January Review

January 2018 Open Reading Review

Albert, Joe, Masako and Shoichi
Winter season, gray days, warmth in keeping creativity alive and sharing.

 

Albert Sussler ( USA )

~ “Ichi-rin-sha” ~
I wish there was an easy way to remember, one flower vase.

~ “Two Ways to Travel” ~
I came to regret that day and the drive to give priority to distance over encounters.

~ “Living with Nature” ~
Man needs to be a better listener.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

~ “Reflections” ~
I looked into a mirror and found a man looking straight at me, somebody who I might have seen somewhere.

~ “Morning Glory, Evening Glory” ~
The face disappears in time, but the voice along that continues in the darkness.

~ “Modernism” ~
I’ve lost any other choices than to enjoy feeling of being dissected in order to remember that I was once one piece.

Masako Izumi ( Japan )

~ “Beside my father” ~
Sometimes he opens his eyes and looks into my eyes- then returns to his own world.

Joe Sichi ( USA )

~ “Unction” ~
-Act 1-  <scene 1>
I am Elena, I’m asexual, no men, no women, no animals, not even myself, so if you don’t stop thinking about it now, I walk.

~ “The Great Sperm Holocaust” ~
He became immortal by passing on his genes to the next generation.

~ “Notes of an older father” ~
Her gibberish is world class.

__________________________________________________________________________

Coming up:

February 25th: Sunday
Open Reading: from 3:00 ~ 5:00P.M.

Location: Space Sakura, near Shinsakae station.

Map to the venue: Please click here.

(It is on the northeastern corner of the block facing a bigger street, next to “Haruru” Cafe.)

Please note that May 21st open reading has been cancelled.

__________________________________________________________________________

Help to spread the word.

Albert

December Review

December 2017 Open Reading Review

The ending of another year of write sharing.

Albert Sussler ( USA )

~ “Thoughts of Dad” ~
Dad’s desire for adventure has passed on to the next generation.

~ “Own Universe” ~
No need to be physically deprived, to loose ones humanity, with high powered guns, anyone can reach stardom.

~ “Rokumojijukugo ( 6 words )” ~
Independence is necessary to achieve support.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

~ “A Song for the Dead” ~ by Kiyomi Tsuru (Translation by Shoichi Miyamura)
If you say there is only silence waiting ahead, then why not sing a song today.

~ “Morning Glory, Evening Glory” ~
The face disappears in time, but the voice along that continues in the darkness.

~ “A Walk in the Graveyard” ~  by Kiyoko Ogawa
I came across hundreds of tombs of unfamiliar families,
surrounded by the dark bush of tall bamboo trees.

Thomas Bauerle ( USA )

~ “Kanashibari” ~
It was slow and strange like a record player playing slow.

~ “The Great Sperm Holocaust” ~
He became immortal by passing on his genes to the next generation.

~ “My life with the ghost lady” ~
I actually like having my own ghost.

Masako Izumi ( Japan )

~ “The Moon in the Sky” ~
A child picks up the pebble and throws it to the moon.

__________________________________________________________________________

Coming up:

February 25th: Sunday
Open Reading: from 3:00 ~ 5:00P.M.

Location: Space Sakura, near Shinsakae station.

Map to the venue: Please click here.

(It is on the northeastern corner of the block facing a bigger street, next to “Haruru” Cafe.)

Please note that May 21st open reading has been cancelled.

__________________________________________________________________________

Help to spread the word.

Albert

November Review

November 2017 Open Reading Review

Low in turnout but high in feedback.
It helps me improve to hear how my compatriots react to my writings..

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

~ “Hirugao” ~
I just walked off with no destination in mind.

~ “A Letter to My Little Sister ” ~  by Yamanoguchi Baku (Translation by Arthur Binard)
I feel cross-examined, cornered, pinned down.

~ “Goat Mail” ~  by Michio Mado (Translation by Arthur Binard)
Dear Black Goat,
What was in that
letter you wrote?

Masako Izumi ( Japan )

~ “I am waiting for you” ~
I am waiting for you under the tree.

Albert Sussler ( USA )

~ “Akiya” ~
Stray Chrysanthemum graces door of abandoned neighbor

~ “Haiku like Bowl” ~
Underneath a deeper spiritual connection.

~ “Living with Nature” ~
Man needs to be a better listener.

~ “Heart Echo” ~
Speaking two languages, like having two interpreters to give color to our emotional palette.

~ “Yonmojijukugo” ~
Creativity, core of happiness.

 

September Review

September 2017 Open Reading Review

Goals must be tangible, having a chance to share give life to writings. Do join us. We are in need of more creativity to exchange.

Masako Izumi ( Japan )

~ “Walk Along the Hill” ~
Shinning in the sky of your grasses.

Fumiko Kodama ( Japan )

~ “The life after we became conscious of death” ~ by Akiko Fuku
If you can work for what you want, it doesn’t matter how much you earn. 
If we try to live honestly and sincerely something invisible can help us.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

~ “The Erudite and The unversed” ~ by Baku Yamanoguchi (Translation by Arthur Binard)

~ “Flowers” ~  by Rin Ishigaki (Translation by Arthur Binard)
Tomorrow, their big blossoms will show
the first signs of decline

~ “Flower Ghosts” ~  by Rin Ishigaki (Translation by Arthur Binard)
From far off, the ghosts
of those flowers appear, and I watch
as they make off with this year’s blossoms.

~ “Afterglow of Tomoko” ~  by Naomitsu Sakamoto
Tomoko has always been the very center of the family.
…………………….
Tomoko calmly lights the future of our lives.

Albert Sussler ( USA )

~ “The Short Legged Terrier” ~
Why that’s a weird looking dog, the old man asked, What kind of dog is it?

~ “What makes a show?” ~
Like a date, a lot needs to work to make it a success.

 

__________________________________________________________________________

Coming up:

October 29th: Sunday
Open Reading: from 3:00 ~ 5:00P.M.

Location: Space Sakura, near Shinsakae station.

Map to the venue: Please click here.

(It is on the northeastern corner of the block facing a bigger street, next to “Haruru” Cafe.)

__________________________________________________________________________

Help to spread the word.

Albert

 

June Review

June 2017 Open Reading Review

June brought a new face to our readings.
Joined by Ayumi and Emil, we continue our gathers and sharing of ideas. Please feel welcomed to join us.
When inspirations of word needs a public to share, this is the place .

Steve Dunn ( UK )

~ “The Little Ghost” ~
I wait for you, the little light inside my life.

~ “Deepity” ~  by Dan Dennette
God is the god behind the God.

Albert Sussler ( USA )

~ “The Guide” ~
Seattle in his eyes, was the life support system for Starbucks.

~ “Yonmojijukugo ( 4 words )” ~
Cute slogans hide truth.

~ “Rokumojijukugo ( 6 words )” ~
Removing Alpha males improves society’s health.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

~ “Earthquake, Thunderbolt, Fire and Father” ~ by Chishiko Sato
Wearing the face of a crab, the child says, I want to go to college.

~ “Morning Glory, Evening Glory” ~
The face disappears in time, but the voice along that continues in the darkness.

~ “A Walk in the Graveyard” ~  by Kiyoko Ogawa
I came across hundreds of tombs of unfamiliar families,
surrounded by the dark bush of tall bamboo trees.

__________________________________________________________________________

Coming up:

July 16th: Sunday
Open Reading: from 3:00 ~ 5:00P.M.

Location: Space Sakura, near Shinsakae station.

Map to the venue: Please click here.

(It is on the northeastern corner of the block facing a bigger street, next to “Haruru” Cafe.)

Please note that May 21st open reading has been cancelled.

__________________________________________________________________________

Help to spread the word.

Albert

 

April Review

April 2017 Open Reading Review

With the arrival of spring, walking to the gallery for the NW Open Reading,
I passed through the ending of the cheery blossom display. Warmth in the
air, we bring our new season’s readings.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

~ “Over there” ~ by Nobuko Kimura
Saying things like that, she intends to suck you in and become the real thing, she says.

~ “Wind in the Darkness” ~  by Masao Iwase
A mishap is like a sudden gust of wind.

Hidemi Ohba ( Japan )

~ “Reverse” ~ by Kanae Minato
His only pleasure is to brew coffee.

Albert Sussler ( USA )

~ “Yonotsu baths” ~
Imaging myself turning to a red lobster in the hot tub, hot was not an adjective I could soak in,
so I decided to follow her advice not her conclusion.

~ “Yonmojijukugo ( 4 words )” ~
Perfect, fascinate not same

~ “Rokumojijukugo ( 6 words )” ~
Inspiration doesn’t find, your search does.

Masako Izumi ( Japan )

~ “War War War” ~ by Patricia Mercy
Even my brothers and sisters leaving me, called orphan…Long live peace in Africa.

~ “Hyaku-nin Isshu” ~  from Teika Fujiwara’s sellection
The sight of the moon sets me namelessly sad.

Ayumi Shibata ( Japan )

~ “Sakura” ~
They flashed in my mind, and I can dance petals again

__________________________________________________________________________

Coming up:

June 18th: Sunday
Open Reading: from 3:00 ~ 5:00P.M.

Location: Space Sakura, near Shinsakae station.

Map to the venue: Please click here.

(It is on the northeastern corner of the block facing a bigger street, next to “Haruru” Cafe.)

Please note that May 21st open reading has been cancelled.

__________________________________________________________________________

Help to spread the word.

Albert

 

February Review

February 2017 Open Reading Review

With words like light, brighten and shared, our prose and poetry circle continues
with writings and inspiring conversation.

February readings turnout a bit less, as two of our members have moved on to new
jobs and locations. To keep the group vibrant, readings flow best with six or more.
Times has changed, the NW has changed. Each member brings new observations
and energy. Always the group is evolving. First timers or long timers, your
contributions and support is always welcomed.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

~ “Watching the Beam of the Lighthouse” ~  by Shizuo Itoh
Though nothing exists, in my night, the whole night the green beam from the
lighthouse wanders.

~ “The Empty Wait” ~
Then, the sun set but I was still walking to the person who thought I owned
to myself, or to the only memory which had not evaporated.

Poems of Children ( selected by Hiroshi Kawasaki

~ “Saved Eyebrow” ~
having the middle of the eyebrow, I lost my handsome look.

~ “Minna no me” ~
If I borrowed my father’s eyes, what could I see?

Masako Izumi ( Japan )

~ “A Balance” ~
After sweet red wine, I had to always drink dry white wine.

~ “Do not go gentle into that good night” ~  by Dylan Thomas
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Albert Sussler ( USA )

~ “Hats” ~
The boy raised his hand and when I called on him, he asked me,
How do you say ‘Hage’ in English.

~ “Yomojijukugo” ~
Countless excuses greet adventure

Hiroko Kajita ( Japan )

~ “Coincidence of number 12” ~
No one knew that the 12th would be the last day we saw him.

Ayumi Shibata ( Japan ) -Debut-

~ “Scrolls” ~
Everything gets covered and rolled into a authoritarian scroll.

__________________________________________________________________________

Coming up:

April 23rd: Sunday
Open Reading: from 3:00 ~ 5:00P.M.

Location: Space Sakura, near Shinsakae station.

Map to the venue: Please click here.

(It is on the northeastern corner of the block facing a bigger street, next to “Haruru” Cafe.)

__________________________________________________________________________

Help to spread the word.

Albert

 

January Review

January 2017 Open Reading Review

First meeting of this bird year, 2017. Thoughts on nature and inner-reflections.
Sharing of our writings and sharing of suggestions. Afterwards, we made plans
for this coming year. Looking forward to our continuing progress.

Albert Sussler ( USA )

~ “Rock Garden” ~
No Rock in the center, for nothing is in the center, balance is always changing.

~ “Four Haiku” ~
Light.
Like dawn and dusk glow
most telling illumination
Character of child, of aged.

~ “Rokujijukugo” ~
Focus too far, miss the surroundings

~ “Yojijukugo” ~
Freedom walks with compass

Masako Izumi ( Japan )

~ “A Gold Fish” ~
Chased by the children’s hands, the happy dreams were fleeing
from place to place in the water.

~ “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” ~  by William B. Yeats
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore

Hiroko Kajita ( Japan )

~ “Coincidence of number 12” ~
No one knew that the 12th would be the last day we saw him.

Ayumi Shibata ( Japan ) -Debut-

~ “Door” ~
It’s me inside of me.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

~ “A Morning Scene” ~
You pass though one of those things which eats them here and sticks them out there.

~ “Walk” ~
I couldn’t excuse the clouds hanging low over me.

~ “To my First Born” ~  by Hiroshi Yoshino (Translation by Kenji Inoue)
Like Vultures / They arrived / Zipping their black briefcases / Open and shut

S. Elliot ( USA )

~ “Entry One” ~
Science equals truth, truth equals beauty.

~ “Water” ~
Hydrogen – Oxide on earth essential to life ubiquitous to liquid state called water.

__________________________________________________________________________

Coming up:

February 19th: Sunday
Open Reading: from 3:00 ~ 5:00P.M.

Location: Space Sakura, near Shinsakae station.

Map to the venue: Please click here.

(It is on the northeastern corner of the block facing a bigger street, next to “Haruru” Cafe.)

__________________________________________________________________________

Help to spread the word.

Albert

 

December Review

December 2016 Open Reading Review

December, saying goodbye to 2016, there was a good turnout.
Always warmth in sharing creativity, inspirations and feedback.
I am thankful for all the efforts of our members.  Each person makes special every reading.
Keep the creativity simmering.  We will need it for the months ahead.  2017 will be a challenge.

Bertram Mullin ( USA )

~ “Innocent” ~
There is something peculiar about the ghost in the corner.

~ “Ohio” ~
You may rise sir.

Masako Izumi ( Japan )

~ “River” ~
The dealing between love and hatred makes the current upside-down.

~ “This was a Poet” ~  by Emily Dickinson
Entitles Us — by Contrast —
To ceaseless Poverty —

~ “The Poets light but Lamps” ~  by Emily Dickinson
The Wicks they stimulate

Hidemi Ohba ( Japan )

~ “Psychological Assessment” ~
She has given me the after hours numbers in case I feel anxious or suicidal.

Albert Sussler ( USA )

~ “Japan Difference” ~
Wanting to pay the bill, protest three times.

~ “Being Santa” ~  by Charity Hutchinson
I had to remind him that NO ONE could ever know what he did, or he wouldn’t be a Santa.

~ “Yojijukugo ( 4 words )” ~
Know the wind’s direction.

Iain Maloney ( Scotland )

~ “The Waves Burn Bright” ~
Panic on the horizon like a fiery dawn.

S. Elliot ( USA )

~ “Contours” ~
Finding himself transported out of the train and into the darkness peppered with distant stars.

~ “Faces” ~
Kelly sent the next hour wondering if there wasn’t really something else behind that face.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

~ “A Beggar” ~  by Shiro Murano
It is his existence that moves along with a soul like an infant with no relatives to turn to.

~ “A Railway” ~
Somebody’s terminal must have been a railway instead of a station.

__________________________________________________________________________

Coming up:

January 29th: Sunday
Open Reading: from 3:00 ~ 5:00P.M.

Location: Space Sakura, near Shinsakae station.

Map to the venue: Please click here.

(It is on the northeastern corner of the block facing a bigger street, next to “Haruru” Cafe.)

__________________________________________________________________________

Help to spread the word.

Albert

 

November Review

November 2016 Open Reading Review

For our November meeting.
Images of nature, observing our surroundings and our place in this world.
Several new members joined our gathering, sharing fresh styles
like adding new spice to our readings. Thanks all for sharing.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

~ “To Wait” ~
To walk, not being able to stay still while waiting.

~ “Mop” ~  by Hisanori Katoh
Ripped, wrung, dried-out and twisted, the Mop is left on the floor of a late night kitchen.

Masako Izumi ( Japan )

~ “Night River” ~
The tip of its tongue licking the night.

~ “One Art” ~  by Elizabeth Bishop
The art of losing isn’t hard to master.

~ “Sistina” ~  by Elizabeth Bishop
Hovers above the old grandmother and her tea cup full of dark brown tears.

Albert Sussler ( USA )

~ “The Zen of Rock and Sand” ~
There is no perfection in the world, imbalance is what creates all movement and energy.

~ “Yojijukugo ( 4 words )” ~
Childhood, everything is astonishing.

S. Elliot ( USA )  – debut

~ “The White Noise” ~
A large crab lathered in the bubbles  of its own saliva, scooping a pincer across its face, as if bathing.

Bertram Mullin ( USA )

~ “Demon Blade Bearer” ~
The gargoyle sat on a handle which contained three blades with sharp tips and flat edges spun into one winding sword.

__________________________________________________________________________

Coming up:

December 18th: Sunday
Open Reading: from 3:00 ~ 5:00P.M.

Location: Space Sakura, near Shinsakae station.

Map to the venue: Please click here.

(It is on the northeastern corner of the block facing a bigger street, next to “Haruru” Cafe.)

__________________________________________________________________________

Help to spread the word.

Albert