Poet Profile

Janak Sapkota

Irish poet Cathal O'Searcaigh wrote: "Janak Sapkota, a young Nepalese contemplative poet with a prodigious talent for writing haikus, is a visionary mediator between the self and the spirit. In his haiku of radiant light and rare insights he marvels at the mystery. He is attentive both to the World and to the word. He is truly alive to the awe, to the awesomeness of the creation."

Awards and Other Honors: First Prize, Smurfit Samhain International Haiku Prize, Ireland (2006); First Prize, 7th Annual Ukia Haiku Competition, California (2009)

Books Published: Winter Light (published by Cathal O Searcaigh, 2004); Lights Along the Road [Co-author, Suzy Conway] (Bamboo Press, Kathmandu, 2005); Full Moon [Limited bilingual edition, Irish language translation by Gabriel Rosenstock and Images by Danielle Creenaune] (Cló Ceardlann na gCnoc, Ireland, 2010); Whisper of Pines [Bilingual edition, Irish versions by Gabriel Rosenstock] (Original Writing, Ireland, 2012); A Firefly Lights the Page [Bilingual edition, Finnish versions by Arto Lappi] (SanaSato, Finland, 2012).

long days of rain—
the gurgle of frogs ripen
my little rice field

damp wall
grandfather’s fading photo
casts its shadow

a white pigeon
drops a feather in the yard
first winter snow

in the outdoor cafe
my momos are garnished
with birdsong

early morning sun—
a shadow walks
in silence

a busy ant
loses its way
among my haiku

Credits: "long days of rain" – Winner, Smurfit Samhain International Haiku Prize, Ireland (2006); "a white pigeon" – Winner, 7th Annual Ukia Haiku Competition, California (2009); "early morning sun" - Winter Light (2004); "damp wall" - Winter Light (2004); "in the outdoor café" - Lights Along the Road (Bamboo Press, Kathmandu, 2005); "a busy ant" - Lights Along the Road (Bamboo Press, Kathmandu, 2005)