Thunderheads (Red Moon Press)

AVAILABLE NOW!


Joseph Fulkerson's first collection of haiku
 
Whether it’s a quail in the thicket, or a fallen hickory blocking the trail, Joseph Fulkerson’s masterful haiku points without pointing, allowing us, the reader, to listen, take notice, and measure the spacebetween our own selves and any given moment. Yet, somehow, just as masterfully, we can hear Joseph’s one still voice, echoing, long and long, off the canyon walls. A voice we won’t soon forget.
 
Robin White, editor Akitsu Quarterly
 
 
"Thunderheads" is a gem. Joseph Fulkerson is an old soul. The poems in his newest volume scatter the seeds of ancient wisdom across the wild nature of Kentucky. The book is a blessing, a gift, a treasure. I offer high praise for "Thunderheads." 
 
Ron Whitehead, Poet, Writer, Editor, Publisher 
 
 
These are poems of the outdoors—of farmland, creeks and woods—as well as the creatures (and occasional humans) that inhabit that space. Joseph Fulkerson shows us this world one carefully crafted moment at a time. A remarkable collection!
Susan Antolin, editor, Acorn: a Journal of Contemporary Haiku
 
 
These are gentle expressions of a commute through the seasons, and their days. The quiet utterances of each day is so easily overlooked, but here they are recorded. Alongside many themes are those about health, and loss: One such haiku is about a graveside vigil and rain collecting in a much loved one’s name. This book acts as a timely nudge, to remind us, of what can be so easily overlooked, and neglected. Make some private time, and forget about the noise and bustle, as you dip into silence and calm.
 
Alan Summers co-founder, Call of the Page
 
 
“Fulkerson tightens his focus on imagery in the form of haiku in thunderheads. He takes the classic style and conjures scenes of nature and loss; how life continues in mourning and rebirth.”
 
Tim Heerdink, author of Razed Monuments, The Human Remains, and Red Flag and Other Poems


~A note from the Author~


Japanese short form poetry has always been an interest of mine; Haiku in particular. 

I've been reading and studying haiku for around five years now. A couple of years ago I tried my hand at writing them. While I've had some success publishing them in a few of the popular haiku journals, it was more about honing my skills and being a part of a global community with like-minded passions.


It's really interesting to see how my style and preferences have changed since the first one I wrote. 



cold January rain 
the ducks take flight
two by two



From traditional (consisting of three lines of seventeen syllables 5-7-5) to single line "monoku," there is so much variety in haiku one could practice for years without tiring. 

If fiction is dining out, and poetry is considered fine dining, I propose that haiku is caviar. 


Haiku has the ability to express a thought or a moment in time in a few short breaths, resulting in what can only be described as an "AHA!" moment, stirring in the heart of the reader a sense of kinship to the writer, which in my opinion is what makes great writing. 

Each haiku written is a moment in time I spent walking, hiking, practicing stillness while taking in the space, reflecting on it and writing about it. I humbly submit this collection for your enjoyment. 


Joseph