FILOLI HISTORIC HOUSE AND GARDEN ANNOUNCES WINTER HAIKU CONTEST. Filoli Historic House and Garden, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the last country estates reminiscent of the Gilded Age, invites the public to participate in its 2020 Winter at Filoli haiku contest. Haiku poets, as well as those new to the haiku form, may submit up to three original, previously unpublished poems in the 5/7/5 format that reflect or are inspired by the beauty of Filoli’s garden in winter. Current San Mateo County Poet Laureate Aileen Cassinetto will judge the entries blind, selecting 15 finalists and three winners. Prizes for first place, second place and best under 18 years of age include free Filoli memberships for one year.

WHAT IS A HAIKU? A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with 17 syllables: five in the first line, seven in the second line, and five in the third line. Haiku often focus on images from nature or brief moments in time, depicting colorful scenes or juxtaposed images and evoking sudden emotion or enlightenment. They are meant to be simple, direct and read in one breath. Kara Newport, CEO of Filoli, said: “Winter at Filoli is a season of beauty and reflection, and many of our winter displays and special events are rooted in Asian cultures and traditions. Capturing visitors’ experiences in haiku form seemed like the perfect way to support our mission of honoring nature, valuing unique experiences, and appreciating beauty in everyday life. We look forward to reading all the entries.”

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