Five, Seven, Five

This second volume of verse from David Lindley is a collection of short poems in haiku form. The poems adhere strictly to the five, seven, five syllabic pattern of the traditional Japanese haiku, while at the same time being characterised by the poet’s idiosyncratic treatment of the poems’ formal structure. 100 verses are mostly acute observations of the seasons, in the traditional manner, while the poems in the section Once reflect on northern boyhood memories and experiences. The overall effect is one of sustained informality, reflection and poignancy for which the short format is ideally suited.