Three Raven Gate

Brian R. Martens is a master of the traditional Japaneseart form known as the haiku, which is short andcompact. He also writes longer poems, which give himthe opportunity to explore big topics like time and space,mystery and what he calls "e;Vision Wind."e; Both haikuand longer poems are collected in a new book titledThree Raven Gate, published by McCaa Books, a majorNorth Bay publisher of poetry. In an essay at the backof this book, Martens explains that he was 'hiding myvoice behind other poets' and that 'revealing of my innerthoughts and life in words is my salvation and a way tobefriend myself.' The poems in Three Raven Gate willmake Martens new friends in the world of poetry andbeyond. They reveal the wonders one can work with aform as short and compact a haiku, and they take readersinto the immense mysteries of the human heart.The illustrations by artist Michael Hofmann-who is amaster of Japanese brush painting-stand on their own.They also enhance Martens' haiku. Three Raven Gate is afeast for the eye and the ear.