I completely enjoyed the "reverse process" poster special edition opportunity. Letting the draft inspire the words. There was so much energy, the sketch was bursting with joy! I have admired the vibrancy of Katie Mulligan's artwork, that coupled with Sarah Hardy's words about her lovely business "Found Things Plant Shop", eased the path to find the poem.

Some of my dear friends and acquaintances have lived in Syracuse and the surrounding communities. I feel part of the region through their stories. A huge thanks to the Syracuse Poster Project for re-introducing me to the elegant beauty of Haiku.

This exquisite challenge has been a balm.

I was dancing in the stars when I learned my haiku was paired with visual artist Meg Stephens for the Syracuse Poster Project.

To write poetry is joyful and spontaneous for me and ultimately a surprise. I have always adored words—as a child the dictionary and encyclopedia were favorite books filled with delicious exotic treasure—and my father showed me the world of the fantastic and sparked my love of writing, thinking, fun, laughter, and jazz. With this particular haiku, I thought about Gustav Stickley expertly designing and crafting the furniture, then the final destination of the table and chairs as it becomes integrated into someone else's history.

This was one poem my daughter wasn’t able to say, “Oh, another morose poem from….”

I was very inspired by the way the "Syracuse Cooperative Market" wrote about their food co-op, employees, patrons, and the longevity within the community. The business glowed through their words. Being a consumer and supporter of markets and organic produce, imagination joined with the description of the market experience, culminating in bringing a rainbow of images and fragrances of luscious produce, plus other treasures to mind.

The pairing with Clove Flores is exciting as her work is luminescent, and her palette is as yummy as the market is.

As always, it is an honor to work in the delightful confines of Haiku.