During the Pause by Kenichi K. Yabusaki

Kenichi K. Yabusaki presents a gently powerful collection of tanka poetry in During the Pause, an unhurried examination of nature, love, politics, and the self. As the title suggests, these poems are pulled from self-reflection during pauses of the poet’s own life, from clear-eyed observations of natural beauty to stark musings on legendary works of art. The artfully structured five-line style is ideal for these savored moments of thought, allowing more flexibility than haikus, with each word carefully chosen and meticulously placed. Offering subtle wisdom and thought-provoking mysteries, this work probes unanswerable questions, but finds peace in the inquiry.