Three Hundred and Twenty-One Haiku: Intimate Reflections

More about the book

The haiku poem aims to crystallise insights within a strict structure and concise word sequence, capturing fleeting moments in a poet's life. This collection of over three hundred haiku reflects these moments with discipline, adhering to the timeless code of expression inherent in the form. Michael J. Lee observes nature, society, and his own experiences as they unfold through time, with most poems written during a transformative year filled with seasons, challenges, and breakthroughs. Many verses delve into pure spiritual contemplation. This anthology serves as a journal of a personal journey, sensitively recording impressions, thoughts, sensory experiences, and insights, including acts of worship, all infused with the freshness of each moment—whether during a beach visit or observing pets in the garden. Lee explores a spectrum of emotions, from loneliness and fear to love and tranquility, while also offering glimpses of his hometown, Cape Town, and his nation, South Africa. Themes range from the Big Bang and natural laws to reflections on the Creator-God, time, and change. With an intimate tone, the collection features poems dedicated to his wife, commentary on contemporary societal issues, and affectionate portrayals of the beauty of nature.