"Recommend this book of haiku and tanka 100%. I read it from cover to cover three times before putting it down and will be returning to it. Mr. Salzer’s poems provide places of empathy and present-ness that are quite tender. So many of these poems are unique in all-at-once engaging the senses, quieting the mind, and evoking emotion of the reader while giving space to experience your own meanings. Excellent."

This collection of modern haiku and tanka by Jacob Salzer isanother little gem to add to your collection of poetry books. This is especially true if you are planning to take a vacation near water as it will inspire you to write your own responses to the most precious element on earth: water. In Mare Liberum (translated from Latin as “Freedom of the Seas”), many of the poems relate the ever-changing aspect of water to the ever-changing challenges of life. They do so, with a sensitive understanding which flows throughout the collection. Salzer sees the vastness of a sea and despite its multitude of qualities, it is still one united body of water. By comparing this freely moving element to the multiplicity of human life, he hopes to evoke the thought that the body of humankind is like water and we too should be united in our efforts to promote our common well-being. The following are a couple of exceptional examples: waves / ceaselessly crash / against the shore / I walk beside you / without a soundyesterday’s tide / the deep cave / echoes. Jacob Salzer is an accomplished modern haiku and tanka poet who has numerous publications of his poems. In addition, he has edited two international poetry anthologies, Yanty’s Butterfly [published in 2016], and Half A Rainbow [published in 2020], and the anthology for the Portland Haiku Group: New Bridges (published in 2018). He has also received many awards and recognition for his haiku, tanka and contributions to the promotion of the art of writing Japanese inspired poetry. For those who are new to Salzer’s work and for those who are familiar with it, this book will not disappoint you.

This book is about rain, and rivers and life. I love the haiku and tanka Jacob Salzer writes. They always touch and move me, each and every one. If you love haiku and how it connects your inner and outer worlds, I highly recommend this book.