Feature: Heather Ann Schmidt Day 3

Backyard Kingdoms

1.
My daughter chases
toads down our driveway, catching them
& they climb up her
forearms-- initiation
into her backyard kingdom.

2.
My son creates art
under a stand of pine trees--
twigs, leaves and needles
become tall buildings, creatures
chasing him into the wind.

© Heather Ann Schmidt

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Q&A


3. Do you favor one school of haiku (i.e. modern or traditional) over the other, and if so, why?

I don't have a favorite--I love it all. There is as much brilliance in Issa's haiku about nature as there is in Kerouac's American haiku.

4. What turned you on to bats, as is evidenced by your soon-to-be-published Crisis Chronicles chapbook: "The Bat's Lovesong: American Haiku".

In my studies of Zen poetry and learning Mandarin, I researched a lot about the Chinese perspective on things such as bats and fell in love with the idea that most things considered evil in the West are lovely and sacred in the East. Bats are considered symbols of fortune and happiness. Also I think they are romantic because of the fact that male bats woo their loves by singing intricate and complex songs. This world is a fascinating place and is filled with poems waiting to be discovered!

5. You've had several chapbooks and collections published- how involved do you like to be in the editorial process, and how do you choose your publishers? I.E., what made you choose Crisis Chronicles Press for your most recent chapbook?

I am not very hands on with all the editorial stuff because I trust the publisher. I have had my artwork used for the covers of most of my books, so I get involved in that way. As for why I chose Crisis Chronicles--that's easy--John Burroughs is brilliant and takes tremendous care with poetry he comes into contact with. Also, he really understands my work and it is an honor to work with him.

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© Heather Ann Schmidt