A New Resonance 11

A New Resonance 11  edited by Jim Kacian & Julie Warther (Red Moon Press, 2019)

Voted as best haiku anthology by the judges for the Haiku Society of America's Merit Book Awards for 2020.

The longstanding New Resonance series has been an exceptional addition to the haiku literature in its representation and promotion of new voices in the genre, and this collection from 2019 is no less exceptional and inspiring than those from previous years. New voices are always refreshing to read for their different takes in style and subject matter, and the poets represented span a wide range, inviting interesting comparisons and revealing diverse approaches. On the more experimental side are Aversano’s one-line haiku and Teki’s poems on loss and becoming that pull us into presence and absence with sparse images. Alongside them are more personal narrators such as Tia Haynes, whose poignant poems on motherhood are deeply felt and treat subject matter less often found in haiku. She describes being a mother with humor and seriousness, recognizing the sacrifices and psychological toll as well as the cherished intimate moments with her children. In truth, every poet in this anthology is worthy of special mention and the high quality of this annual series on emerging voices is testament to the continuing vibrancy of the haiku genre.  –  Judges' comments