Haiku Diary 5

The latest Haiku Diary, along with its older brothers, could say (and remind us of Karel Poláček): “There were five of us.” We would love to hear any of them add the question: “And how many more of us will there be?”

No, let’s not be immodest. A quintet is a beautiful little orchestra. But let's believe it won't stop there. After all, faith is ever-present in Čepelka's haikus.

On the other hand, there are fewer women again, when not even kissing can prevent the realisation of where the world is heading. But – although there are eyes that say nothing, hers invite him into the vineyards. And the author is not afraid to walk a narrow path, even a gorge, as long as it’s with the lovely Terezka.

Those who can appreciate his haikus are not troubled by ideals that have been run over by time. They will glimpse, along with him, into the mysteries the Serpent has prepared for us. And they will understand that this creator does not belong to the flock of poets who desire only their own monument.

Yes, we can admit that books are just countless freckles on the face of the world. But wouldn't it be dull without freckles? Let's be grateful that Miloň Čepelka has adorned the face of the world with a whole constellation of them.

It is a gift, not a given. A gift for us that we can read his books and look forward to the next one. And a gift for him, too, that inspiration, not just in the form of haikus, has not ceased to descend upon him.

This collection has also been adorned with illustrations by Jiří Hovorka.