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Robert Gilliland
Ferris Gilli
Paul MacNeil
Paul David Mena
Christopher Herold
Peggy Willis Lyles
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Tributes from the editors of The Heron’s Nest
migrating monarchs . . .
the white blossoms of sweet basil
gone to seed
— Robert Gilliland
Francine was my first mentor in haiku, and I have loved her dearly for a
long time. Ten years ago, her spot-on advice, generosity, and unfailing
diplomacy put me on the right haiku path. Though we never met in person,
Francine was a beloved friend over the years.
wind rising
where a willow once wept
suddenly the stars
— Ferris Gilli
Francine and I only met once, but I had known her for years via the Internet
and perhaps always. I once reminisced: “Many mango seasons ago when
I arrived on the Shiki Salon doorstep as a foundling in a basket swaddled
with a week-old sports section, many haiku poets took me in and attended to
my needs. Each appeared to me, in my cradle, and murmured their special words
and insights.” One such was Francine Porad. She was generous
with insight and straight talk . . . actions of kindness, actions of a
teacher. And — she was a lot of fun! As part of some
repartee, Francine once wrote: “By my poems you will know me.”
autumn storm
a great cedar blocks
the sweeping wind
— Paul MacNeil
I’m undoubtedly one of many haiku poets who could say with 100%
sincerity that Francine gave me my start in haiku, patiently enduring my
enthusiastic but sophomoric early posts and providing true encouragement.
I had the opportunity to meet her in person only once, but her influence
on my writing endures.
windless night —
so many leaves
at the foot of the tree
— Paul David Mena
As she did for many other poets, Francine published my first submitted
haiku in Brussels Spout. Our friendship began right away and grew
steadily. I think we learned the most about each other while writing renku
together. When I moved to the Seattle area, Francine welcomed my wife and me
into the Haiku Northwest group as if we were part of her family. Indeed
the group was, and still is, Francine’s extended family. We are so
fortunate to have her legacy of poems, paintings, and so many fine memories,
especially of her nurturing ways, her keen insights, and her oh-so-dry wit.
Francine will always live in my heart.
wren-song . . .
her passion for linking
and shifting
— Christopher Herold
Francine was a wonderfully generous person and one of haiku’s best
friends. I am saddened by the loss and grateful for her life.
quick brushstrokes
while the light holds —
crickets
— Peggy Willis Lyles
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