Neena Singh's book of haiku, A Peacock's Cry arrived towards the end of a rather difficult day for me. Snuggling with it into my favourite reading spot by the window, I prepared to pamper myself with some well-deserved calm.

 

spring clouds

a white-pebbled pathway

to heaven

 

Dividing her poems by seasons, Neena gently sets the reader's senses tingling with her choice of kigo, that 'soul and splendour' of a haiku as Dr Pravat Kumar Padhi calls it in his comprehensive scholarly essay on the subject that has thoughtfully been included in this collection. 

 

green bough…

the koel hides

behind her song

 

And when one learns a new word too in the bargain, the book becomes unputdownable.

 

early spring breathing the peace bibliosmia

 

The poet's sensitivity and fond connect to nature comes across in every page. Often, it is the chance flash of observation that makes for evocative poetry rather than long hours of contemplation. 

 

kingfisher

a moment’s reflection

in the river

 

Charmed already by Priti Aisola's Gond art-inspired sketches that mark each season with a quiet flair, one lingers longer over the magnificent haiku that gave this book its title. I leave its flutter to come upon you as vividly as the cover art itself does. Teji Sethi’s brilliant work on the cover is bait enough for you to keep an eye out for that ku.

 

Humour, especially in one's autumnal years is a most desirable ingredient in the life mix. And Neena provides some with delightful effortlessness.

 

the alley cat

swats falling leaves…

retirement blues

 

And then the inevitable goodbye. When has Time stood still to allow for a satisfying and leisurely leave taking! Perhaps that's because new beginnings are already waiting in the wings?

 

winter deepens—

I read my jisei

to the wind

 

One starts over because one cannot help doing that. The book begins with Kala Ramesh's testimonial followed by those of a few more haiku greats of our time. Alan Summers' Foreword follows with his fine insights on the art and craft of haiku in general and Neena's in particular. "The haiku is almost not there on the page" he says. And then, "haiku … the speed of a few seconds and then gone, what a glorious though brief glimmer we witness...". Agree.

 

With 150 pages, A Peacock's Cry is a thoroughly enjoyable read for all and a slowly unfolding lesson for those new to haiku.