Hai standards for aspiring poets to meet

PRIMARY school pupils are once again being encouraged to put pen to paper and enter a haiku competition.

Last year’s competition, held in conjunction with Western Writers’ Centre, Clare Education Authority, Sceal Eile Bookshop, Killaloe Hedge School and the Clare Three Legged Stool Poets proved extremely popular and the organisers are hoping even more schools will come on board this year.
The competition is open to primary school children and winners will be announced at the Ennis Book Club Festival on March 5, where they will also be invited to read their work.
Winning schools will receive vouchers for books while a special prize will also be given by the Killaloe Hedge School should an individual haiku of special merit be received.
“Children from any primary school class, first through sixth, are capable or writing a haiku. The best haikus seem to capture a mood. Equally they can tell a story or give a description of one kind or another. In Japan, where the haiku originated, they are often most used to describe some aspect of nature. The important thing is that they have to have a 5/7/5 metre. They should be short and concise with, where possible, a final punchline that springs a surprise,” explained Brian Mooney of the Clare Three Legged Stool Poets.
The competition was officially launched in Glór in January, and at the launch Fred Johnston spoke about the haiku and stressed how, although originally Japanese, it had acquired universal reputation.
Last year’s competition was won by Knockerra National School, with Knockanean National School runners-up and Dangan National School in third place.
Brid Finnegan, Pat McNamara and Sister Carmel from last year’s winning schools spoke briefly of who the writing of haikus was enjoyed by all.
Yuki Nishioka, a young Japanese violinist performed some Japanese and Irish folk music and recited a haiku. Also in attendance was Gerry Griffey of Sceal Eile Bookshop.
Collective finished work should be sent to Patrick@clarepoets.com or to the Clare Education Centre, Kilrush Road, Ennis clearly marked HAIKU. Entries should arrive no later than February 14, Valentines Day. There is no entry fee to the competition.