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Haiku poems composed during the Mountains of Central Japan tour September
2005
Philosopher's walk
Stringing beads of memories
Onto threads of thought
(voted winner)
Japanese translation of winning haiku
I don't remember
Is it near or far?
We'll know soon enough …
Effortless and calm
They rise as if on thermals
Yet I only plod
Autumn leaves chuckle
As they tumble from the roof
Chased by the wind
Shit! I can't do it
Don't talk about writer's cramp
This is worse than that
Sue Fraser
Japanese tunnels
Where would we be without them?
Stuck in Osaka?
(voted second)
Spearing through the clouds
We reach Yari's peak at dawn
Breathless and in awe
Bridal privacy?
Champagne in a private bath
Is just about it …
Five thousand yen scotch?
Three shots - we persuade ourselves
We are men who know …
At Ginkakuji Gravel
Fuji, moss, cool streams
Ease troubles away …
Can't wash - sweat ferments
But papaya wet wipes bring
Fragrance to shared dorms
Karaoke queen
How can you expect to be
Taken so seriously?
Sion Edwards
Cute caricatures
Snakes, spiders, and school kids
Hidden world beneath
Oli Gaylard
Slipping slippers on
I'm slipping on slippers
Slippery slope down
Fingers feel like thumbs
Dropping seaweed, sushi, tofu
Banzai! Got it now!
Sun down, sun rising
Seven stand on Yari top
Seven happy smiles
Eleanor Kirkpatrick
Hiking in Japan
In search of enlightenment
It hides deep within
Timothy Ince
Japanese gardens
Trees clipped into submission
Rocks, moss, water, peace
High rocky mountains
Defaced with chains and ladders
Should people be there?
Yesterday's small fish
Swims free in spakling water
Today sashimi
(voted third)
Cooked slimey mollusc
Still coiled tight in your hard shell
I cannot eat you
Up and up I climb
Breath is short and knees hurting
Why do I do it?
Long-eared bronze Buddha
Promising enlightenment
What can you teach me?
Ruth Greeham
Stinky monks
Is it when
You started to ferment?
Just tell me
Who made the most bruises
On your way?
Meg Mazaki
A fart from next door
Breaking the solemn silence
Of Yochiin temple
Linking the forest
Yellow and black spider's web
Shimmering autumn
The trilocosm
As a flower unfolding
Lotus matrix world
Naked man on a bike
Stopped by police. But why?
He gave us a giggle
Bob Heffill