Brian R. Martens is a master of the traditional Japanese
art form known as the haiku, which is short and
compact. He also writes longer poems, which give him
the opportunity to explore big topics like time and space,
mystery and what he calls "Vision Wind." Both haiku
and longer poems are collected in a new book titled
Three Raven Gate, published by McCaa Books, a major
North Bay publisher of poetry. In an essay at the back
of this book, Martens explains that he was 'hiding my
voice behind other poets' and that 'revealing of my inner
thoughts and life in words is my salvation and a way to
befriend myself.' The poems in Three Raven Gate will
make Martens new friends in the world of poetry and
beyond. They reveal the wonders one can work with a
form as short and compact a haiku, and they take readers
into the immense mysteries of the human heart.
The illustrations by artist Michael Hofmann-who is a
master of Japanese brush painting-stand on their own.
They also enhance Martens' haiku. Three Raven Gate is a
feast for the eye and the ear.
