113

Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul
-- Marcus Aurelius

In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion
-- Albert Camus

...

Dear haiku friends,
In the fever and agitation of modern life, the need of meditation and spiritual repose impresses itself on the soul, which desires to reflect on its eternal destiny. During the Season of Lent, many Christians pursue this practice of retreat.

How does the practice of retreat fit into your culture or lifestyle? Please share in haiku.

Welcome to our special CKK Anniversary kukai 2017; [The very first CKK kukai was held in March 2009]
I propose retreat as our theme. e-mail one haiku, written in the form of your choice, emphasizing the theme of retreat

Have fun, be creative. Enjoy!

Haiku Example:-
rainforest retreat -
a call to union in male
cicadas singing
--gillena cox


Deadline for sending entries is March 17th 2017
Deadline for sending votes is April 2nd 2017

A voting list will be e-mailed to all players


Voting
Votes to be scored using a total of 6 points; voters must use all 6 points
Example:-
Haiku#76………3pts
Haiku#34………2pts
Haiku#8………1pt

the example given is just one of several ways you can allot your points

Comments during voting are encouraged, but must be limited to 3 lines. When published, these comments and votes will be given anonymous listings.

e-mail your vote and comments

The results will be posted here at CCK. After results have been posted, any comments you wish to make can be posted directly here at the blog just click on comments at the end of the post

much love
gillena


Ana Drobot is pledging a free gift copy of her book 'Japanese Thoughts'; which will be posted by snail mail, to the winner of this Kukai.

112

Poems remain the copyright of individual writers

Players
1. Pat Geyer, USA; 2. Jim Force, Canada; 3. Ana Drobot, Romania; 4. Goran Gatalica, Croatia; 5. Christina Sng, Singapore; 6. Kat Lehmann, USA; 7. Tatjana Debeljacki, Serbia; 8. Christine L. Villa, USA; 9. Adjei Agyei-Baah, Ghana; 10. Cezar-Florin Ciobîca, Romania


First Place
8
snowflake cocoa . . .
enveloping myself
with old love letters
--Christine L. Villa, USA
VOTES: 134*** SCORE: 19
COMMENTS: In this haiku there is good picture of someone memories and its interesting connection with snowflake cocoa


Second Place
6
hanging ornaments
I lose my wassail
among the reindeer
--Kat Lehmann (USA)
VOTES: 231*** SCORE: 11
COMMENTS: Interesting picture of mulled cider beside sounds of Christmas wassail.



Third Place
3
eggnog with cinnamon –
the scent of my first
time abroad
--Ana Drobot, Romania
VOTES: 311*** SCORE: 8
COMMENTS: I feel in this haiku that autor gives us very good picture of Christmas moment, and this picture is very clear.

Results Continues

1
Christmas tree apples...
with a sip of mulled cider
we each clink our glass
--Pat Geyer, USA
VOTES: 1*1*** SCORE: 4
COMMENTS:


2
in the wind
the smells of winter
mulled wine
--Nika Victoria, BC Canada
VOTES: 12**** SCORE: 5
COMMENTS:


4
holiday punch -
inside our sweet hours
refreshing twist
-- Goran Gatalica, Croatia (Europe)
VOTES: 11**** SCORE: 3
COMMENTS:


5
Crème de Menthe
every Christmas Eve
since age 5
--Christina Sng, Singapore
VOTES: 1***** SCORE: 1
COMMENTS:


7
evening in the winter
whole family sitting together
Christmas drinks
--Tatjana Debeljacki
VOTES:****** SCORE 0
COMMENTS:


9.
celebrating grandpa
from his collection of finest wines-
year after year
--Adjei Agyei-Baah
VOTES: 2*1*** SCORE: 5
COMMENTS:


10.
a minute spider
leaving behind its cobweb -
scent of mulled wine
--Cezar-Florin Ciobîca
VOTES: 12**** SCORE: 5
COMMENTS:



[snoopy from google dot com]

CONGRATULATIONS to Chrissi who will receive a copy of Pink Crush. However, it so happens, Chrissi and I did a book swap earlier in the year so she has already, a copy of Pink Crush. Her second copy, she says, will give to someone as a gift.
Well done Chrissi!!!

111

Sorrel - (Hybiscus sabdarrifa); in T&T the calyx is used to made the traditional Christmas Sorrel drink

Dear haiku friends, What is the one one drink you think you must have or you don't feel like it's Christmas? Welcome to our special Christmas kukai 2016; I propose 'Christmas beverages' as our theme. e-mail one haiku, written in the form of your choice, emphasizing the theme of 'Christmas beverages'; Have fun, be creative. Enjoy!

Haiku Example:-
red stains my fingers -
the crisp sounds in coring
the sorrel calyx
--gillena cox


My Sorrel Drink Recipe


Deadline for sending entries is December 10th 2016

A voting list will be e-mailed to all players

Deadline for sending votes is December 20th 2016

Voting:
Votes to be scored using a total of 6 points; voters must use all 6 points
Example:-
Haiku#76………3pts
Haiku#34………2pts
Haiku#8………1pt

the example given is just one of several ways you can allot your points

Comments during voting are encouraged but must be limited to 3 lines. When
published, these comments and votes will be given anonymous listings.
e-mail your vote and comments

The results will be published here at Caribbean Kigo Kukai on December 21st 2016. After results have been posted, any comments you wish to make can be posted directly here at the blog just click on comments at the end of the post

much love
gillena



I am pledging a free gift copy of my book Pink Crush; which will be posted by snail mail, to the winner of this Kukai.

110

Poems remain the copyright of individual writers

PLAYERS: 1. Ana Drobot, Romania; 2. Vasile Moldovan , Romania; 3. Vibeke Laier, Denmark; 4. Blessmond Alebna Ayinbire,Ghana; 5. Adjei Agyei-Baah, Ghana; 6. Anthony Q. Rabang Philippines; 7. Tatjana Debeljacki, Serbia; 8. Tomislav Maretić, Croatia; 9. Paul David Mena, USA; 10. Chelle Baratta-Angelini, USA; 11. Pat Geyer, USA

FIRST PLACE

9
island parade --
losing myself
in the steel drum
--Paul David Mena
VOTES: *24*** SCORE: 16
COMMENTS: 1. a haiku with a perfect setting where one can get lost in the full blast of steel pan ensemble! I am thrilled by this one!
2. Brings me back over 40 years ago to when I visited Bermuda and first heard steel drums.


SECOND PLACE

8
listening to blues
in the metro, I let already
six trains go by
--Tomislav Maretić
VOTES: 132*** SCORE: 13
COMMENTS: 1. The poet's heart is filled by music. It is a pleasure feeling the joy of life and music.
2. This is my present, since I love blues and ride metro. There's a kind of beat in this kukai reminiscent of the train wheels on the tracks and the train whistles are like the blues.


THIRD PLACE

4
music of rain -
falling
asleep
--Blessmond Alebna. Ayinbire Bolgatanga - Ghana West Africa
VOTES: 321*** SCORE: 10
COMMENTS: 1. The poem shows connection with nature and with the feeling associated to the music of rain in just five words.
2. I remember living in NJ and hearing the rain lull me to sleep - this kukai says it perfectly. A much simpler time.


RESULTS CONTINUED

1.
steel pan -
the wind enters
my garden
--Ana Drobot. Bucharest, Romania
VOTES: 211*** SCORE: 07
COMMENTS:


2.
listening to
the leaves rustle and the spheres music
let's dance in their beat
--Vasile Moldovan. Buchaest, Romania
VOTES: 1***** SCORE: 01
COMMENTS: Feeling a deep connection with nature and spirituality in this poem.


3
after ballet
music drops into
sylfide dreams
--Vibeke Laier
VOTES: 1***** SCORE: 01
COMMENTS:


5
my favorite song
becoming more sweeter
on my rival’s stereo
--Adjei Agyei-Baah (Ghana)
VOTES: 11**** SCORE: 03
COMMENTS:


6
creeping through
between the sheets
violin chills
--Anthony Q. Rabang Philippines
VOTES: 111*** SCORE: 06
COMMENTS:


7
the well in the middle
of the lost oasis
cricket sings ancient song
-- Tatjana Debeljacki
VOTES: 11**** SCORE: 03
COMMENTS:


10
hips sway soft rhythms
of sweet melodic timbre
rubber-tipped drumsticks
--Chelle
VOTES:**1*** SCORE: 03
COMMENTS:


11
ramajaying...
steel pan dreams calling me
calling me

--Pat Geyer
VOTES: 11**** SCORE: 03
COMMENTS




[snoopy from google dot com]

CONGRATULATIONS to Paul David Mena who will receive a copy of my book

109

CKK AUGUST SPECIAL - August is steel pan month in Trinidad and Tobago

Dear haiku friends, Welcome to our special kukai; for August is steel pan month in Trinidad and Tobago
I propose 'the music invites you in' as our theme. e-mail one haiku, written in the form of your choice, emphasizing the theme 'the music invites you in'; Have fun, be creative. Enjoy!

Example:-
sassy flag waver
her body music driven -
sweet sounds of steel pan
--gillena cox

Deadline for sending entries is August 10th 2016


A voting list will be e-mailed to all players
Deadline for sending votes is August 20th 2016

Voting:
Votes to be scored using a total of 6 points; voters must use all 6 points
Example:-
Haiku#76………3pts
Haiku#34………2pts
Haiku#8………1pt

the example given is just one of several ways you can allot your points

Comments during voting are encouraged but must be limited to 3 lines. When
published, these comments and votes will be given anonymous listings.
e-mail your vote and comments

The results will be published here at Caribbean Kigo Kukai on April 21st 2016. After results have been posted, any
comments you wish to make can be posted directly here at the blog just click on comments at the end of the post

much love
gillena



following the lead of Franklin Magalhaes I will pledge a copy of my book Moments; which will be posted by snail mail, to the winner of this Kukai.

108

Poems remain the copyright of individual writers

PLAYERS: 1. Pat Geyer, USA; 2. Ana Drobot, Romania; 3. Tatjana Debeljacki, Serbia 4. Sanaa Rizvi, Saudi Arabia; 5. Gheorghe Postelnicu, Romania; 6. Keith Simmonds, France; 7. Gabriel Sawicki, Poland; 8. Brendon Kent, UK; 9. Ajaya Mahala, India; 10. Vasile Moldovan, Romania; 11. Madhuri Pillai, Australia; 12. Anna Cates, USA; 13. Michael OBrien, UK; 14. Celestine Nudana, Ghana;


FIRST PLACE
7
just enough
to dress the empty space
spider's silk
--Gabriel Sawicki
Votes: 233*** Score:17
Comments: I enjoyed this haiku about the stylish spider! In fashion, we say that less is more. So, the spider's silk is just enough to dress, or to decorate, the empty space. We can take nature as an example when it comes to fashion and decoration. The spider is one of nature's best artists, after all. Very skillful.


SECOND PLACE
10
in the style of day
even the scarecrow has on
broken blue jeans
--Vasile Moldovan, Bucharest, Romania
Votes: 223*** Score:15
Comments: Broken blue jeans are a very often sight nowadays, everywhere in the streets and even in universities. It is naturally adopted by the scarecrow too!The stylish scarecrow feels more confident now, it seems! We sympathize more with it, anyway!


THIRD PLACE
12
strutting with pride
outside the Goodwill thrift store
a crow pecks at crumbs
--Anna Cates, USA
Votes: 312*** Score:11
Comments: Thrift stores are places that attract people the same way as crumbs attract birds like crows. They choose and find what they are interested in. We can get quite picky in stores, and we are brought in by curiosity.



RESULTS CONTINUED

1
Dressed in purple…
myrtle, where’s this frock
In wintertime
--Pat Geyer, USA
Votes: 1***** Score:1
Comments:



2
the style
that endures...
sakura season
--Ana Drobot (Bucharest, Romania)
Votes: *31*** Score:9
Comments:


3
ikebana style
sensitive spears of grass
winter sun
--Tatjana Debeljacki
Votes: *2**** Score:4
Comments:


4
Fervour bade
her eyes reflect
youthful flash.
--Sanaa Rizvi
Votes: ****** Score:0
Comments:


5
STYLISH GIRLS GAME-
the long dress earned me money
no mon no fun
NICU STOPEL, ROMANIA
Votes: ****** Score:0
Comments:


6
the beauty queen
selects an astounding smile
to fit her stylish gait
--Keith A. SIMMONDS Rodez, FRANCE
Votes: 2***** Score:2
Comments:


8
turning heads
the way
she wears it
--Brendon Kent, UK
Votes: 12**** Score:5
Comments:


9
falling curtains
a stylish kiss finally seals
the end scene
--Ajaya Mahala, Pune India
Votes: *11*** Score:5
Comments:


11
glitterati
the flashes on the red carpet
as she pirouettes her dress
--Madhuri Pillai, Australia
Votes: 11**** Score:3
Comments:


13
hands behind my back…
my father notes
his father’s style
--Michael OBrien
Votes: *2**** Score:4
Comments:


14
moonlit night
words dance across the pages
poetry with style
--Celestine Nudanu
Votes: 2***** Score:2
Comments:



RECEIVED LATE AFTER VOTING HAD ALREADY STARTED
green gyokuro
growing in the shades-
a Japanese style
--Precious Oboh, Nigeria
Votes:Sorry; received to late for the voting list
Comments: Players are encouraged to add any comments about this haiku at blog-comments



CONGRATULATIONS to Gabriel; Franklin Magalhaes has pledged a copy of his book Just A Moment; which he will post by snail mail, to the winner of this Kukai.

107

[a google dot com image]

CKK APRIL SPECIAL - A poem in your pocket 2016

Dear haiku friends, Welcome to our special kukai; for A Poem In Your Pocket Day April 21st 2016
I propose 'style' as our theme. e-mail one haiku, written in the form of your choice, emphasizing the theme 'style'; Have fun, be creative. Enjoy!

Example:-
the Easter Parade -
yielding to a breezy draft
a stylish hat
--gillena cox


Deadline for sending entries is April 9th 2016
Deadline for sending votes is April 19th 2016

A voting list will be e-mailed to all players

Voting:
Votes to be scored using a total of 6 points; voters must use all 6 points
Example:-
Haiku#76………3pts
Haiku#34………2pts
Haiku#8………1pt

the example given is just one of several ways you can allot your points

Comments during voting are encouraged but must be limited to 3 lines. When
published, these comments and votes will be given anonymous listings.
e-mail your vote and comments

The results will be published here at Caribbean Kigo Kukai on April 21st 2016. After results have been posted, any
comments you wish to make can be posted directly here at the blog just click on comments at the end of the post

much love
gillena



This notice is edited to include a bit of exciting news: Franklin Magalhaes has pledged a copy of his book Just A Moment; which he will post by snail mail, to the winner of this Kukai.