iris haiku

in between the stones
glimpses of cream and purple
the tiny iris


~ regan lee
april 2015

stone buddha haiku

candlelight glowing
cricket song on this warm night
the stone Buddha sits

~ regan lee

eugene, oregon

april 2015

the middle of town

wild turkeys visiting

watching from rooftops

~ regan lee

eugene, oregon

april 2015

haiku

teacup afternoon

violets smashed against stone

thunder and cold rain

regan lee
eugene oregon
april 5 2015

Crow haiku

telephone wire

crows calling to each other

below, one remains

regan lee

eugene, or

4-6-2015

Rules

"There are three rules to writing a novel.
Unfortunately, no one knows what they are." ~ W. Somerset Maugham

Famous Novelists on Symbolism in Their Work and Whether It Was Intentional | Mental Floss

In 1963 an English student wrote to several writers asking if they intentionally used symbolism in their writing. Many responded. I liked many of the answers, including this one from Ray Bradbury: 

Famous Novelists on Symbolism in Their Work and Whether It Was Intentional | Mental Floss: Ray Bradbury: “No, I never consciously place symbolism in my writing. That would be a self-conscious exercise and self-consciousness is defeating to any creative act. Better to let the subconscious do the work for you, and get out of the way. The best symbolism is always unsuspected and natural."

Speaking of the author, her work and symbolic meanings, I'll never forget the enormous hubris of a literature professor I had once, who told us that a particular author (I won't name names) "really" meant such and such. She knew this because, after all, she was the professor. She then went on to tell us that she met the author at a gathering of some kind and told the author what she "really" meant! 

Which brings us to the student's other question concerning the reader's assumption or interpretation of symbolism, and the author's intent. Among responses I like:

Question: “Do readers ever infer that there is symbolism in your writing where you had not intended it to be? If so, what is your feeling about this type of inference? (Humorous? annoying? etc.?)”

Ralph Ellison: “Yes, readers often infer that there is symbolism in my work, which I do not intend. My reaction is sometimes annoyance. It is sometimes humorous. It is sometimes even pleasant, indicating that the reader’s mind has collaborated in a creative way with what I have written.” 

Saul Bellow: “They most certainly do. Symbol-hunting is absurd.”