Haiku is a short poem, generally of not more than 17 syllables spread over three lines that originated in Japan. Its main characteristics are reference to nature and seasonal change, with particular emphasis on the present moment or haiku spirit. Readers of these one-breath poems are likely to experience a sense of surprise that results from the juxtaposition of images.

Bil-Hajku Nsellimlel: Mill-Gappun ghal Malta u Lura is an anthology of more than 200 haiku in Maltese penned by 20 writers living in Malta and abroad. It features exquisite examples from establishedhaiku writers to new and promising poets.

The contributors to this haiku anthology are: Carmel Attard, Josette Attard, Louis Briffa, Anton Buttigieg, Manwel Cassar, Franco Debono, Victor Fenech, Joe Friggieri, Oliver Friggieri, Sergio Grech, Maurice Mifsud Bonnici, Manwel Nicholas-Borg, Ġorġ Peresso, John P. Portelli, Terence Portelli, Anselm Sciberras, John Sciberras, Joseph Sciberras, Lino Spiteri and Frank Zammit.

This collection was compiled and published in solidarity with the Japanese people following the disaster caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami on 11 March, and the radiation outbursts at the Fukushima nuclear plant.

All proceeds from this publication will be sent to the Red Cross Society.

The book is on sale from Agenda bookshops.