The Fish Jumps Out Of The Moon

New York City's Central Park was both subject and muse for the late poet, amateur naturalist, and photographer Charles F. Kennedy. Friends marveled at his gift for capturing the subtle beauty of nature in his beloved park. At his death in 2004, Kennedy left behind a large body of Central Park-focused haiku and photo essays. The Fish Jumps Out of the Moon: Haiku of Charles F. Kennedy is the first published collection of Kennedy's work. It sparkles with masterful haiku, nature photographs, and enchanting essays.

Kennedy's nephew, Steve Kennedy, edited the collection in collaboration with author and poet Dan Guenther. The editors' captivating introduction gives the reader insight into the life and art of Charles Kennedy. We learn that he regularly led groups of kindred spirits on nighttime nature forays into Central Park. The Fish Jumps is a night journey that stretches from twilight to first light. Along the way the reader is treated to exquisite haiku snapshots of classical haiku themes-- the moon, night herons, bats, and fireflies. Owls and spiders haunt the collection's winding paths in stunning photos and essays. The special gems of this collection are rare photographic (and poetic) images of emerald cicadas and of common slugs engaged in luminescent lovemaking.