THE SOJOURNER
SELECTED HAIKU

STEFANIE BENNETT
ISBN: 978-93-90601-86-8

Copyright 2022, Cyberwit

Reviewed by LB Sedlacek

In this new book of haiku, Stefanie Bennett offers many works that speak to her accomplishments as a well established poet.  Bennett also has many other achievements in music, education and so much more. 

The book starts off with an “homage” of sorts with a haiku to the Rosetta stone.  The next two cover a laptop and a wanderer.  So, the adventure into this poetry book begins!

Haiku is not as easy to write as it may seem.  It takes skill to come up with an interesting subject and then to put it in the correct form.  It takes even more effort to combine a series of haikus into a book.

Because haikus are shorter poems, one can easily finish the book in one sitting.  That is not necessarily because of the shorter poems, but instead because you will want to keep reading to see what comes next without even taking a break.  These haiku are gripping.  Each one is so moving.  And, each one really has something to say.  Bennett’s book overall presents an essential fragility with a measured strength.

A haiku from the book:

THE FOIBLE
Time after time
a monkey mask
gets torn

These haiku are absorbing.  Each line is as descriptive as it needs to be.  It’s as if the author inhabits each word, each title, each haiku with a determined grace, and a sharp wit.  She gives us something unforgettable.

A haiku from the book:

EBB TIDE
In need indeed -
hand that moon
a torch

Bennet’s imprint albeit voice is nuanced.  The book is stylishly written and each haiku seamlessly fits with the ones before and after.  These haiku are essential, and this book is something everyone should read. 

                                                            ~LB Sedlacek is the author of “The Poet Next Door,” “Simultaneous Submissions,” and “Ghost Policy.”