Seas to Mulberries

In a journey across the landscapes of time and place, between the changes in life like the evolution of sand and sea, Watson's poetry tells of the human heart through tiny stories and images that linger in the mind as a meditation of the soul.

Watson traces key thematic influences in his work to favorite poets and other works of fiction. In T.S. Eliot, the author admires his use of symbolism and the multi-lingual, multi-cultural sources he drew on from classical literature. In E. E. Cummings, Watson admires the fluidity and spontaneity of his work, the willingness to break form and play with new form, the passion, and the stark imagery. In Pablo Neruda, the intense use of imagery from nature and the way he tied it to romantic longing. Finally, in terms of non-poetic genres, work that explores the depths of the human subconscious, as expressed in fantasy, horror, and drama, including such works as the Twilight Zone and the movies of Alfred Hitchcock and Akira Kurosawa.

In terms of aesthetic, Watson has been heavily influenced by the haiku and tanka (waka) of Japanese poetry and the quatrains of Chinese poetry. This influence has been particularly pronounced in his reading and translation of poets such as Basho, the Hyakunin Isshu poets he translated in his book, One Hundred Leaves, and the works of Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Wei, and Bai Juyi. Central to this aesthetic are the following: 1) a concise form with a focus on maximum impact, often containing a similar amount of substantive words as in a haiku or a tanka, 2) a focus on concrete images or ideas, 3) poems containing two elements, with the second element serving as a progression or "twist" on the first element, and 4) a goal of suggesting implicitly rather than saying explicitly, leaving room for subtext and imagination.

Hear what his readers have to say:

"When poetry comes to life, heart and soul must touch. The beauty of Watson's words leads me to that one deep breath."
-SilentFeather (Germany), Twitter: @SilentFeather

"A poignantly beautiful and imaginative journey that delights all the senses, as well as touches your heart! A 'must read' for all poetic souls."
-Cynthia Sierra (America), Twitter: @azdesertr0se

"Minipoetry by a master! Frank Watson has an amazingly effective ability to share strong visual universes in a few words, in ways that are sometimes tender, sad, sarcastic, or mysterious."
-Marie-Laure Tena (France), Twitter: @MlteTena

"A highly evocative collection of micropoetry which can be taken from the shelf again and again. I see more each time I read. There's an added bonus of translations from old Chinese and Japanese poetry which complements this collection."
-gennepher (United Kingdom), Twitter: @gennepher

"Frank Watson's micropoetry on Twitter is like gold leaves floating in the wind. It's refreshing to see his words in a bound format. I believe readers will find Seas to Mulberries equally illuminating."
-Alisha A. (America), DubbleAAsWords.tumblr.com

"A collection that is both sensuous and graceful; I found myself drifting into a tranquil garden of dancing words and imagery. The eloquence is revealed in the rhythm as each page prances past the reader. A highly recommended compilation of words become art."
-Patricia Zarounas Murphy (Australia), Twitter: @TrishZe

"Frank writes with insight and intellect. His poems are poignant, life affirming and inspirational. A true joy of the poetic form. Beautiful - thank you Frank Watson for your talent."
-Sandra Reston (United Kingdom), Twitter: @sandrareston