English Original
family reunion
a silver-chest grandpa afloat
under a diving board
Randy Brooks
Chinese Translation (Traditional)
家庭團聚
在跳板下一位胸毛銀白的老爺爺
漂浮在水面上
Chinese Translation (Simplified)
家庭团聚
在跳板下一位胸毛银白的老爷爷
漂浮在水面上
Bio Sketch
Dr. Randy Brooks is Professor of English Emeritus at Millikin University where he teaches courses on haiku and tanka. He and his wife, Shirley Brooks, are publishers of Brooks Books and co-editors of Mayfly. His most recent publication is HAIKU DECK, with 52 haiku or senryu on 52 cards.
ReplyDeleteL1 sets a broad, social context, while Ls 2&3 zoom in on a specific, quiet, and slightly surreal image. The ordinary setting of a “family reunion” contrasts sharply with this a little unusual image of Grandpa floating under a diving board, creating a tension that lends the haiku both energy and humor.
The descriptor “silver-chest” evokes a striking visual—suggesting a barrel-chested figure, or perhaps someone pale and sunlight-reflecting in the water. The word “afloat” immerses the reader directly in the moment, capturing a sense of stillness and weightlessness that contrasts with the expected noise and bustle of a family gathering.