This delightful volume contains twelve haiku, themed for the spring season. They are inspired by photographs of garden scenes that are literally in the author’s back yard. But they are presented with a twist. Each haiku follows its photo, so the reader forms a thought about the scene and is encouraged to jot down a few words before reading the verse. If readers are inspired enough to write a poem, they can submit it to the author for a subsequent edition. This is an ideal gift for a friend or relative, in which you can combine a leisurely read of a few inspiring haiku, along with our own thoughts and messages.

A collection of haiku.

Twenty years past, the governors plotted murder. Ruled by avarice, they imprisoned the winged dragons of Taran Leigh in the black cells of a stone lair. Tormented by spine and spur the once peaceful creatures howl, immense webbed wings beating beneath iron bars. Those who raised their voices in protest were banished--skyriders, the men who rode the dragons--vanished to the distant mountains of the Mirror.Now, Treasa, the daughter of exiles, seeker of secrets, dreams with the lair's dragons, her heart torn by her love for the winged creatures and a man who masters them. She must choose her path with care. The lair's black -garbed riders sense the dragon's growing savagery. Yet one, Conall, longs to grasp their power, subdue them and soar, unaware that winged flight, merged in harmony, is his for the asking. Then, a curved talon rends Conall's flesh and dragon scale, rattling against white ribs and the world shifts. As hearts once parted bind, Terasa and Conall join forces to fight for the dragon's freedom. Alliances form, old myths are revealed and new myths are born.

If brevity is the soul of wit, the haiku of Margie Gustafson is all soul and a yard wide. From love: Thats why Im married His big strong arm guiding me Across the dark ice to theatrical criticism: Saw "Richard the Third" Oh, my kingdom for a hearse They murdered the play. to wry self-assessment: If I walk to gym And then walk back again I don't need to join Margie's poetry brims with insight, passion and humor.