Hello, I must be going…

You know, it occurred to me the other day that I have been editing the zen space since 2011. I actually founded it. I had never done anything like this in my life before. Well, that’s not entirely true, as I had been an assistant editor on a couple of magazines, but never before run something single-handed.

How was it for you?

It has come into my mind that I ought to plan a couple of things over the coming year. One is to step down as editor. I will need to find someone else to take over, or lay the whole thing down. Those are the choices. The other is to put together an anthology of poems from this site, and get it published. I think if I can do that, then I can leave with my head held high.

So, I haven’t quite gone yet. But it’ll happen. Hence my Groucho Marx quote, “Hello, I must be going.”

Meanwhile thank you for all the new haiku and in-the-moment poetry that is still coming in. May I renew my plea for original artwork, however? It is nice to look for public domain Ukiyo-e prints and suchlike, but it always pleases me when something original comes my way. It seems a long time, for example, since I have heard from our “resident” artist Marie Taylor. Perhaps that’s my fault for not getting in touch with her. I shall remedy that. But who else is out there, I should like to know, who is prepared to let me have something for a Showcase?

As I said, I haven’t gone yet, and a departure must be carefully planned. The joys of having been somewhere always add to the poignancy of the parting. I am almost looking forward to saying Sayonara which, I am told, actually means “Since it must be so…”

Marie Marshall
still editor for now
the zen space

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… aaaand as usual, any adverts spoiling the mood are entirely the fault of the platform.

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A Matter of Life and Death

The Japanese poem associated with leaving life behind is called Jisei. It does not necessarily follow the haiku form, but always seems to capture a moment, and evoke the writer’s preparedness for the passing away of life. Or indeed their reluctance – whatever that transient moment says to them.

What I need from contributors this time is poetry that reflects two things –

Firstly the transience of life, and that acceptance of its passing away expressed by Jisei. Secondly, a full-throated celebration of life, which always seems to continue regardless of individual consciousness.

Can you do that for me?

I especially would like to hear from new “names,” and I am also looking for artwork to feature. Please do get in touch.

MM.

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Any advertisement on this page is a feature of the platform and is not to be taken as an endorsement by the editor.

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If ever a time did not feel right to call for poetry…

Image: AP/Gerald Herbert

If ever a time did not feel right to call for poetry, if ever poetry felt like a privilege, that time is now. Nevertheless I am still aiming for a publication date of 1st July for the next Showcase here, and to that end I’m putting out a last call for submissions.

As always I am especially hoping to hear from “new voices.”

Oh how I would love for those new voices to be those of the habitually unheard. But one can’t go seeking, or it would seem like unsolicited patronage. All I can say is that this door is open.

It is as open to new artwork as it is to haiku and other short-burst poetry. Habitually I scavenge the internet for artwork. I would very much like to feature more original visual material. Please, bring it to me.

Thank you.

MM
editor

The Winter 2020 Showcase is now published!

Another new year is upon us, and with it another showcase.

Readers, spread the word. I’m looking – always looking – for new names for the Showcases. I want anyone who can write haiku or other short forms that are in-the-moment. See the “Submission” tab for how to put forward your work.

Anyhow, this Showcase… hover your cursor over the “Experience” tab and scroll down the list until you get to the bottom. Or, if you want an easy ride, click here.

May your year be filled with moments. Well, you can hardly avoid ’em.

Marie Marshall

editor

the zen space

A few suggestions for the next Showcase…

1. The wind
2. Numbers
3. A young woman in a dress the colour of sunrise

As always, I welcome new names and new voices, and original artwork.

And while you’re here, this is my latest 4-5-6 piece.

The Autumn 2019 Showcase is now published

I love typos. One letter changed would have reversed the title of this post to “The Autumn 2019 Showcase is NOT published,” and in fact that’s exactly what I did type in the first instance. This time, the Showcase has been slung together, with abandon, at the very last moment. But then I love doing that. I love balancing planning with recklessness. To enjoy it, either hover your pointer over “Experience” and scroll down, or click here.

I’m always on the lookout for new contributors – people who can sling a few short lines together and leave a fleeting impression. Haiku is the starting point, of course, but not necessarily the finishing line. What say?

MM.

There’s less than a week to go…

… to the new Showcase, and I haven’t a clue what I’m going to do!

The Spring 2019 Showcase is now published

Guest editor looking for new “names”

A detail from one of Daniel’s Korea photos.

The Guest Editor for the next Showcase is the inestimable, incomparable poet Daniel Paul Marshall (no relation). Daniel says of himself:

After eight years in Korea, I find myself returned to England in the throes of Brexit; a jobless, semi-alien seeking reorientation after what has perhaps been a warring absence. I am shamelessly, indomitably a poet, but now unemployment has me under consideration.

How could the zen space fail to offer him if not employment then at least a way to spend a little of his time? He comes to us in full culture-shock mode, after having been immersed in the life and times of a land half-way around the hemisphere, which had front-loaded him with so much inspiration to write, and then having arrived in the UK in winter, to find the country upping anchor and sailing further away from the coast of Europe. Interesting times.

As always in the case of a Guest Editor, Daniel is looking for new talent. Can you write haiku, senryu, and so on? Or short-burst poetry shimmering in the moment? If so, then get in touch with Daniel at danielpaulmarshall85@gmail.com

On this occasion please do not submit via the usual channel, but use the email address above. Go to it!

The Summer 2018 Showcase is published

One week behind schedule, but it’s here!

This time, as well as new names providing the words, we have the wonderful photography of Elan Mudrow. Can you see a face in the picture below?

The words are amazing, diverse, surprising. In order to find out more either hover your cursor over the ‘Experience’ tab and scroll down to the bottom, or alternatively click here.