Robert Bruntil

Bellingham, Washington

I have been reading and writing haiku for thirty years. I started to read poetry when I was in psychotherapy, as a young man, looking for models of passionate men. One of my early favorite poets was Gary Snyder, whose poetry of his time at fire lookouts in the Northwest mirrored some of my own experiences in the backcountry. He connected me with ancient Japanese and Chinese poetry, which led me to Basho, Issa, and Buson. I read poetry every day, and write haiku and linked forms often.

In an empty cove

After a windy day

Stillness

Quieting of birds

Just before frog sound

Dusk

Pruning and working in dirt

Early but so much to do

Seeing the sap rising in you

High country

Across the flank of the butte

Coyote