Jux-ta-po-si-tions Volume I

“Jux-ta-po-si-tions Volume I” is a collection of perceptions derived from momentary awareness. It is a 61-page assortment of 101 brief, poetic records of behaviors and interactions in life.

Haiku and their related forms of short verse, such as senryu, are surprises.  Things which might not be expected to go together elicit an intellectual or emotional response when they are juxtaposed.

An example is

twin temple bells
at rest      a moth
undecided

This transitory union, like a successful marriage, has two parts, which depend upon each other to complete the moment.

In golf and Buddhism, less effort accomplishes more.  In Native American lore, the hawk counsels us to be observant of our surroundings and the otter asks us to become the playful child.  “Jux-ta-po-si-tions Volume I” incorporates these concepts.

All of us go from beginning to somewhere.  The author of “Jux-ta-po-si-tions” began his professional career as a research engineer, at which time he was advised to be brief, bold and believable in his technical reports – the 3-B’s of writing.

After careers in technology development and business, this semi-retired businessman turned from the obsessions of competition and achievement to more reflective pursuits. He became intrigued with the power of haiku and its related forms of non-rhyming, syllabic, concise verse to express delight in the ordinary-a poetic application of the 3-B’s.

Each of us sees life as no other can.  Therefore, we are obliged to enrich the tapestry of thought by sharing our observations of life with each other.