writing.

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

Here are two published in Frogpond and another favorite.

the owl haunts

the farmlands—

stirring the roux

the first twinkle

in the sky . . .

unfurl the sail

a drop of milk

in a cup of water

floating clouds