William A. Fraenkel

Haiku for All: a Book of Poetry William A. Fraenkel

The book should engage the person interested in reading haiku poetry for pleasure as well as newcomers to the writing of haiku. Parts of the book allow for interaction with the author by interested haiku writers. The author presents in a scholarly way his research into haiku and its history, as well as its previous uses. He talks about haiku of today and for the future with ample references on haiku to be found in the literature. In so doing, he takes the reader on a poetical journey through his life, autobiographically speaking, which makes the book more interesting and human, and not pedantic. He uses his haiku to speak out on such topics as love, nature, war and peace, and 9/11. His poetry describes his years growing up in New York City during the Great Depression; his stint as a combat Marine in World War II; his college days at N. Y. U.; his Colorectal Cancer and how he deals with it; his work with HIV/AIDS, drugs, and severely disabled adults; his Buddhist inclinations and living in the now; his feelings about the destruction of the Twin Towers. Some of his poems will come across as therapeutic while others may be seen as cathartic.