One Man's Maple Moon: Dew Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

early morning 

the dew still resting

where it settled

would we could wake refreshed

to look at things in new ways

Now and Here, 2021

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

這個清晨

露水仍靜止

在原地

我們能夠醒來後精神煥發

以新的方式看待事物嗎

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

这个清晨

露水仍静止

在原地

我们能够醒来后精神焕发

以新的方式看待事物吗

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

One Man's Maple Moon: Shadow Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

my total life

a shadow flickering

across the moon

one moment here

the next I float away

Time Together, 2022

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

我的一生

就像一個影子閃爍

橫穿過月亮

一會兒在這裡

另一刻我就飄走了

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

我的一生

就像一个影子闪烁

横穿过月亮

一会儿在这里

另一刻我就飘走了

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

One Man's Maple Moon: Old Age Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

to reach an age

when things fall away

unneeded

as spent petals from a flower

as skins of summer snakes

Time Together, 2022

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

到了某個年齡

一切都會凋零

不再被人需要

就像花兒凋謝的花瓣

就像夏天的蛇的蛻皮

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

到了某个年龄

一切都会凋零

不再被人需要

就像花儿凋谢的花瓣

就像夏天的蛇的蜕皮

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

Butterfly Dream: Seed Packages Haiku by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

spring thaw ...

the rustle of seed packages

as the ice crackles

connected to peace, 2023

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

春天解凍 ...

打開種子包裹的沙沙聲

當冰塊劈啪作響時

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

春天解冻 ...

打开种子包裹的沙沙声

当冰块劈啪作响时

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

One Man's Maple Moon: Change Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

I wash my hair

and put on fresh clothes

repeating to myself,

you change yourself

you change the world 

Gusts, 35, Spring/Summer 2022

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

我清洗頭髮

並換上新衣服

反覆地告訴自己，

你改變了自己

你就改變了世界

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

我清洗头发

并换上新衣服

反覆地告诉自己，

你改变了自己

你就改变了世界

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

Butterfly Dream: Friend's Death Haiku by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

a friend's death ...

the maple leaves are falling

too early this year

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

一個朋友的死 ...

今年楓葉飄落

太早了

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

一个朋友的死 ...

今年枫叶飘落

太早了

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

One Man's Maple Moon: Tomb Effigy Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

we lie together 

like a knight and his lady 

in a tomb effigy ...

only the rise and fall of the covers 

shows we are still of this world

Wind on the Heath, 2020  

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

我們睡在一起

就像是躺在雕像墳墓中

的騎士和他的夫人 ...

只有毛毯的上下起落

證明我們仍然屬於這個世界

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

我们睡在一起

就像是躺在雕像坟墓中

的骑士和他的夫人 ...

只有毛毯的上下起落

证明我们仍然属于这个世界

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

Butterfly Dream: Years Together Haiku by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

the old body lying

next to my old body ...

our years together

Haiku Canada Review, 16:2, 2022

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

一具衰老的身體

躺在我的衰老身體旁邊 ...

我們在一起的歲月

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

一具衰老的身体

躺在我的衰老身体旁边 ...

我们在一起的岁月

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

Cool Announcement: New Release, Time Together by Naomi Beth Wakan

My Dear Readers:

I'm happy to share with you this exciting news: NeverEnding Story contributor Naomi Beth Wakan  published a new book, Time Together. This "collection of poems and photographs by Naomi Beth Wakan and Elias Wakan, is dedicated with love to Gabriola, the island near Vancouver, British Columbia, where the couple has lived for some twenty years. Her poetry and his photographs reflect their love and life together on this small island." 

 

Author's Bio: Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

 

 

Selected Tanka:

my total life

a shadow flickering

across the moon

one moment here

the next I float away

to reach an age

when things fall away

unneeded

as spent petals from a flower

as skins of summer snakes

an old cabin

long deserted ...

even the chinks

sealing it safe

have gone their way

Happy Reading

Chen-ou

One Man's Maple Moon: Village Life Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

reading 

of village life

I yearn ...

yearn for a time I never lived

and a thatched place I never saw

Gusts, 33, Spring/Summer 2021

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

閱讀

我渴望

的鄉村生活 ...

渴望一段我從未生活過的時光

還有一間我從未見過的茅草屋

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

阅读

我渴望

的乡村生活 ...

渴望一段我从未生活过的时光

还有一间我从未见过的茅草屋

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

One Man's Maple Moon: Reflections&Past Ventures Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

reflections 

of anchored small boats

ripple in the lake 

I too feel fragmented 

when I think of past ventures

Wind on the Heath, 2020  

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

在湖裡

停泊小船漣漪

的倒影

當想起過去種種的冒險

我也覺得是支離破碎

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

在湖里

停泊小船涟漪

的倒影

当想起过去种种的冒险

我也觉得是支离破碎

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

Butterfly Dream: Cherry Blossoms and iPhones Haiku by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

a blanket spread 

under the cherry blossoms 

teens work their iPhones 

Wind on the Heath, 2020 

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

一張攤開的毯子

在盛開的櫻花下

青少年們玩智能手機

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

一张摊开的毯子

在盛开的樱花下

青少年们玩智能手机

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

One Man's Maple Moon: Black Words and White Paper Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

this morning 

an early phone call 

and my life 

commits deeper to the play 

of black words on white paper

Wind on the Heath, 2020  

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

今天早上

清晨一通電話

我的生活

將會更深地投入

白紙黑字的戲劇

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

今天早上

清晨一通电话

我的生活

将会更深地投入

白纸黑字的戏剧

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

Butterfly Dream: Still Pond Haiku by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

still pond

a lily breaks

the silence

The Haiku Bag, 1999

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

清靜的池塘

一朵百合打破

沉默

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

清静的池塘

一朵百合打破

沉默

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

One Man's Maple Moon: Detective Stories Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

a pile 

of detective stories 

by my chair 

as if solving murders 

can help me deal with death

Wind on the Heath, 2020  

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

一堆

偵探故事

放在我的椅子旁

彷彿解決謀殺案

可以幫助我應對死亡

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

一堆

侦探故事

放在我的椅子旁

仿佛解决谋杀案

可以帮助我应对死亡

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

Butterfly Dream: Cliff Face Haiku by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

early sunlight 

the gulls etch their shadows 

on the cliff face 

Wind on the Heath, 2020 

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

清晨的陽光

海鷗蝕刻它們的陰影

在懸崖壁上

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

清晨的阳光

海鸥蚀刻它们的阴影

在悬崖壁上

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

One Man's Maple Moon: Self-Help Book Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

yet one more 
self-help book ... 
another trip 
around myself, another trip 
skirting the edge   

Wind on the Heath, 2020 

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

然而又一本

自助書籍 ...

另一趟旅程

圍繞我的自我，另一趟旅程

遊走自我邊緣

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

然而又一本

自助书籍 ...

另一趟旅程

围绕我的自我，另一趟旅程

游走自我边缘

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

Butterfly Dream: Bikini Top Haiku by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

end of summer 
pinned to the park notice-board 
a bikini top

Wind on the Heath, 2020 

Naomi Beth Wakan

Chinese Translation (Traditional)

夏天結束了

一件比基尼上衣被釘在

公園佈告欄

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

夏天结束了

一件比基尼上衣被钉在

公园布告栏

Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan.

Cool Announcement: New Release, Wind on the Heath by Naomi Beth Wakan

My Dear Readers:

I'm happy to share with you this exciting news: NeverEnding Story contributor Naomi Beth Wakan  published a new book, Wind on the Heath, a life-spanning collection of haiku, tanka and free verse spans roughly "sixty years of inquisitive thinking and creative writing. The foundation of Wakan's work is her dedication to living an examined life, which Wakan describes in this way: 

Seeking in the darkness

a crack through

which we may glimpse reality."

The poems in Wind on the Heath allow readers to "see the flicker of light showing through the crack. This is poetry to live by."

 

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2014–16) and the Federation of British Columbia Writer’s Inaugural Honorary Ambassador. She has published over fifty books. Her most recent book of essays, On the Arts, came out in 2020 (Shanti Arts). Her trilogy, The Way of Tanka, The Way of Haiku, and Poetry That Heals was published by Shanti Arts in 2019. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband, the sculptor Elias Wakan. For more information, read "A Poet's Roving Thoughts: An Interview with Naomi Beth Wakan by Robert Epstein"

 

Selected Haiku and Tanka:

early sunlight 
the gulls etch their shadows 
on the cliff face 

a blanket spread 
under the cherry blossoms 
teens work their iPhones 

end of summer 
pinned to the park notice-board 
a bikini top 

this morning 
an early phone call 
and my life 
commits deeper to the play 
of black words on white paper

my small voice 
struggles its way 
onto the page 
hard to hear it when each moment 

trawls with it past memories

yet one more 
self-help book ... 
another trip 
around myself, another trip 
skirting the edge   

reflections
of anchored small boats ripple
in the lake
I too feel fragmented
when I think of past ventures

we lie together 
like a knight and his lady 
in a tomb effigy ...
only the rise and fall of the covers 
shows we are still of this world 

his tragic crash
headlines for two days
then is displaced
by a campus rape
and life continues

a pile
of detective stories
by my chair
as if solving murders
can help me deal with death

I conclude today's book promotion post with Naomi's view of reading/writing haiku and tanka:

On Reading Issa Each Morning

Every morning, 
as others open their papers 
to the sports page, or 
keep them closed on 
the grim rumors of the day, 
I receive a small, sweet message 
by e-mail; a message 
telling of simple things . . . 
midday naps, the scent of the lotus, 
deer rutting, and mountain rain, 
a sickle moon, a temple bell, 
muddy straw sandals, the beggar’s stove, 
first frost, and slush-splashed robes, 
plum blossom, Buddharupas, 
saké cups, radishes, 
garbage-removers, mosquitoes 
at the eaves, and a cottage door 
crushed by morning glories, 
tumbled down houses, and dogs 
mouthing down rice cakes. 
Only occasionally a bigger mystery 
presents itself for my morning 
consideration, such as 
a samurai’s discarded top knot. 

Writing A Tanka 

Writing a tanka
is like feeling
the breeze coming up
from the shore
on the first day of autumn.
It tells you that
the full blooming of summer
is over—
the seeds sown in spring
are now to be harvested,
and entropy moves center stage
as leaves fall and
stalks rot in the ground.
Yes, writing tanka
is like that.
Like a record of a full life
and the bittersweetness
of knowing that
it must come to an end.

Happy Reading

Chen-ou Liu

One Man's Maple Moon: Quilt Tanka by Naomi Beth Wakan

English Original

sewing a quilt
I prick my finger ...
how imaginary
this thin life is,
yet, also very real

Naomi Beth Wakan


Chinese Translation (Traditional)

縫一件刺繡時
我刺了我的手指 ...
這種脆弱的生活
多麼虛幻
但是，也很真實

Chinese Translation (Simplified)

缝一件刺绣时
我刺了我的手指 ...
这种脆弱的生活
多么虚幻
但是，也很真实 


Bio Sketch

Naomi Beth Wakan is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo (2013). She has published over 50 books. Her poetry books include Sex after 70 and other poems and And After 80… (both from Bevalia Press) and Bent Arm for a Pillow (Pacific-Rim Publishers). Naomi is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada and Tanka Canada and is the Inaugural Honorary Ambassador for the BC Federation of Writers. She lives on Gabriola Island with her husband, the sculptor, Elias Wakan. www.naomiwakan.com