Since embarking on the challenge of writing 30 Haikus in 30 Days back in November, my obsession with the haiku form has not diminished. So, when I heard about a local haiku competition I jumped at the chance to participate.
The prompt was simple: write an Arizona inspired haiku. I must have cranked out twenty, before I settled on three to submit.
pale light follows dawn
mountains ripple in the sky
coyote’s last howl
– – –
Summer’s end is near
clouds of dust and monsoon rain
hover in the sky
– – –
yellow cactus bloom
withers in the summer sun
alone in the sand
Weeks went by and then I discovered an email in my inbox announcing the results of the competition. It turns out two of my haiku earned Outstanding honors and would therefore be on display at the festival at a special Haiku Expo. In addition, they would also be published in an ebook, (the first two haikus were chosen). The ebook is gorgeous and well worth downloading!
To say I was excited is an understatement. After failing in so many competitions, it’s nice to find myself in the winner’s circle for once! It may be a small, local competition, but it feels pretty big to me. There were over 600 entries and only 45 haikus received Outstanding status.
The competition was launched in conjunction with the Arizona Matsuri Festival – a Japanese cultural festival that has been a local mainstay for more than 30 years. I’ve gone before and have always enjoyed the bright colors, food, and cultural beauty on display.
This is the first year for Haiku Expo and they did a nice job displaying the Outstanding and Honorable Mention haikus. Each haiku is handwritten on a piece of wood, giving the nature-inspired haiku a very organic feel.
While at the display, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the judges. After learning my name, he instantly knew my work – right down to how many haikus I entered. He then told me my work embodied everything haiku is supposed to be. After spending so much time immersing myself in the practice, this compliment means the world to me.
I read through some of the other poems on display and I must say I am so proud to be included among so many talented poets. Every haiku was so beautiful!
Given the success of the competition, I’m hoping the Haiku Expo will be even larger next year!
– – –
c.b.w. 2015
Wow! How exciting!!!! Congrats! 🙂
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Thanks! 🙂 The festival was so much fun – I hope you got a chance to go!
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Congratulations. So happy for you!
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Thanks so much! I’m so glad WIG brought the competition to my attention. 🙂
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CB!!! I’m doing a dance with/for you!! I’m so excited for your haiku success…for the inclusion and for that AWESOME comment from the judge! He’s right! I’ve been so lucky to witness the process…truly! Applauding from my snow covered home in Maine! ((hugs))
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Thanks for the happy dance! I did one, too. 🙂 The process so far has been so inspiring and I’m looking forward to see where it takes me next.
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The Universe has wide arms – her embrace is large when we expect it! ♥
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We lived in Arizona and your haiku beautifully describes the beauty. Congratulations!
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Thanks so much! The desert is often thought of being devoid of life and color, but there is so much hiding in the sand! 🙂
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Candace, congratulations again for a job well done (written)! It was a pleasure meeting you at the Matsuri festival and I am very pleased to have found your blog post complimenting our efforts in this inaugural year of the Matsuri HAIKU EXPO. Looking forward to next year’s event and seeing how you will spin 17 syllables on the next round. Keep up the great work and share those wonderful creations with friends near and far. John (Arizona Matsuri HAIKU EXPO Chairman).
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I was so please to meet you! The expo was so well put together and the display so thoughtfully constructed. I really appreciate all the work you did to exhibit everyone’s work and the encouragement you offered to me and likely other writers. I hope the Haiku Expo becomes permanent part of festival. 🙂
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Brava!
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Thanks! 🙂
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よくかけました。おめでとうございます!来年もがんばって下さい。
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Thanks so much! 🙂
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What great news!! I’ve been following your interest in haiku (s) for quite awhile and you have earned the honors!! Keep expressing.
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I’m so glad readers like you have indulged me in my haiku obsession! 🙂
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Congratulations! I think all three poems captured the essence of Arizona. So glad that you won!!!
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Thanks so much! 🙂
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So happy to hear this, C.B. You are one woman of a thousand talents!
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The muse knows no bounds! 🙂
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Congratulations!!! 😀
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Thanks so much! 🙂
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