In Conversation With Rick Black

 As a haiku poet, your poems are tiny—no more than 17 syllables. How can haiku express such deep sentiments in so few words?

It's a mystery, isn't it? But it doesn't take a long time for something to resonate if it's done right. It all depends on the relationship between the elements of the poem. While haiku focus intently on a present moment, they also can call up associations, memories, and resonances of other times and places.

In a 2012 interview with poet Charlotte Digregorio, you said, "I believe that beauty is a form of solace. This is the way that I try to give back to others, to share what I have to give from inside myself, whether that be a poem, a painting or a book." Do you think that beauty as solace has taken on special significance during the pandemic?

I think the pandemic has heightened our senses and awareness of how quickly everything can change or be taken away. It has made us more aware of the fragility of life. And, yes, I think that now more than ever beauty can be helpful and provide respite. Look at how all of the arts have helped people to cope through this crisis; it's really amazing to see what people have done.

In the foreword of Deep Beauty, best-selling author Thomas Moore writes, “Dark times breed fresh vitality.” Do you see better times ahead for our world?

It's hard to generalize; I hope better times are ahead for all of us. What I would say, though, is that difficult times often spur us to new heights, to achieve things that we never dreamed of. It's imperative that we find ways to rise above that which assails us, whether by writing a poem, helping a COVID-19 patient in the hospital, or just creating new ways for people to be in touch with each other.