Paper Moon

2012-02-09T06:53:00.000Z

I would not want
to wake again
if I could hold you
endlessly
in a dream

2012-01-19T15:52:00.001Z

trailing my hand
through the water
for a moment
more river
than man

Blithe Spirit V21 N4

Back To It!

2012-01-19T15:50:00.001Z

Hi All, sorry for the lengthy absence. I hope you are all well...
Here's to a creative 2012

multiverses

2011-12-20T21:03:00.004Z

I am pleased to announce the launch of a new online journal for haiku and related forms. multiverses will kick off with the Spring edition in March 2012.

Submissions are now being sought for this exciting new venture.
Please click on the link above to find out more.

2011-12-09T17:37:00.003Z

dancing with dragonflies
across the pond
I leave the fiction
of this life
behind

'tanka cafe' - Ribbons V7 N3 Fall 2011

2011-11-15T09:26:00.001Z

she slips
through my mind
again and again
no more now
than a ghost of memory

2011-10-26T19:00:00.001+01:00

a white gate
blown open by the wind...
I wonder
what dreams await me
on the other side

Gusts No.14 Fall/Winter 2011

2011-10-13T14:22:00.002+01:00

clouded moon -
I'm not the man I was
even a moment ago

2011-09-29T13:49:00.000+01:00

singing the song
of forever
ten billion suns
appeared
like daisies

2011-09-12T18:42:00.001+01:00

that innocent glint
in your eyes
reminds me what I lost
so long ago
too soon

Modern English Tanka V2 No3 Spring 2008

2011-08-31T18:57:00.001+01:00

I imagine you leaving...
a blossom in the breeze
silent
weightless
free

red lights V7 N2 June 2011

2011-08-18T15:07:00.002+01:00

I hear the song
of your heart
gently beating...
a white butterfly
on the breeze

For the inspirational R.D.Bailey

2011-08-09T17:21:00.001+01:00

deliberating
over morning coffee
I choose not
to let yesterday's fallout
colour my day

Tanka Reading!

2011-07-23T17:02:00.002+01:00

I've uploaded a short reading of my tanka poetry to Youtube. Click on the title above to view it. I hope you enjoy it.

'First Winter Rain' by Denis M. Garrison

2011-07-22T06:30:00.005+01:00

I'd like to recommend 'First Winter Rain' by Denis M. Garrison as a must have collection for any serious reader/writer of tanka.

Denis is an excellent poet whose words are full of depth and creativity.
Through this collection he invites us to walk beside him for a while and with clarity and a light touch opens windows on new worlds, as page after page, his poems capture the pain and joy of life, just as it is.

As a writer, editor and publisher of tanka, Denis has given so much to this fast growing poetic form.

Through my early years as a fledgling writer, Denis published, supported and nurtured me and for that I am deeply grateful.

2011 Haiku Pen Contest

2011-07-16T22:12:00.003+01:00

I am very happy to announce that I have just been awarded 'Grand Prize' in the 2011 Haiku Pen Contest. You can read my poem alongside the other winners, including the very talented Claire Everett by clicking on the title above.

A BIG thank you to Raquel D. Bailey of Lyrical Passion Poetry E-Zine for all that she brings/gives to the world of poetry.

Also humble thanks to Lee Gurga, editor of Modern Haiku Press, who adjudicated this contest.

Enjoy!

The Quiet of My Heart

2011-07-14T11:51:00.002+01:00

Last week Claire Everett and I wrote an impromptu 'Responsive Tanka Set' on Facebook. Claire is an amazing, international award winning poet, who inspires me no end. You may view the set and more of Claire's wonderful work by clicking here

2011-07-13T09:38:00.000+01:00

everything
in the world
is beautiful
running my fingers
through my son's hair

100 Followers!!!

2011-07-07T17:03:00.004+01:00

I couldn't resist a little post to celebrate the arrival of follower No 100.
Welcome to Paper Moon Roseangela James, Poetess.

It is nearly three years since I ventured (with some trepidation) into the world of 'blogging' and what a great three years they have been.

It can be a lonely world for a poet, (even when widely published in print) with little feedback or comment. All that has changed these past three years and what a blessing it has been.

Above and beyond the comments you have left, I have had the pleasure of encountering some of the finest poets in the world. (oh yes you are!)

The way that our words reach out and touch the lives of others is and must remain for the most part a mystery. However to receive a few words or a response poem, from time to time can lift the veil on that mystery just briefly, and for me at least give such a boost, very often just when I need it.

Above all though just knowing you are here, whether you comment or not, is enough.

So I'd like to thank you ALL (1-100) for walking beside me on this poetic road. Long may it continue...

butterflies
whispering to the wind -
who knows
where our words
will lead?

2011-07-05T07:18:00.001+01:00

scent of lilac -
one final breath
after another

2011-06-22T13:39:00.001+01:00

longest day -
everything I'd hoped
it wouldn't be

2011-06-17T17:07:00.000+01:00

struggling to hear
what the wind has to say -
pink clematis

Poetography In London!

2011-06-10T12:18:00.008+01:00

Ron L. Zheng's Poetography Exhibition 'Leaving My Found Eden' will be showing at the Lewisham Arthouse from July 18th to August 7th 2011.

Over the past four years Ron has had gallery shows around the world, including, New York, Los Angeles, Osaka, Vancouver, Toronto and San Francisco.

I know that Ron would love to have as many visitors as possible and would encourage you (if you are able) to drop by.

If you would like to find out more about Ron's wonderful work click here.

2011 Spirit of Japan Tanka Contest

2011-06-05T10:26:00.002+01:00

avoiding the cracks
like I did back then
a little boy
willing his mum
to get well

I am pleased to announce that this poem received an 'Honourable Mention' in the '2011 Spirit of Japan tanka Contest.' You can read all of the winning poems by clicking on the title above. Enjoy.

2011-05-29T19:19:00.000+01:00

of all the shapes
the wind could be -
purple irises

2011-05-24T19:38:00.000+01:00

I have breath
for your wings
and a mind full of sky
so don't tell me
it's too late for love

2011-05-17T20:35:00.004+01:00

one last look
across the fields
before leaving -
a poet
full of dreams

Blogger Issue!

2011-05-15T20:57:00.004+01:00

There was an issue with 'Blogger' last Thursday / Friday that meant any comments left on those two days were wiped from the system.

It only affected my last post, so if I have missed your comment I apologise, however it was beyond my control.

Feel free to re-post your comments if you wish to.

Best wishes

Paul

2011-05-12T14:21:00.000+01:00

spring dusk -
the river pauses
for a moment
to take the weight
of a swan

2011-05-06T10:57:00.001+01:00

the lake unfolds...
a ripple
for each breath

2011-04-27T19:03:00.001+01:00

I step out
among the first blue notes
of dawn
to read
what's left of the moon

'GUSTS' No13 Spring/Summer 2011

New Followers!

2011-04-24T12:11:00.002+01:00

I have noticed the presence of new followers here recently and would just like to say welcome to you all.

Feel free to comment as and when (or even if) you wish.

Your presence is greatly valued and I hope my words will in some small way touch your lives.

With best wishes

Paul

2011-04-23T16:18:00.000+01:00

forget-me-nots -
learning to love again
is never easy

2011-04-18T15:55:00.001+01:00

just outside my dream a blackbird singing...

2011-04-08T12:59:00.000+01:00

for each word
I couldn't find
somewhere
in the world
a flower is blooming

2011-03-27T10:27:00.001+01:00

invisible
to those around me
I watch blossoms
fall
a thousand years from now

2011-03-15T11:27:00.001Z

the poetry
of this quiet place
is a broken reed
gently twisting
the breeze

2011-03-07T21:51:00.000Z

these blossoms
have so much to teach...
inside
outside
gone

2011-03-02T16:05:00.003Z

it has no colour
this grief
no weight
but the sound
of your name

For Dad
23-12-1941 - 26-2-2011

2011-02-25T18:54:00.000Z

crocus breeze -
my dying mother's words
come back to me

2011-02-16T11:08:00.000Z

as if tomorrow
would never come -
snowdrops

2011-02-10T10:35:00.001Z

sudden downpour -
the memory of a butterfly
washed away

Presence #43 January 2011

2011-02-02T13:26:00.001Z

my son asks
what my father was like...
the weight
of telling him
I never really knew

'red lights' V7 No1 January 2011

2011-01-26T16:11:00.000Z

winter dawn -
this day's sad song
is a gull
crying out above
a shrinking world

2011-01-16T18:52:00.001Z

a dot-to-dot
written across time
only now
do I see my life
for what it is

red lights V7 N1 January 2011

2011-01-10T19:31:00.002Z

an old love
remembered -
beneath the snow
does the meadow dream
of spring

2011-01-06T13:14:00.000Z

there's no pretence
out here
where the river
runs dark...
everything just is

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T13:13:00.001Z

Christmas Break!

2010-12-24T10:17:00.002Z

It's Christmas time again and I am going to take a little break from blogging.

I want to thank you all for your support, encouragement and inspiration throughout 2010. It is much appreciated.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2011.

is it possible
to exist in a world
so pure -
the tiny flame of a robin
flickers against the snow

2010-12-18T20:53:00.001Z

the corridor
was long and dark...
news of your death
closer
with each step

2010-12-14T14:54:00.002Z

so many
different paths
to choose
raindrops
on the window

2010-12-03T13:31:00.000Z

she sees
something beautiful in me
I can tell
by the flowers
in her eyes

2010-11-26T14:45:00.001Z

a leaf falling
a breath briefly held...
tell me
what else
is this life

2010-11-19T13:26:00.001Z

across the fields
at dawn
morning rolls
the grey wheel
of another day

2010-11-12T16:33:00.000Z

so deep
and dark
and beautiful...
the stories it could tell
this ink-stained heart

New Followers!

2010-11-12T16:31:00.002Z

I see that I have a number of new followers here at Paper Moon. A warm welcome to you all, your presence is valued.

2010-11-08T13:04:00.001Z

fresh snow -
it's not the sight
of it
but the music
that moves me

Gusts No 12 Fall/Winter 2010

2010-11-01T12:42:00.001Z

I won't give up
my dreams
so you might as well
move on -
autumn wind

2010-10-24T13:24:00.000+01:00

rippling the lake
with a broken branch...
the not knowing what
I came for
turned out to be this

2010-10-17T11:39:00.000+01:00

no more distant
than the stars
in this clear
night sky...
my thoughts

2010-10-10T17:56:00.000+01:00

the ink
of night
runs dark -
a river
without swans

2010-10-04T21:50:00.000+01:00

yes yes
I've known loneliness...
I can sing its song
just like you
little robin

2010-09-27T11:55:00.000+01:00

the whole world
washed grey -
I feel its uncertainty
a coal tit
on the feeder

2010-09-22T13:24:00.001+01:00

as if it too
longed for solitude
a kingfisher
left its absence
above the reeds

2010-09-16T18:38:00.004+01:00

watching a moth
hit the window again and again -
that's how it felt
all those years, trying
to get through to you

Take Five Volume 2 - Best Contemporary Tanka 2009

2010-09-14T13:04:00.001+01:00

I see it glisten
in her eyes
from time to time
that place
where time has no meaning

Atlas Poetica No 6 Summer 2010

2010-09-10T11:25:00.000+01:00

the art of feelings
is a mystery
lines drawn
in sand
over and over again

2010-09-07T11:29:00.001+01:00

she carried me
to another world
this butterfly
and never once asked
what if? or how long?

2010-09-03T09:12:00.002+01:00

I stop to pick
a roadside flower
as if this
could ease
the pain of leaving

Lyrical Passion Poetry E-Zine

2010-08-28T17:03:00.001+01:00

in her presence
words stumble
down the stairs
of my tongue
like elephants

2010-08-25T09:57:00.000+01:00

nothing is lost
in translation
as poems
spill out
from moonlit eyes

Haiku News

2010-08-22T14:47:00.003+01:00

One of my poems is on Haiku News today. You can view it by clicking on the link above.

This site is well worth bookmarking, lots of brilliant poems by some of the best short-form writers in the world today. It reflects very well on the editors Dick Whyte & Laurence Stacey (Great work guys!)

2010-08-19T15:46:00.000+01:00

I watch him skip
ahead of me
on the path
the little boy
I used to be

2010-08-16T19:42:00.000+01:00

a jester
all these years
I've worn
so many smiles
I could not own

2010-08-13T12:19:00.000+01:00

in my mind
her words rise
like fish
sending ripples
through another day

A Short Break!

2010-08-02T16:03:00.003+01:00

Holiday time! I am taking a short break from blogging. Thank you for your support here at Paper Moon. Back soon!

I seek not
to understand poetry...
but to spin breathless
through its air
inside-out, upside-down

2010-07-28T08:16:00.000+01:00

I walked through this day
a ghost
to those around me
there
not there

Followers!

2010-07-27T09:54:00.002+01:00

I have noticed that the number of people following me here at Paper Moon has increased quite dramatically of late. So a BIG WELCOME to you all! I hope something of what you find here will move, challenge, comfort and inspire you.

Paul

2010-07-24T17:13:00.002+01:00

sunflowers
colour the breeze
at the meadow's edge
as we walk
into our dream

Lyrical Passion Poetry E-Zine

2010-07-19T19:08:00.000+01:00

this day
asked nothing
of me
but a willingness
to let go

2010-07-15T13:46:00.000+01:00

it's not poetry
I seek to write
but page
after page
of the heart

2010-07-09T15:52:00.000+01:00

I feel the weight of me
more and more
as swallows
weave their signature
through sky

2010-07-05T11:42:00.001+01:00

as if it was
the only flower
that ever bloomed
she stoops to touch
a daisy

2010-07-01T21:06:00.001+01:00

her words
have painted a meadow
in me
where countless flowers
bloom

inspired by Claire

2010-06-27T17:33:00.000+01:00

I don't need
mountains or cliff-top walks ...
the edge
is only ever
a breath away

2010-06-20T17:25:00.000+01:00

after the storm
each blossom
comes alive
dripping
with poetry

2010-06-17T06:41:00.000+01:00

in the stairwell
of my mind
a little boy
sits waiting
for a friend

2010-06-15T20:20:00.000+01:00

I drift
from joy
to weightlessness
in the ocean
of your eyes

Solo Renku - Four Seasons

2010-06-04T20:34:00.002+01:00

grasses bow
before the wind -
autumn moon

from another world
fox tracks in snow

slicing the air
above their shadows
swallows return

the weight of summer
lined up along the beach

2010-05-28T12:05:00.003+01:00

I was inspired to write a poem recently after viewing some of Nicole Hyde's art work at 'Noodle'. Nicole very kindly posted the poem with the painting 'Wind Song' and you may view it here... 'Wind Song'. Enjoy!

Mainichi Daily News Haiku

2010-05-26T11:52:00.002+01:00

spring rain -
the cormorant pierces
its reflection

This poem was selected as today's haiku for Mainichi Daily News In Japan.

2010-05-22T19:44:00.000+01:00

with no hint
of sadness
the silence
of this day
is blue

2010-05-22T18:43:00.001+01:00

I have just encountered a wonderful blog by Nicole Hyde called 'Noodle' it's well worth a visit.

2010-05-20T18:56:00.001+01:00

wind whispers
through the reeds at dusk -
crescent moon

2010-05-14T16:52:00.000+01:00

offering back
my silence
the unimaginable
depths
of the peony

2010-05-11T14:08:00.001+01:00

in the breeze
light shimmers
across the water
a future memory
in the making

Gogyohka

2010-05-05T10:24:00.006+01:00

I have recently become aware of a new form of Japanese poetry called Gogyohka. Gogyohka means literally 'five line verse'. It is an evolution of other traditional Japanese short forms and bears a striking resemblance to Tanka. The form was given birth by Mr Enta Kusakabe and is gaining momentum around the world. It is probably fair to say that the differences between Gogyohka and Tanka are more clearly visible in Japanese than English. That said Gogyohka does offer a freedom as there are no formal requirements other than it be written on five lines. I have found Gogyohka to be the perfect outlet for poems I have written on five lines that I would not consider to be tanka. See below for a small selection.

You can learn more about this exciting new form by following the links below.

http://gogyohka.ning.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gogyohka

The first link will take you to Gogyohka Junction a vibrant online community of Gogyohka poets and the second is an overview of the form on Wikipedia. Enjoy!

held up
against the mystery
of this life
words are no more
than empty shells

in my arms
the face
of our love
is looking up
and smiling

so many people
so many masks
through this life
we pass
invisible

sometimes light
sometimes dark
my mind
is a bridge
across time

they appear to be
floating
this young couple
hand in hand
through the park

2010-04-26T19:07:00.001+01:00

watching my wife
a little girl again
playing in the snow
wondering where she's been
all this time

Blithe Spirit V17 No3 September 2007

2010-04-21T12:18:00.001+01:00

butterfly -
the shape it left
in evening sky
I feel it again
& again...

Gusts No.11 Spring/Summer 2010

2010-04-11T12:20:00.002+01:00

as if tomorrow
had yet to find us
we make love
beneath the stars
one last time

Gusts No.11 Spring/Summer 2010