Xavier University Professor David G. Lanoe was one of the many thousands
displaced from New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. A month ago, we were
happy to report that David, one of our first Honored Guest poets, and our much-
utilized Issa Translator, was safe in his hometown of Omaha, and using the forced
sabbatical productively — working on his latest novel, Haiku Wars, and translating
many more Issa poems.
this world
is a dewdrop world
yes… but…
—Issa (“Cup-of-Tea”)
Over the weekend, we received more great news: David — author of two highly- “Haiku Guy neg”
acclaimed haiku novels, Haiku Guy (2000) and Laughing Buddha (2004) — has
finished and published (on October 17th) another long-contemplated novel, called
Dewdrop World. Even better, although he plans to publish Dewdrop World in printed
form, David is making the novel available for dowloading free in pdf format (362 KB).
Here’s how David explains his decision:
“Throughout my hurricane exile, the kind support from friends,
family and strangers has been truly amazing. This sneak preview is my
small way of saying thanks to all who have helped the citizens of New
Orleans in our time of need. arigatou gozaimashita!”
the city Care forgot
is drowning, Care
remembered
david g. lanoue
“lanoueSelf” In June 2004, I shared my delight after reading Haiku Guy, saying: “This
slim volume entertains and captivates, while wistfully teaching ‘about love,
poetry and just what it all might mean.’ Along the way, it weaves in dozens
of one-breath poems that will make haiku afficionados smile, and turn the
haiku-illiterate into haiku addicts.” It has adventure, romance, time travel,
and more. (You can read the first two chapters here.) I have often given
both Haiku Guy and Laughing Buddha as gifts, making quite a few new Lanoue
fans.
Because I wanted to write this post right away, I haven’t finished Dewdrop World. But, it
seems clear that David has “done it again.” If you haven’t read his prior books, please
do yourself a big favor and check out Dewdrop World. You’ll soon be a fan, too.
[see the update below for a brief description of the haiku novel Dewdrop World.]
Here are a few of the fine haiku and senryu that you will find in
Dewdrop World:
it’s good
to be a horse
the sweet meadow
balcony view
the blonde’s
black roots
playing their parts
on the paper screen
spider, fly
one last teatime
for the autumn
butterfly
after meeting the turtle
every rock
a suspect
lanoue/chiara
cleansing my ears
for music
quiet mountain
David G. Lanoue from Dewdrop World (2005)
