Taj Mahal Review December 2010 issue includes poems, haiku, short stories, artwork, book reviews and several other regular features such as literary facts, immortal sayings  etc. I have been receiving a very large number of articles, poems and short stories for publication in the Taj.  It is not possible to include all authors. But just how is the responsibility of choosing the best writings to be fulfilled?

I try to find out if the author is aware of the latest trends in creative writing? That is why one would notice that some of the artists are influenced by Dada movement.  Dada in literature and paintings is a plea for abolishing logic. Tristan Tzara aptly comments that Dada is "absolute and unquestionable faith in every god that is the immediate product of spontaneity:  elegant and unprejudiced leap from a harmony to the other sphere; trajectory of a word tossed like a screeching phonograph record; to respect all individuals in their folly of the moment."

While selecting haiku, I laid greater emphasis on the poet’s quest for universal truths, and new ideas. "Doubt everything then doubt your doubt" (Anslem Hollo). The truth is that the haiku community should not be enslaved to ‘kigo’ and 5-7-5. There are two basic facts about haiku: 1. The third line should illuminate the first two lines. 2. It would benefit the haiku poets to tire themselves like Sisyphus in quest of a startling truth. This would create ‘haiku moment’:

plum trees blooming

even hell’s gate

closed

            -Issa (1762-1826)

Another interesting fact to share is that the prestigious facebook has a very attractive feature facebook fan club that provides a good opportunity to connect with our friends and well wishers.

I would be failing in my duty if I don’t thank my well-wishers and friends who provided me their full cooperation. I am deeply obliged to the poets, haiku writers and creative artists included in this issue for their kind-hearted support and help in publishing this edition.

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year.

-SANTOSH KUMAR

Editor