1
I’m Mike Jones, a retired electrical power engineer. I am also a full-time carer for my wife who was disabled following a stroke 8 years ago. I have always enjoyed reading poetry, but I started writing poetry about 14 years ago when I retired. I had never attempted a haiku until I discovered TDH, so it has been an ongoing learning process for me.
2
I like the discipline of the 5-7-5 format and the challenge of expressing an idea in just 17 syllables. My poetry is mainly influenced by Nature and also music, another of my great loves. I direct a small a cappella vocal ensemble and play various instruments. I am also a keen photographer so the visual image is important to me and I usually link an image to the haiku. I try to observe the philosophy of the Japanese haiku but I’m quite happy to depart from these guidelines if it suits the subject matter.
3
Here are two examples of my haiku. The first is one of my very first attempts nearly a year ago and the second reflects my appreciation of Nature and the positive effects it can have :
4
A golden moment
Sunlight strikes the daffodil
Translucent beauty
5
Nature all around
Ever calming, unchanging
Always there for us
6
TDH has been a godsend to me during the last very difficult year and has helped to keep me sane. I love the daily challenge of a new subject and am fascinated by other writer’s interpretations of the topic. I also have a great sense of belonging to a vibrant creative group.
7
Finally, I would like to thank Amanda for being the driving force behind TDH and spreading creativity amongst many people who previously would not have thought of themselves as writers. A great achievement.
4 Comments on “Conversation 81: THE DAILY HAIKU Interviews: Mike Jones”
Beautiful haiku poems Mike. Haiku and music are a fascinating combination!
Thank you so much for your kind words about TDH Mike and it really warms my heart to know that it has helped keep you sane during this very difficult year as it has me too.
Your haiku brim with positivity and together with your stunning photographs urge us all to get out into nature. I look forward to your haiku and photographs in the group and always enjoy them.
I feel like I.know you a little better, Mike. You write very good haiku and I love your photos. You must add a few of your favourite pieces of music to our musical themes and vote for ones that are there. I think music and haiku go well together. (Announcements).
Lovely haiku!