| Oregon Haiku & Tanka Society |
| A n n N e w e l l |
| Ann Newell is known internationally for her work as a haiku poet and sumi-e artist. The author of five books of poetry, she was born in Vermont to musician parents. Her mother played the piano and taught music; her father was a violinist and played in his own dance band, Bill Newell's Imperials. Music was at the very center of Ann's life as a child and she taught music as a young adult. Over time, she developed an interest in poetry, but it was not until she was in her 50s that she became a serious writer. At that time she was a resident of Albuquerque, NM, and she enrolled in creative writing classes at the University of New Mexico. Shortly after, she moved to the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico and became involved with a Zen Buddhist Center near her home where she began writing haiku and learned sumi-e�the art of Japanese brush painting. She joined the Haiku Society of America in 1974 and is still an active member. During her years in New Mexico, she earned a reputation as one of the great American writers of haiku. For more details, click here to read two articles about Ann Newell and her work. The first article, written in 1997, is an account of a 25-year retrospective event held in her honor. The second article, written in 2003, focuses on her views about haiku. Ann Newell now lives in Portland. Though frail of body, her mind is as active as ever. Here, in her own words, is her motivation for writing: |
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| Mother and Father were musicians, she a pianist, he a violinist. Musicians from Father's dance band, from Mother's students and from her orchestras came and went in our music room. My sister and I took part in this life of song in whatever way we, as individuals, felt. We heard the words, "What key are you playing in?" often. There were many instruments in our music room for us to try, to explore our desires with. To go to the music room and play or sing what came to us, was our privilege. To have another come in to join our song, was their privilege. The question was asked, "What key are you playing in?" We tuned together, and the music was shared. As I look upon the world now, I recognize the value of that question. Coming upon a friend, meeting a stranger, or observing a crowd, I ask myself, "What key are you playing in?" With an ear still in training, I make a decision, tune up and share. |
| Books by Ann Newell Mount Gassan's Slope, Red Moon Press, 2002, $14.95. Click here for a review of Mount Gassan's Slope. Moon Puddles, New Ray Press, 1996. Out of print. For information about this rare book, contact the OhtS Webmaster at [email protected]. |
| Haiku by Ann Newell�Three poems from Moon Puddles |
in the grass beside the pond shadows of our kites�polliwogs |
many years now in winter my father died� still the wind cries |
| pitcher of clay bulging emptiness |
| For more haiku by Ann Newell, click here. |