Tamara Cobbiani

1. How did you get started with haiku?

A friend of mine, Diana, suggested I write haiku while deployed with the U.S. Air Force in Baghdad. So I began after my mid tour for the remaining six months as a countdown until I redeployed. It was fun and challenging and gave hope on tough days. When I returned to the United States in June of 2013, I stopped my daily countdown and haiku writing. My Facebook followers were disappointed and petitioned me to continue with the haiku. Meanwhile, two friends invited me to write haiku for a month but that seems too easy so I continue daily.

2. Tell us more about yourself.

I grew up in rural Ohio and wrote some poems, mostly rhyming and maybe a haiku or two. I pursued a mechanical engineering degree at Ohio Northern University and was commissioned into the Air Force upon graduation. My plan was to stay for four years, gain some experience, and then get out and use my degree in the auto or space industry. Twenty-four plus years later, I am still enjoying the US Air Force and all that it has allowed me to experience and hopefully make a difference—I’m thankful to serve my country and give back to a country I love. I am also an avid golfer and often my haiku are produced on the course.

3. What does NaHaiWriMo mean to you?

A place to get prompts as well as meet with like-minded folks and learn more about haiku and short poetry.

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

Just write down what pops into your head. The more you write, the more you may see flowing out . . . amazing yourself at times.

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

Moms are great

They shape us through our lives

Cherish memories

Thunder wakes us up

Monday morning starts with a

Roar from the heavens

Life is a journey

Seize the challenges and live

Get back up and go