This collection of poems manages to capture many of the realities of parenting in the short 5-7-5 haiku format. It makes this a perfect book to pick up in those short moments you have to reflect, or when you need a quick distraction from reality.
Finding a haiku which captures your feelings on a particular day, or during a particular moment, can bring a new perspective.
Seeing all these thoughts and emotions being shared by others can also act as a reminder that, although parenting can seem a lonely experience at times, you are never truly alone in your feelings.
These two examples show the range of moments and feelings captured in the book:
“I pour milk into
The Elsa cup. Oh dear god,
Elsa is for juice.
-- Laurissa James”
“Love, Frustration, Love
Frustration, Love, Frustration
Love, Frustration, Love
-- Jessica Glassberg”
As well as the joy that comes from simply enjoying this collection, it might inspire you to write your own haiku.
We know that poetry is good for people's mental health[1] so this might just be the quick, easy to fit-in creative outlet you’ve been searching for.
It could even be something you can share with friends, trading haikus about your day, potty training or what you most want to get off your chest.
Of course, we couldn’t end this review without our own fitting tribute to Your House Keys are in the Dryer:
A book of haiku
Each one a tiny truth shared
They fill our heart up.
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Reference:
[1] Xiang DH, Yi AM. (2020) ‘A Look Back and a Path Forward: Poetry's Healing Power during the Pandemic’. J Med Humanit. 41(4):603-608