The Edge of the Woods

Before he left us in 2009 (way too soon) Paul O. Williams 

was always able to enliven and enlighten any haiku meeting, 

event or poetry gathering, with his comments: 

wise, intelligent and often also very, very funny.

We miss him a lot.

He also wrote a series of seven post-apocalytic novels 

called The Pelbar Cycle;

they have always had a devoted following

and are now available on Kindle.

In rain, people pass

the water-rippled window

like living stained glass

Paul O. Williams

The Edge of the Woods;

55 Haiku

Paul O. Williams, Elsah, Illinois, 1968

This haiku is a fine example of what can be accomplished

when using the 5-7-5 form in English.

It is not the only good English haiku form,

but many excellent haiku have been written this way.

Kiyoshi and Kiyoko always supported this form;

In remembrance, and to honor them, 
the Yuki Teikei Haiku Society

holds the Tokutomi contest 
for 5-7-5 haiku each year.

For details about the contest and for other activities

and highlights of the group's history, visit

youngleaves.org