Carpe Diem's Quest for a (new) Masterpiece ... introduction

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Dear Haijin, visitors and travelers,

Have you written your masterpiece yet? I hope so, but what is a masterpiece? I think a masterpiece is a haiku (or tanka) that has the power, the strength, to become a classic or an evergreen.

Here at CDHK I have often shared that beautiful masterpiece by Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), that is renown even by people who are not familiair with haiku. You all will already know which haiku I mean, we even created an exclusive CDHK E-book inspired on that renown haiku ...

old pond
a frog jumps
water sound

© Basho (Tr. Chèvrefeuille)

I think you all agree that this is a masterpiece ...

Another masterpiece, in my opinion, is that beauty by Chiyo-Ni about the Morning Glories:

morning glory!
the well bucket-entangled,
I ask for water

© Chiyo-Ni

For sure you will know other masterpieces by classical (and non-classical) haiku (or tanka) poets, but the goal of this new feature isn't the quest for known (renown) masterpieces, but to create masterpieces, it's a real challenge, because you, my dear haijin, visitors and travelers, have to challenge yourself to create your masterpiece.

What makes a haiku (or tanka) a masterpiece? Well ... I will give it a try to tell you what a haiku (or tanka) makes a masterpiece in my opinion.
First: It has to describe a moment that got your attention.
Second: You have to use the right words. Words that describe the moment in its true way.
Third: Maybe ... use the classical way of creating haiku (or tanka) (as mentioned in CDHK Lecture One above in the menu).
Fourth: It has been written right from the heart or soul not the mind.
Fifth: It's (maybe) in the sense and tone of the classical haiku (tanka) poets.
Sixth: It has to be ... how shall I say it ... be your child, your creation ... in a masterpiece we can read, between the lines, the poet who created it.

scent of Honeysuckle
arouses the senses of youngsters
hot summer night

© Chèvrefeuille

Not a masterpiece maybe, but all the above things mentioned are there.

This new feature is a tough one I think, but I also think you all can do it. You are all devoted members of CDHK, but above that you are all devoted haiku (and tanka) poets ... so I think you all can do it ... create your masterpiece and share it with us all.

With this new feature I also hope to talk you over to create a new exclusive CDHK E-book with these masterpieces ...

This new feature is awesome I think and for this introductory episode I have also a nice theme for you to work with. In the logo of this new feature you see a Japanese woodblock print by Hiroshige (1797-1858) titled "Men poling boats past a bank with willows".

Wind Blown Grass Across The Moon - Hiroshige

Utagawa Hiroshige, was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.
Hiroshige is best known for his landscapes, and for his depictions of birds and flowers.
The subjects of his work were atypical of the ukiyo-e genre, whose typical focus was on beautiful women, popular actors, and other scenes of the urban pleasure districts of Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). The popular Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series by Hokusai was a strong influence on Hiroshige's choice of subject, though Hiroshige's approach was more poetic and ambient than Hokusai's bolder, more formal prints.

The above painting by Hiroshige, Wind Blown Grass Across The Moon, is a wonderful painting ... a masterpiece ... Look at the poetic scene, the simple use of colors. Just a few lines to tell the whole story. That's the way to create a masterpiece.

Lilies of the valley
their sweet perfume makes me drowsy
hot summer night
between silken sheets her warmth
honeysuckle coolness

© Chèvrefeuille

A challenging new feature ... NOW OPEN for your submissions. This episode will remain open until May 17th at noon (CEST). This new feature I will publish once a week.