Comment from Norbanus

Excellent

You're getting down right good at these off-center haiku. %he picture sets the scene perfectly. Red sky at night and flat seas tell the real story.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Jun-2014

Thank you, Norbanus. I truly appreciate your kind review.

Comment from NurseBarb

Excellent

Beautifully written Haiku poem meeting the qualifications for this nature 17 syllable poem. I love the illustration as well coming together to make one fantastic entry. Good luck in this contest. I learned a new word today. Embarrassed to say I didn't know what cerulean meant, had to look it up.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jun-2014

Thanks!

Comment from elchupakabra

Excellent

Another solid contest entry, I think the one blue reference is a uniting factor that is certainly the strength and Satori of this piece. I think this is another well written haiku that will do well in the voting. Looks like you've got the haiku bug, bud. Great work here too, thanks for sharing and good luck, again.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jun-2014

Thans.

Comment from GWHARGIS

Excellent

I have no idea what kind of haiku this is, but I do know it was beautiful. It presented a tranquil and serene setting and gave a little romance as the sail kissed the sky. Beautifully done. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jun-2014

Thanks!

Comment from Tomes Johnston

Excellent

This is a bit of a departure from the author in this piece of writing. This is bright and cheerful. It is in a short format, but the author's skill is still plain to see. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jun-2014

Thanks!

reply by Tomes Johnston on 20-Jun-2014

My pleasure

Comment from Domino 2

Excellent

Beautiful picture and colour/word presentation, Dean. You're a true master at this.

I love your poetic word choices and vivid imagery.

Good luck and beat wishes, Ray

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jun-2014

Thanks.

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

nice alliteration and descriptive detail in spring's cerulean skies sails
good personification of sails kissing the horizon - is this a contest where personification is allowed? some allow it, others don't - it's hard to keep track LOL
Brooke

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jun-2014

Nope, absolutely no personification is allowed, Brooke as is traditional in Japanese haiku. However, this is hardly traditional, as the satori line is required to be the first line of the poem, instead of the last. I wanted this one to read well even if it were flip-flopped.

I'm glad you liked it, and I appreciate the encouragement.

Comment from seaglass

Excellent

This is an absolutely astounding picture. Almost too beautiful to be real. I can see it needed a poem. However, the haiku, without the accompanying picture, paints a lovely spring morning.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jun-2014

Thank you very much, seaglass. The contest didn't prevent artwork from being used, so I did. However, I realize how important it is for haiku to be able to stand on it's words alone, or anything we write, for that matter.

Thanks so much again!

Comment from padumachitta

Excellent

Hi Dean. Super haiku. Thanks for the notes. I only know the sort of thing they teach us in school...
I really like the first line.
I have just posted a very intense poem called 'Join Me'...it is pretty far down the list(no money for pumps)...if you have time take a look, I would be interested in your response.
padumachitta

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jun-2014

Thanks so much, padu, and I promise that I'll take a look at it. Anything for you, my friend...:>)

reply by padumachitta on 18-Jun-2014

Hey Bud! You already gave it a six...we must have passed each other in cyber space:-)
padumachitta

reply by the author on 18-Jun-2014

Ha ha, I think we did. Couldn't you feel the breeze, LOL?

reply by padumachitta on 18-Jun-2014

yeah, just wish i knew how to sail, but i love the ocean, i grew up on the wet west coast of canada...p

Comment from Patrick G Cox

Excellent

Hi Dean Kuch,

This is a nice Haiku, and it captures the image in your picture very well. Not your usual genre though, which makes a nice change!

Patrick

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Jun-2014

You're right, Patrick, it isn't my usual fare. But, haiku has been a real thorn in my side as, time after time, I have failed miserably at writing one. And I hate to fail...at anything. So, to challenge myself, I began studying the intricacies of the craft, the subtle nuances that make haiku so popular. I've by no means grasp the full gist of the form, but practice makes perfect, or so they say.

Thanks for the review and nice rating. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.