Haiku lost a friend and champion recently with the passing of Robert Mainone, peacefully in his sleep at his beloved Haiku Hut in Delton, Michigan. Bob was an early convert to what he saw as the “haiku way,” publishing his first book in 1964, and continuing to write to the night of his death. Professionally he was a Ranger Naturist for the National Park Service and the first Curator of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, among other related jobs, all of which provided much inspiration for his writing. You can view a more detailed biographical sketch, and have a look at his profile in The Haiku Registry.
I bought a copy of Mr. Mainone’s book, Shadows, at this year’s AAUW used book sale simply because it was so beautiful. I was well rewarded for my decision.
Stringing his web,
the spider walks easily
across the moon
Rest in peace, sir.
I love his work. Among my favorites:
my haplogroup
shows the spongegene—
distant lightning
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I’m both sorry to hear this, but happy that he peacefully passed away in his sleep after living a good life of 86 years.
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Robert was never one to be stuck in a rut with his writing style.
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The avant garde Roadrunner:
https://roadrunnerhaikublog.wordpress.com/tag/robert-mainone/
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Modern Haiku:
http://www.modernhaiku.org/issue33-3/haiku33-3.html
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Just two of his many styles. Thank you so much for giving us your haiku over the decades.
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warmest regards,
Alan
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