Reading this haiku poetry book has given me a new perspective regarding interpretation of poetry. The writer, Clirim Muca who is from Italy has written an excellent book of haiku poems for his readers to relax with. Having met this excellent poet, his wonderful wife, and inspiring sons in Vilnius, Lithuania, I am able to say that I have truly met a wonderful family supporting each other.

Street Mud is divided into the four seasons of the year and in four sections. The first section is entitled Spring. The pattern of the haiku poems in this section are focused on the blue sky, calming water, and beautiful birds. For example, the following haiku will reflect the thoughts of Paris in the spring while reading:

The clear sky

contrails of planes:

flight of love.

Imagine this haiku at high noon when the spring season is a little warm and things are lively after the freezing snow has melted:

Sharp lances:

threaten the sky

the blades of grass.

Section two of Street Mud addresses the season of Summer. This section extends the analogy of the summer breeze, the beautiful birds, the wonderful sky, and cleansing water. Imagine the wonderful view of this haiku poem:

Evening breeze.

hanging swinging in the air

a spider's web.

One must ask, "Where is Charlotte's Web in all of this?" Still inside the barn talking with the animals one would imagine. The images here are really breath-taking regarding nature. Additionally, consider this haiku:

Returning to flight

the solitary hawk.

a scattering of birds.

This haiku poem appeals to the senses of sight and sound. One can see the birds scattering and hear the fluttering of wings in a rush for survival to escape the diving hawk.

Section three is all about Autumn. Drifting back to the countryside with nature, one is able to see and feel the true essence of life in that environment through this haiku poem:

Ruts of carts

hauled by oxen.

street mud!

Have you ever walked behind a cart being pulled by oxen in the country when it's raining? Certainly the roads will be muddy and grooves from the wheels left in the mud.

The autumn wind is always illusive when it comes to blowing leaves along. This haiku poem brings that imagery to life:

Wind chasing

leaves in the courtyard.

weeping moon.

The scene in this haiku is just wonderful. Imagine the cool autumn wind chasing the leaves along the field and over the hills. With great insight and imaginative skills one is able to see the weeping moon from the colors of the leaves spreading out and moving in various directions.

The fourth and final section is regarding Winter. The thought of winter and the cold wind normally sends cold chills down the spine of a person at times when facing the outside elements. Consider this haiku poem in that regard:

Wind swept night:

the wind outside

keeps knocking

Everything that's not nailed down tight is subject to being blown away by the wind. Imaging the howling wind at night and the brush clanging against the windows; this is where one can feel the true sense of winter at night.

This poem really brings home the awesome essence of winter:

Frosty night

even the wind searches

for shelter.

This is just excellent articulation of poetic verses in the form of haiku poetry. One must read this book to really appreciate the refreshing verses on its wonderful pages by Clirim Muca.