Meet Our Haiku Invitational 2024 Winners

Vancouver

Rachel Enomoto

Burnaby, British Columbia

Originally from Japan, Rachel made Vancouver her second home, enjoys urban life and the great nature the city offers.

As a Certified Translator, she has a keen interest in verbal communication. She writes haiku both in Japanese and English languages and treasures the stories behind the works of great masters.

British Columbia

Karin Hedetniemi 

Victoria, British Columbia

Karin Hedetniemi is a writer and poet with a love for the haiku form. Her poetry has been published in international journals and anthologies, and has earned recognition from Haiku Canada, and the Haiku Foundation. In 2023, Karin received the Award for Excellence in the Setouchi-Matsuyama international competition in Japan.

CANADA

Joanne Morcom

Calgary, Alberta

Joanne Morcom is a poet and social worker who lives in Calgary, Alberta.  She’s the author of five poetry collections and is a member of Haiku Canada and Tanka Canada.  Joanne enjoys travelling with her husband and a favourite destination is the beautiful Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta. 

UNITED STATES

Sarah E. Metzler

Marion Center, Pennsylvania

Sarah E. Metzler is a mental health counselor, former weaver, and poet who has appeared in esteemed journal (since 2016) and anthologies (since 2018). One of Sarah’s haiku was nominated for a Touchstone in 2021, and a second won The Heron’s Nest Award for September 2024. Sarah resides in Marion Center, Pennsylvania.

INTERNATIONAL

Madhuri Pillai

Melbourne, Australia

Madhuri Pillai discovered haiku and related forms in 2011 and has taken to it like duck to water. She lives in Melbourne in Australia with her family and her fur baby Rosie, a gentle mastiff rescue.

A bookaholic and a writer, Madhuri’s work has been published in various international journals. Being a vegan, Madhuri is passionate about animal rights and their welfare. 

YOUTH

Raphe Dacre

Christchurch, New Zealand

Raphe Dacre is a 12 year old boy from Christchurch. He was inspired to write this haiku as he loves to run in the beautiful Hagley Park which has incredible cherry blossoms that line the pathways and the Avon River. It is a place where he can think and feel peaceful away from busy everyday life.