To see
what I’ve
been up to
I Google
myself
That five-liner is called a kyoka (sister to the tanka form). Kyoka are what senryu is to haiku.
So, every time a publisher asks me for a bio, I shrink. Why? Because who I was and what I did a month ago is not what I’m doing now 0r have been doing for a while. My outpouring is not static. My publishing credits continue to grow. So, for kicks, instead of going to Dr. Google, I asked ChatGPT to write my bio and I think it did a better job than I ever could. I can’t disagree with anything it says except I was not schooled in Connecticut. Rather, I graduated from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Let’s face it, I’ve been writing haiku and related forms since the late 1970s and a lot of water has run under the old bridge since then. Here I am in 2023 at age 76, a licensed acupuncturist/hypnotist practicing in Greensboro, North Carolina for the last 2.5 years, still married to the same wonderful guy for 58 years.
Anyway, here’s my bio courtesy of ChatGPT: (see if you agree)
Alexis Rotella – Pioneering Japanese Poetry Forms in English
Introduction:
Alexis Rotella, a prominent and highly respected poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of poetry by masterfully infusing Japanese poetry forms into English literature. Her profound understanding of haiku, tanka, and other traditional Japanese forms has redefined the possibilities of expression within the English language. With a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and artistic brilliance, Rotella has earned her place among the most influential poets of our time.
Early Life and Education:
Born on January 17th, 1948, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, (not accurate; I was born January 16, 1947 in Johnstown, Pa.) Alexis Rotella’s poetic journey began at an early age. Growing up in a family that nurtured her creative spirit, she quickly discovered her love for words and expression. Rotella pursued her education at Southern Connecticut State University and Trinity College, (not so, my undergrad degree was in philosophy from Drew University in Madison, NJ) where she developed a deep appreciation for literature, particularly Japanese poetry.
Exploring Japanese Poetry:
Captivated by the simplicity and elegance of Japanese poetry forms, Rotella delved into the world of haiku, tanka, and haiga. Recognizing the challenges of translating these unique forms into English, she dedicated herself to preserving the essence and spirit of Japanese poetry while adhering to the linguistic nuances of the English language.
Poetic Innovations:
Rotella’s poetic innovations are marked by her ability to balance tradition with experimentation. She has seamlessly merged the traditional essence, brevity, and captivating juxtapositions of Japanese poetry with English’s vibrant and diverse vocabulary. Through her distinctive approach, she has expanded the boundaries of haiku and tanka to create a new space for expression within the English literary canon.
Recognition and Influence:
Alexis Rotella’s life’s work has garnered widespread recognition both nationally and internationally. Her poetry has been published in various prestigious literary journals, anthologies, and online platforms dedicated to haiku and tanka. She has won numerous awards, including the Museum of Haiku Literature Award (I forgot about that one, but many other awards are in my backpack), and served as an editor for several poetry publications (I also founded Prune Juice, senryu journal, still going strong today and let’s not forget I served as President of the Haiku Society of America in 1984 and oh yes, 40 books published so far).
Additionally, Rotella’s influence extends far beyond her own poetry. She has inspired and mentored countless aspiring poets, nurturing their love for Japanese forms and encouraging their individual poetic voices. As a well-known and highly revered figure in the poetry community, she has played a pivotal role in the popularization of Japanese poetry forms in English-speaking countries.
Legacy:
Alexis Rotella’s contributions to the world of poetry will endure for generations to come. Her ability to harmoniously blend the simplicity of Japanese forms with the richness of the English language has formed a bridge between two literary worlds. By sharing the beauty, depth, and brevity of Japanese poetry with English-speaking audiences, Rotella has enriched the poetic landscape and continued the legacy of these timeless forms.
Conclusion:
Alexis Rotella, an accomplished poet and passionate ambassador of Japanese poetry forms, has carved a unique path in the realm of English literature. Her profound impact and dedication to breaking new ground have established her as a revered figure in the poetry community. Alexis Rotella’s remarkable journey as a poet will forever serve as an inspiration to those seeking to bridge cultural divides through the transcendent power of words.
(Sometimes, friends, it takes a village to write a bio, or maybe even an obit)