Issa's Birthday Party '09

May 5, 2009, members of the New Orleans Haiku Society gathered at David and Kathleen's house to celebrate Issa's birthday.

In addition to his birthday, the party also celebrated the recent discovery of two "new" haiku by Issa.

Kathleen with the spread.

Juliet

Bob

Johnette

Samantha joined the renga.

David brought out the cake.

collaborating

HEY TOAD (drunken renga)

hey toad
the caterpillar will grow
and fly away!

-Issa

like the buck moth
then down to earth

-Bob

celebrating with
the goddess
sweet wine in May

-Juliet

in my glass
a drunk fly

-Johnette

wings bobbling
the little plane aims
at sunset

-David

flying into sunset
fireflies

-Bob

waiting for
a friend
porch light is on

-Juliet

night blossoming jasmine
we shsh each other loudly

-Johnette

until their ears bleed
the old rocker
rocks

-David

speakers blasting
more beer

-Bob

their new apartment
mustard brown walls
book worms

-Juliet

a fake closet
no secrets

-Johnette

Queen Victoria poses
amid posies
he - she

-David

birds of a feather
out of the closet

-Bob

snow melts
Mount Fuji
wading in flood

-Juliette

the wells in her eyes
full

-Johnette

moon over the cemetery
rabbits
f***ing

-David

cheaper
than a motel

-Bob

her best friend's
wedding in June
staying up late

-Juliet

humid air
a stained gown

-Johnette

Mr. Clinton
once the world's leader
checks in

-David

it's hard to get
good help

-Bob

at the shrink's
nodding off
to dreamland

-Samantha

photos on line
for the world to see

-Juliet

morning meditation
my mother's voice
in the wind

-Johnette

Lady Liberty said "Come!"
damn it

-David

always follow
universal rule
ladies first

-Bob

ballerina dances
my little niece

-Samantha

cutting the cake
cinco de mayo
memories, laughter

-Juliet

A splendid time was had by all.

Photographs by David G. Lanoue and friends.

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