Valentine's poem could earn more than affection

By Tanya Bricking
Advertiser Staff Writer

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How you can haiku A traditional haiku is 17 syllables divided into three lines. The classic rhythm is five syllables, then seven, then five. Nohea Gallery at Ward Warehouse is sponsoring a Valentine's Day haiku contest. Entries are due at noon Tuesday at the gallery. Contestants must be willing to recite their poems at 6 p.m. on Valentine's Day at the gallery to be eligible for prizes. For information, call 596-0074.

Feeling struck by the muse, or at least cupid's arrow?

A Valentine's Day contest could keep you counting on your fingers for hours, searching for just the right words to win your lover's affection.

Perfect prose could also result in sweet prizes: sterling sliver maile or ti leaf earrings, a koa box or a $125 Nohea Gallery gift certificate. Second place is a handmade glass heart or heart-shaped koa box.

All it takes is 17 carefully crafted syllables.

Nohea Gallery, a locally owned family business that celebrates art and artists of Hawai'i, is featuring poets this Valentine's Day with a haiku contest.

Judges will look for poems, written in present tense, that create emotion by connecting two or more images in a fresh way.

The store gives examples such as this one:

Gray looks good on him
His story, my story, wow...
Old love, second chance

Aspiring poets must submit poems at the gallery in Ward Warehouse by noon Feb. 12 and must include the author's name, address and day and evening phone numbers. Contestants must be 18 years or older and be willing to recite their poem at the store at 6 p.m. on Valentine's Day.