The following are sample poems from Curlew Sunset by Paul Beech of Wales. His new collection, just released, features a range of Japanese forms: haiku, senryu, tanka, and haibun. The book has 83 pages. The author’s work is often featured on this blog.
Readers interested in purchasing a copy from Beech should contact him at paulbeech@msn.com.
first snow
flurries from my boyhood
waltz in the wind
sunset beach
father and son skim stones
over the golden tide
the song of the surf
their anthem
dandelion clocks she dances through time
art books
on the coffee table . . .
far below our window
dawn fire
lights the estuary
E equals MC squared?
I need another rubber duck down to win a prize. But I’m sure this gun has a dodgy sight. I squeeze the trigger gently, and miss. That’s me done. Now where’s my kid bro got to? Neil Sedaka’s ‘Calendar Girl’ is booming out above the clatter of slot-machines.
Ah, there he is, working his system. He pulls the one-armed-bandit’s one arm, wins another jackpot and scoops up his cash. He’s a genius, Kid Bro, a mathematical genius. Even finding a flaw in Einstein’s ‘Theory of Relativity’, to the total bafflement of his math teacher.
Ricky Nelson is singing ‘Hello Mary Lou’ as we exit the amusements arcade, myself broke, Kid Bro clinking coppers and silver.
He buys me an ice cream.
long years in a care home
vague recognition
in his one good eye
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About Charlotte Digregorio
I publish books. I have marketed and/or published 55 titles. These books are sold in 46 countries to bookstores, libraries, universities, professional organizations, government agencies, and book clubs. In 2018, I was honored by the Governor of Illinois for my thirty-eight years of accomplishments in the literary arts, and my work to promote and advance the field by educating adults and students alike. I am the author of seven books including: Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All; Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Homes; You Can Be A Columnist; Beginners' Guide to Writing & Selling Quality Features; Your Original Personal Ad; and my latest, Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing.
The first four books have been adopted as supplemental texts at universities throughout the U.S., Canada, India, Pakistan, and Catalonia. They are sold in 43 countries, and are displayed in major metropolitan cultural centers. These books have been reviewed, recommended, and praised by hundreds of critics, librarians, and professors worldwide.
I am also the author of a poetry collection: "Shadows of Seasons: Selected Haiku and Senryu by Charlotte Digregorio." Two of my books have been Featured Selections of Writer's Digest Book Club. I am regularly interviewed by major print, radio, and television organizations throughout the U.S. I regularly sign books at libraries, chain bookstores, and university bookstores, and do poetry readings at art centers, cafes, tea houses, and galleries.
I was recently nominated for two Pushcart Prizes in poetry. I have won fifty-nine poetry awards, writing fourteen poetic forms. My poetry has been translated into eight languages. I do illustrated solo poetry exhibits 365 days a year in libraries, galleries, corporate buildings, hospitals, convention centers, and other venues. My individual poems have been displayed at supermarkets, apparel and wine shops, banks, botanic gardens, restaurants, and on public transit.
I have been nominated and listed in "The International Authors and Writers Who's Who" in Cambridge, England and in the "Who's Who In Writers, Editors & Poets U.S./Canada." I hosted my own radio program, "Poetry Beat," on public broadcasting. My poetry has been featured on several library web sites including those of Shreve Memorial Library in Louisiana and Cornell University's Mann Library.
My background includes positions as a feature editor and columnist at daily newspapers and as a magazine editor. I have been a public relations director for a non-profit organization. I am self-employed as a public relations/marketing consultant, having served a total of 118 clients in 23 states for the past several decades .
In other professional areas, I have been on university faculties, teaching French, Italian, and Writing.
I regularly give lectures and workshops on publishing, journalism, publicity, poetry, and creativity to business and professional groups, and at writer's conferences, universities, literary festivals, non-profit organizations, and libraries. I have been a writer-in-residence at universities.
There have been about 400 articles written about me in the media. I have served on the Boards of writers and publishers organizations. My positions have included Board Secretary of the Northwest Association of Book Publishers. I served for five years as Midwest Regional Coordinator of The Haiku Society of America, and for two years as its Second Vice President.
Charlotte Digregorio's Writer's Blog 
Some more wonderfully evocative poems here from Paul. A copy is on my birthday wish list. Can’t wait to read it.
Many thanks, Clive. ‘Curlew Sunset’ is my debut haikai collection. I hope you get a copy for your birthday and thoroughly enjoy it.
My very best,
Paul
Thanks Paul I’ll send off for a copy
Thanks for commenting, Clive.
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Thanks for re-blogging it!
So proud of my you my wonderful Haikai poet Paul! Congratulations on the publication of Curlew Sunset. All my love, Maureen xxx
PS Am rewriting above as the window cleaner barged in to clean the window, hence above result.
So here it is again!
So proud of you my wonderful Haikai poet Paul! Congratulations on the publication of “Curlew Sunset”.
All my love, Maureen xxxx
Thanks for commenting, Maureen.
Thank you my darling Maureen.
‘Curlew Sunset’ was months in the making and represents several years of work, as I included only poems published in good journals and anthologies.
How delighted I was when, having read my book from cover to cover, you told me it was brilliant.
All my love always,
Paul xxx
Thanks for commenting, Paul.
Huge congrats, 🎉🎈🎊 Paul!
Thanks for commenting, Roberta.
Thank you so much, Roberta. Must confess I’m rather proud of ‘Curlew Sunset’. A lot of hard work went into it.
With much appreciation,
Paul
Good luck with this book, Paul. I’m sure readers will find it enjoyable and filled with wisdom.
Excellent verses. Congratulations on your book.
Thanks for commenting, Christine.
Many thanks Christine. I’m delighted you enjoyed the sample poems.
With very best wishes,
Paul
Will your book be available as an e-book?
Dear Christine,
I’m truly gratified by your interest in my work. But I’m afraid my publisher doesn’t do e-books.
Sorry,
Paul
Paul, I am so happy to see your wonderful poems published in your new book! Your style and themes have always connected with me. Congrats!
Thanks for commenting, Al.
Many thanks, Al.
Putting my book together and getting it published was hard work. But comments such as yours make it all worthwhile.
I should add that your poetry always resonates with me too.
Very best wishes,
Paul
Dear Charlotte,
Many thanks for running my book announcement on your brilliant blog.
Huge thanks also to all who’ve responded with likes or comments. I truly appreciate your interest in my newly published debut haikai collection, ‘Curlew Sunset’.
My very best to you all and take care,
Paul