Today’s guest haiku is from Tim Gardiner in the UK, the county of Essex to be more precise.
Tim is inspired to write by wildlife and natural surroundings, using them as a reflection of his emotional state. Often he finds that a landscape can either lift his mood or plunge him into a beautiful melancholy. I think I know what he means, I would probably say the same for myself. What do you think?
He is a scientist by training, but has turned to creative writing for the freedom to express his emotions. He currently has a fascinating job. Since the beginning of 2017 he’s been working as Poet in Residence for the Munnings Art Museum in Dedham, Essex, UK.
The Museum and the River Exhibition promote the landscape paintings of Sir Alfred Munnings. Tim finds Sir Alfred’s often melancholic take on the surroundings a source of inspiration for poetry writing.
As well as landscapes, many of his paintings reflect the state of society and the countryside at the time, for example The White Canoe was painted at the outbreak of World War Two, whilst Tagg’s Island appeared after the end of World War One. The latter painting evocatively portrays a high society party and an outpouring of joy after a long and bloody war.
I don’t have permission to reproduce the paintings here, but perhaps if you are near Essex you could visit and experience them in person. Failing that, visit the museum website check out the opening times and the prints to get a feel for Sir Alfred is work
Let’s hear Tim’s Haiku:
snow birds
I can’t pick you out
from the crowd
Which of Sir Alfred‘s paintings inspired this piece?
A winter scene at Castle house, painted in the 1940s.
Thanks so much for your submissions Tim. I really enjoyed reading them and the good news is that Tim will be featured again so we will get to know him better as we go through the year.
But if you can’t wait, go and explore his website .
