Poet Profile

Paul Callus

Paul Callus was born in Ħal Safi, Malta. He is a retired teacher and has been active in the literary field for around 50 years. He writes poetry, short stories, and song lyrics, mostly in English, Maltese and Italian. His work has been published in various anthologies, journals, and online sites (e.g. Haikuniverse, LEAF Journal, Enchanted Garden, tsuri-dōrō, Wales Haiku Journal, Brass Bell, The Asahi Shimbun, The Mainichi, haikuNetra). He is also a translator and proof-reader.

Awards and Other Honors:

Sharpening The Green Pencil (2024) - Placed 1st, Awarded Haiku Masters Japan (April 2018).

Books Published:

Ħal Safi (1998) - Gutenberg Press, Tarxien, Malta; Marina (2003) - Bestprint Ltd., Qrendi, Malta; Aħfirli Natasha (2015) - Horizons Press, Malta; Two e-books - Moonlight Sonata (2021), and Blind Faith (2023) were published by Mr. Mahmoud Al Rajabi, Arabic Haiku Club.

final touches
a flush of mallards
lands on canvas

weeding nettles
her stinging words run
through my fingers

continuity
between the old and new year―
fields of narcissus

sandalwood fragrance―
the inaudible rustle
of her kimono

after the divorce
a fresh butterfly tattoo
hides the scar

afterglow―
lingering in her mind
the swell of the sea

Credits:

“final touches” – hedgerow #131, Summer issue (2020); “weeding nettles” – Seashores Vol. 4, April 2020; “continuity” – Scarlet Dragonfly Journal issue 12 (2023); “sandalwood fragrance” – Poetry Pea Summer Issue 2021; “after the divorce” – Pan Haiku Review Issue 3, Summer 2024; “afterglow” – Presence Haiku Journal Issue 76, 2023.