NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW ON-LINE

This digest-sized journal which publishes only haiku, senryu, tanka, haibun. and related sequences, is one of the leading publications for poetry using these Eastern forms in the Western milieu. The different forms are not physically separated in any obvious way, but intermingled, with three to four of the shorter forms per page. Ultra- short reviews of related books and journals appear in the last three pages under the heading, "HAIKU NOTES", and this particular issue contains a sprinkling of excellent B&W photos, a true western alternative to the Japanese haiga? The writing throughout is of a high standard, and there are many poems from recognisable names. A few of my favourites:

	after the storm 
	rose petals 
	a deeper red 
		Patricia Prime 

	the creak of the swing 
	after the last child 
	leaves the park 
		Michael Cecilione

	gypsy and I 
	press hands 
	to my wallet 
		Jim Kacian

	my drinking companion asks 
	what will happen to us 
	I laugh 

	a beautiful dead bird 
	swarming with ants 
		Leonardo Alishan