Well, folks, you’ve all had the opportunity to read the email. You’ve got me now!

I’d be at a loss for words . . . were I ever at a loss for words. 

First and foremost, I wish my dear friend nothing but love, peace, inspiration, expensive cigars and bourbon neat.

Oh, the stories I could tell! Mike has been with me through thick and thin. The first time we met in person, he introduced himself as Johnny Depp, standing as he was beside his good friend Sandy, otherwise known as Terri L. French. Throughout Covid, he reminded me (time and time again) that everything is perfect as it is. As Robert P. Moyer and I sat around his firepit a few years ago, he shot the arrow that gave me my true love. We’ve discussed everything from ours cats to astrophysics, Ram Dass to the incomparable talent formerly known as Prince.

Although I am nothing if not resilient, stoic when need be, and forward-thinking, there are a few moments in my life that I would cling to forever if I were to be so foolish. The HNA skinny dip, my son’s wedding in Vizag, India, and that hug Mike gave me before Bob and I drove away to begin our lives together.

But you’ve got me now! And we’re going to rock it at the altar Mike has created in celebration of creative expression. Failed Haiku has always been a playground for me, as both a poet and an editor. So, get ready, my friends, to let the sand fly!

Going forward Kelly Moyer will be the EDITOR of Failed Haku! I have total confidence in her and love her spirit and creativity. All submissions for the next full issue should be directed to her at: editor@failedhaiku.com. Kelly is a dear friend, and I am so happy to know her, and for her love of FH. As most of you know she and I have been ‘Buson buddies’ for some time now, and love collaborating together and she is someone I trust implicitly. Please take a minute and let her know you do too!!!

I will be out of the day-to-day editing of F/H. This is a permanent change. I WILL be taking care of the site and rebuilding it as well as doing some videos. I had to remove a lot of information from servers that I have maintained for decades. I did that so that Kelly would not have to worry about learning ‘server stuff’ in addition to all the work involved in editing and creating FH. My energy level dictates this may take many weeks. Please be patient.

I still love you all, but my health emotionally, mentally, and physically has been wildly on a downturn lately. I have good doctors and lots of support, but candidly I have a very hard time concentrating and completing tasks. I just can’t do it anymore. I am VERY LATE in responding to this month’s batch, but I will get it done in the weeks to come. Please accept my apologies. Submissions for the next issue should be sent to Kelly in the future.

The loss of my wife and my own issues won’t in any way dull the loss I will feel in not communicating with all of you about your work. This is a wonderful group of poets and please feel free to stay in touch. You will ALL be missed in my inbox…

Peace and hugs to you all…

Mike
(Former editor of Failed Haiku)