The foreword of Petals of Haiku: An Anthology and a reading of two haiku by David García

Dear Readers,

Literary Revelations plans to release Petals of Haiku: An Anthology on May 30 [tentative date].

I would like to share with you the foreword I wrote and my reading of two wonderful poems written by one of our contributors David Garcia. I hope you enjoy. Thank you!

Petals of Haiku – Foreword

Literary Revelations invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of “Petals of Haiku: An Anthology.” This superb collection features the work of over 160 talented poets, each contributing four exquisite haiku, in just a few cases only three.

Petals of Haiku is not just an anthology that Literary Revelations is proud to publish. It’s a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of haiku poetry. The spectacular haiku writers featured in this collection bring to life the delicacy of seasons and the profound range of human emotions, from joy to grief, in a way that is both delightful and deeply moving.

Haiku, the beloved Japanese poetic form, has the power to distill life’s fleeting moments into magical verses. Within the pages of “Petals of Haiku,” you’ll discover both traditional and nontraditional interpretations of this timeless art, each one a masterful display of precision and emotion.

This anthology is a true feast for the senses, inviting you to pause, reflect, and savor the simple elegance of these poetic gems. Whether you’re a seasoned haiku enthusiast or new to the genre, “Petals of Haiku” will leave an indelible mark, inspiring you to see the world through fresh, enlightened eyes.

We would be truly honored if you would immerse yourself in this captivating collection. Prepare to be transported, moved, and transformed by the “Petals of Haiku.”

The art on the cover is done by the award-winning painter Hikari who sets the tone for what awaits inside – a world where words dance off the page and into your heart. The background photo belongs to award-winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura and adds another layer of beauty to this already exquisite collection; and the beautiful cover is designed by Iuliana Irimia, a wonderful Montreal artist.

Gabriela Marie Milton,
Editor, Author, Publisher

Two haiku by David Garcia and a short introduction – a reading

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books:

Hidden in Childhood: A Poetry Anthology (ed.), Literary Revelations, 2023
Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women (ed.), Experiments in Fiction, 2022.
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow :I Love Poems and Poetic Prose, Vita Brevis Press, 2021.
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings, Vita Brevis Press, 2020

My dear followers,

It is with great pleasure that we bring to you the full cover design of Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, a superb book that Literary Revelations plans to release mid to late May 2024. We are humbled by your submissions. Over 150 poets are included in this anthology and we are profoundly grateful to the award winning Japanese painter Hikari whose art work is phenomenal, as well as to the award winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura who provided the background photo.

We are also proud of the wonderful and innovative cover design, done by Iuliana Irimia, a young and talented artist, based in Montreal, Canada. Iuliana worked with Hikari’s beautiful cover art and the end result is a gorgeous marriage between Hikari’s Japanese art and Iuliana’s Western take on the conceptualizing of haiku. This marriage is highly reflected in the haiku included in this book.

A Few Words about the Anthology

Petals of Haiku is not just an anthology that Literary Revelations is proud to publish. It’s a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of haiku poetry like never before. The spectacular haiku writers featured in this collection bring to life the delicacy of seasons and the profound range of human emotions, from joy to grief, in a way that is both delightful and deeply moving.

The art on the cover by award-winning painter Hikari sets the tone for what awaits inside – a world where words dance off the page and into your heart. The background photo by award-winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura adds another layer of beauty to this already exquisite collection.

A few words about Japanese haiku

Before Literary Revelations publishes the anthology I want to share with you several thoughts advanced by Westerns and Asian scholars on haiku. The traditional haiku form is one thing 5-7-5 syllables and it is generally known by all writers of haiku. However, most importantly for Literary Revelations is what we discovered in the haiku included in our collection. That is to say how the poets included in the anthology expressed their feelings and how haiku evolved since its inception to the present.

As Bruce Ross argues in the The Essence of Haiku (Modern Haiku, 2007), “affective feeling generated through the absolute metaphor of haiku became associated with different kinds of aesthetic values in traditional Japanese haiku. Mono no aware, “the pathos of things,” is an overall term for how one is affected by things. Other aesthetic values in haiku include wabi, “simplicity,” sabi, “metaphysical loneliness,” and yûgen, “mystery.” Contrary to Western poetics (aside from Romanticism), for example, Oriental (sic!) poetry and poetics was centered upon such states of affective feeling…. So rather than being a senseless thing, a flower in a given context could radiate affective feeling for the Japanese haiku poet not as symbol, but as an existentially valid presence.”

The last sentence here is of great importance. Symbolists will disagree that a flower is a senseless thing. However, they will argue that the symbol behind the flower is magic and meaningful; the real flower is just “charming.” Yet, this does not mean that symbolists cannot understand or feel what haiku transmits. Poetry is art and as Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson claims art “helps us identify with one another and expands our notion of we—from the local to the global.” One can go ahead and look at the work of scholars who study the neuroplasticity of the brain and decide for himself/herself.

Bruce Ross continues, “It should be noted, additionally, that the “feeling” in haiku is usually not the demonstrative emotion of Western poetry. Haiku is not used to express strong emotions, which are usually reserved for tanka. Rather it is a mode of receptive feeling between a poet and his natural subject, even though the poet’s emotional climate often affects and even directs his/her relation to the subject.”

While the first part of the paragraph is clear the second claim appears questionable. If the emotional climate affects and directs the relationship to the subject is then the flower only “an existentially valid presence”?

One way or another Bruce Ross’ essay is extremely valuable. You can find it here

Again, we are thrilled to release the gorgeous cover and we hope you enjoy it.

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books:

Dear Reader,

Literary Revelations is thrilled to reveal the cover art of Petals of Haiku: An Anthology.

We plan to release the anthology mid to late May. We are absolutely thrilled with the high quality of submissions. We congratulate everyone who received an email of acceptance – over 150 poets did – and we ask those who did not make it not to give up. We are ready to work with them in the future.

A Few Words about the Anthology

Petals of Haiku is not just an anthology that Literary Revelations is proud to publish. It’s a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of haiku poetry like never before. The spectacular haiku writers featured in this collection bring to life the delicacy of seasons and the profound range of human emotions, from joy to grief, in a way that is both delightful and deeply moving.

Art Reveal

Our cover designer is working hard. We will release the entire cover in a week. Those of you who did not received an email from us please let us know.

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books:

“While photography inherently gives the impression of being “real” or “existing in reality,” the essence of monochrome photography lies in creating scenes that do not actually exist. Through this abstraction, the universal characteristics and emotions of the subject are emphasized, bringing out a deeper sense of reality. If color photography can evoke individual emotions and meanings as realism, monochrome photography can be said to enable a universal empathy not influenced by color.

In summary, monochrome photography opens up new visual and emotional dimensions by stripping away color from reality and achieving a unique balance between reality and unreality. It is one of the methods that appeals to human perception and emotions, a means to explore the world “beyond of the surface” of the photograph.”

Naoki Kimura

Dear Readers,

Literary Revelations is thrilled to bring you more news about one of our most exceptional contributors Naoki Kimura, an artist whose black and white photography has reached the hearts of millions. If you wish to read more about Naoki Kimura you can click here.

In an early article about Naoki Kimura I wrote that “his stunning photography rewrites our world in black and white, creating new territories where objects – natural or not – become mysteries shrouded in shadows, only to partially be revealed by a diffuse light that refuses to be defined… The extraordinary art of Naoki Kimura liberates the light from shadow bringing both in a perfect equilibrium. Kimura creates a world of stillness and beauty that forces one’s train of thought to stop. The emotions conveyed by his art are deep yet quiet, infused with a meditative quality. They reflect the purity and the beauty of the beginning of the world.”

I will rewrite that over and over again.

Naoki Kimura at the Tokyo International Art Fair, one of the most prestigious exhibitions in Asia

Naoki Kimura was one of the participants at the Tokyo International Art Fair that took place between March 8th Fri – 10th Sun, the Tokyo International Forum Hall E & Lobby Gallery E.

The image below represents Naoki Kimura’s photo that was exhibited. You also can see the same image in the gallery on the wall on the second photo, along with other art works from the fair and a superb YouTube video which shows the limitless artistic potential of most participants.

Naoki Kimura – A Solo Exhibition

Naoki’s solo exhibition is scheduled to take place in Kyoto from April 29th to May 26th. https://store.tsite.jp/kyoto/english/ featuring a selection of works previously exhibited. The concept consistently revolves around expressing the beauty of transience, known as “mono no aware.”

Naoki’s leading photograph is one whose beauty left me speechless.

You can read more about Naoki’s upcoming solo exhibition and see more photographs in the newspaper article below. I will also come back with more info once the exhibition takes place.

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000834.000058854.html

Any day now Literary Revelations will release the art cover of our upcoming anthology: Petals of Haiku. The art cover is the work of our fabulous Japanese painter Hikari on a background photo by Naoki Kimura. All participates will receive letters of acceptance and/or rejection. Please stay tuned.

Follow Literary Revelations HERE

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books:

Mycenae, Greece, My Photo

White rock, mountains, #cathartic beauty. I do not know anything. The only thing I know is Jesus’ silence to Pontius Pilate’s question: What is the truth?

News about Petals of Haiku a new publication of Literary Revelations coming soon. Please be patient. Thank you!

Literary Revelations recently published Echoes Lost in Stars by PS Conway. The book reached Top New Release on Amazon in all categories: poetry about nature, poetry about love, and American Poetry. It’s a splendid poetry collection. Thank you to everyone who helped us. I am humbled by your support. Those of you who still want to check the book out you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Echoes-Lost-Stars-Poems-Conway-ebook/dp/B0CW1HRHB5

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books:

I’ll return

I open my veins in warm waters
each time when you like what I write
the sound of the sands in the darkness
the eyes of the desert are dried
the midnight windows are opened
I jump like a lynx from a cage
dressed in cold winds and in black
barefoot
I land on the yolk of young times
I paid all the bills do not worry
I buried my bracelets by the green wall
white shirts are lined in the closet
this sand tastes like canvas and paint
I sharpen my eyes
my fingers are stretched
from the cosmic tomorrow
I enter tonight

I’ll return do not worry
disheveled, loves cry between us
remember the words of the Persian Sibyl
who sold you my soul for three coins?
the time is fluid like rivers
water lilies can bloom in the sand

Volveré

Rebosan mis venas en agua cálida
cada vez que me dices que te gusta lo que escribo.
El sonido de la arena en la oscuridad,
los ojos del desierto están secos,
las ventanas de la medianoche abiertas…
salto como un lince de la jaula
vestida de negro y vientos fríos,
descalza,
aterrizo en la yema de los viejos tiempos.
Pagué mis deudas, tranquilo,
enterré las pulseras junto a la pared verde,
las camisas blancas están alineadas en el armario,
¡esta arena sabe a lienzo y pintura!
afilo la mirada,
mis dedos se estiran
desde el mañana cósmico
y entro en esta noche.

Volveré, tranquilo,
despeinada, con el amor gritando entre nosotros,
¿recuerdas las palabras de la sibila persa
que te vendió mi alma por tres monedas?
El tiempo fluye como un río
Y los lirios de agua pueden florecer en la arena.

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books:

The miracle of you

The moon’s right-hand
pours soul into my flesh
pigeons’ wings bring scents of lilac blooms
the air gets drunk with poetry
statuary women of the water
flaunt their hair
within the loneliness of you
my heart
rotates five equinoxes on a wooden spindle
your eyes pour flesh into my soul
my body germinates the sounds of growing leaves
I wash my hands into the waters of Guadalquivir
in the scented night of those who never sleep
I say
I love you
and in one single breath
our wedding is transformed
in an enraptured death
was it the moon?
was it the morning dew?
perhaps it was the miracle of you

Fuiste tú el milagro

La mano derecha de la luna
vierte alma dentro de mi carne,
los aleteos de las palomas traen aromas de lilas en flor,
el aire se emborracha de poesía,
imaginarias mujeres del agua, sirenas,
alardean de cabello.
Dentro de tu soledad
mi corazón
rota cinco equinoccios cual uso de madera,
tus ojos vierten carne dentro de mi alma,
mi cuerpo germina los sonidos de hojas que brotan,
lavo mis manos en las aguas del Guadalquivir
en la perfumada noche de aquellos que nunca duermen.
Digo
“te quiero”
y en solo un respiro
nuestra boda se convierte
en un morir de éxtasis.
¿Fue la luna?
¿Fue el aroma de mayo?
Quizás fuiste tú el milagro.

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books:

St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2024 – the date that marked the launch of Echoes Lost in Stars written by PS Conway and published by Literary Revelations (my small independent press). St. Patrick’s is a day that our Patrick loves. Look at his name: PS Conway – all Irish.

We strategized for a while and on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day we launched the book. All authors that I have published became Amazon #1 bestsellers in various categories. Patrick was to become one of them too because he deserved it.

7am, March 17

Patrick and I start the campaign. We are all over the social media: X, FB, IG, blogs. Echoes Lost in Stars rises very quickly to #3 in Hot New Releases [nature poetry]. I am delighted: a gorgeous poetry book, a new victory for my press was to come very soon.

Yet, as the day progressed the ranking of the book did not change as expected.

6:43pm, March 17

No changing in ranking. Patrick and I are up against something big.

#1 LOVE (vol II) by Atticus. I froze. Atticus is a legend: 5 times New York Times Bestselling author, recipient of many awards, one of the idols of the millennials, 1.6 million followers on IG only. Atticus is strongly connected to Hollywood and works with very important humanitarian organizations. You can read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atticus_(poet)

#2 You Are Here: Poetry in The Natural World, “published in association with the Library of Congress and edited by the twenty-fourth Poet Laureate of the United States, Ada Limón… featuring fifty previously unpublished poems from some of the nation’s most accomplished poets, including Joy Harjo, Diane Seuss, Rigoberto González, Jericho Brown, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Paul Tran, and more.”

#3 Echoes lost in Stars: Poems by PS Conway, publisher Literary Revelations.

You get the picture. The sky fell on my head. How were Patrick and I supposed to fight the titans? On the one hand I was humbled and honored to be in such company, on the other hand I wanted to get to number 1. Patrick and I regrouped and started fighting again.

12:52 am, March 18.

The raking changes. Echoes Lost in Stars takes over Love by Atticus that falls to number 3.

I am stunned. In a few minutes the ranking changes again and Echoes Lost in Stars takes the lead. It becomes Top New Release. Patrick becomes a #1 bestselling author [category nature poetry]

March 18, past middle of the night.

I rush to make two blog posts and to post on X. I am still in disbelief. I watch the raking the entire night. At 7am in the morning Patrick goes back to number 2 and then to number 3.

March 18, 10:03 pm, the hour that I write this blog

Patrick’s book is back to number 2. I am delighted.

You can check out Echoes Lost in Stars here: https://www.amazon.com/Echoes-Lost-Stars-Poems-Conway/dp/B0CWYP98V6

My dear followers,

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those of you who have taken the time to read my story. Your support and engagement mean the world to me. Special thanks to all my supporters of my blogs. Special thanks to my beloved writing community on X.

This experience has been incredibly enlightening and has taught me so much about myself and about running a boutique publishing house like Literary Revelations. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me tremendously.

Having to fight LOVE (vol II) by Atticus and You Are Here: Poetry in The Natural World, published in association with the Library of Congress has not only humbled me but also made me proud of how far I have come on my journey. Having to fight together with Patrick – such a fabulous poet – taught me more about partnership.

Thank you for being a part of my story, for inspiring me to keep pushing boundaries.

Here’s to many more stories shared, lessons learned, and connections made along the way!

Here is to Echoes Lost in Stars by PS Conway and to Literary Revelations.

Here is to you, my audience!

Gabriela

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books:

At the hour that I write Echoes Lost in Stars by PS Conway is #1 Amazon Top New Release [nature poetry]. Patrick you are now a #1 bestseller poet. Congratulations! Literary Revelations is thrilled to add your book to our collection of # 1 bestsellers. Thank you to everyone who helped us!

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books:

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to let you know that Echoes Lost in Stars by PS Conway is now available on Amazon. It is a superb poetry collection published by Literary Revelations. My thanks to everyone who supports us. Have a beautiful week ahead and Happy St. Patrick day to those of you who celebrate.

Advance praise for Echoes Lost in Stars

PS Conway’s Echoes Lost in Stars is a wonderful four-part volume of poems that will delight both poetry aficionados and newcomers alike. It’s all there – life and death, love and loss, joy and sorrow. He balances radiant colours with hazy shadows – light and darkness (yes, one needs to understand the two in equal measure.). We get a mixture of the temporal and the Devine, the ancient and modern. There are rich descriptions of the natural world, whether that be outside your kitchen window or by “fields of heather ‘long the sea” or somewhere “on the Amalfi coast”. Our poet is worldly and cultured (yes, he does love his Yeats!) His “poet’s mind” conjures up all sorts of thoughts to provoke, to inspire and to savour. He tempts a reader to sit back and just “fade into words”. “[F]eed yourself” on this and enjoy!

Dr. F. Stuart Ross
PhD, Queen’s University Belfast

Please check the out book here:

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books: