Between the Tides

About the Book

This collection of one thousand haiku entitled Between Tides was inspired by experiences gathered within what I refer to as the Bowl, that geographical region in the Pacific Northwest located between Mount Baker and Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Peninsula. They are poems of mountain, air, forest, and sea. Some are written in the seventeen-syllable Japanese haiku tradition (5-7-5), but most follow a less structured or “Americanized” version of the form, which isn’t uncommon among English translations of Japanese haiku. Haiku is the world’s shortest poem. One might say they are the world’s shortest story. Haiku captures either physical nature or human nature. They live in the moment. I liken the discovery of a haiku to finding sand dollars on a beach. I find haiku an excellent way to clarify and preserve experience. These poems have been influenced by studies in Zen Buddhism and Native American tradition. They are a celebration of the unique seasons and great wonders of the Pacific Northwest.

About the Author

Steve K. Bertrand is an award-winning poet, historian and photographer. For the past thirty-five+ years, he has also worked as a free-lance photojournalist. His poems, stories and articles have appeared in numerous publications locally, nationally and internationally. In addition, Steve has had a long career as a teacher/coach in the Everett School District. He has been very involved in poetry readings throughout the Pacific Northwest. Steve is the author of eleven books. He and his wife, Donna Marie, live in Mukilteo, Washington. They have two children – Jessie and D.J.. In their free time, they enjoy family, friends and the Pacific Northwest.