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

__________

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

Advertisement

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.

__________

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

.

.

.

.

The Autumn 2022 Showcase is now published!

Utagawa Hiroshige – Red fish

You know, this is such a simple journal, and yet the technical headaches of putting together a Showcase can quickly develop into a migraine. Our new Autumn Showcase has been published, and I am sure you will uncover glitches that I have missed. Nevertheless, I hope you will enjoy it. Hover your pointer over the “Experience” tab and scroll down to find this and previous Showcases. Or, if you are feeling lazy, you can simply go here!

Of course I am still looking for new talent, both in words and illustrations. Be in touch!

Marie Marshall

editor

the zen space

__________

Adverts have nothing to do with me – they’re just an annoying feature of the platform!

The Autumn Showcase draws near…

Weeping willow and swallows, attrib. Rakusan Tsuchiya

Swallows, swifts, all fork-tailed birds here in Scotland, leave us at this time of year. But they arrive somewhere else. So it goes.

I’m aiming to publish the next Showcase on 1st October. It will arrive, like a migrating swallow, wherever you are…

MM

The Summer 2021 is now published… late!

Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa, we’re ten days late. But we’ve arrived!

A plea – I am still looking for new writers and artists. Ask around, canvass your friends!

To visit the Summer 2021 Showcase, hover your cursor over the “Experience” tab and scroll down until you find it. Alternatively, click here.

Enjoy!

MM
editor

Summer deadline approaches

The sky is blue over Kamakura, as the Northern Hemisphere approaches the longest day. Not long after that, it will be time for the next Showcase here at the zen space. I am, as always, looking for brilliant haiku and short, in-the-moment poetry, along with new visual images of course. I love to hear from people who are new to me.

The next Showcase does not have a planned theme. You may use the image above as an inspiration, or you can simply surprise me…

Marie Marshall
Editor

The next Showcase is due out on April 1st…

… which seems like a good excuse for some short bursts of foolery. What do you think? As usual, I’ll look at anything you send, but I am particularly looking for new names, so pass it on!

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.