finding my way
without you . . .
starlight
5th Star Haiku Contest Winner 2024, Katanogahara Monogatari Prize (at 40:49m)
I chose this poem because on a personal level, it captures how I felt losing a friend (the moon). At first, everything seemed bleak and dark, but gradually I became aware of other people (stars) and their friendship (new lights) to enjoy. I learned this haiku also captures something of the longing and yearly reunion of the star-crossed lovers of Tanabata, Japan’s Star Festival. That my little poem can speak to people and traditions so far from my own makes me unbelievably happy.