BCC Shines a Light On: Sharon Suzuki-Martinez
Name of the piece published by BCC:
When/where was it originally published:
2009 in the now defunct BAP Quarterly
Tell us more about your piece! What is the background of the piece? What led you to write it? What’s your process?
This poem was the first of many haibun to follow. Aimee Nezhukumatathil suggested using this traditional Japanese literary form to talk about things that are difficult to write about because they are so close to my heart. The prose section offers enough space and freedom to explore any subject. The haiku is a perfect way to crystallize my thoughts on the subject and close with a flash of insight. I wrote “Desert Cicadas Haibun” as a way to come to terms with my mom’s untimely death.
Is there a specific message you would like readers to take away from reading this piece?
Nature is healing, and because bugs are part of nature, they should also be regarded with respect and gratitude. My mom passed on her love of all creatures to me.
What else would you like to tell readers about your writing?
This poem appears in my first book, “The Way of All Flux,” (New Rivers Press, 2012). My latest book is “The Loneliest Whale Blues,” (The Word Works, 2022). Currently, I am writing a lot about my ambivalent relationship with the Internet, particularly social media and AI.
Where can readers find more of your work?
