A new collection of Japanese-inspired poetry and prose is inviting readers to explore the Isle of Man through a different lens, finding moments of peace and beauty in its landscapes.

Mostly Haiku is the fifth collection by Manx writer Paul Quayle and a sequel to his 2020 book Narrow Road to the Deep South, which was written in memory of his late friend Roger Leece.

Paul said his death had a profound impact on him and both books have helped him process his grief. He hopes to encourage others to step away from technology, reconnect with nature and find peace and creativity through walking and writing.

Covering the period between 2022 and 2024, the collection follows a journey across the island, exploring its geological, glacial, archaeological and sacred landscapes through walking, writing and mindfulness.

Inspired by conversations about mental health and reconnecting with the outdoors, the book reflects on the importance of creativity and finding peace in an ever-changing world.

Supported by Culture Vannin, the collection also continues a commitment to Isle Listen, with a donation from its sales planned for the island's mental health charity.

Paul said, ‘On Tuesday 20th December 2022, I visited the headquarters of Isle Listen in Castletown, to arrange a donation of £700 from the sales of Narrow Road.

After some refreshingly honest conversations about mental health, something was telling me the journey hadn’t ended. I spontaneously decided to visit The Sound and began what I tentatively called Narrow Road Back.’

Paul describes the initial progress of writing the book as slow with some unexpected turns.

‘I struggled at times to cope with life and the changing world. After quitting my job, I was immediately inspired by Phil Craine and walking as a pilgrim on The Triskelion Way. I then reconnected and walked a lot with Dr Peter Davey, my old archaeology teacher.

It was studying with Peter between 2005 and 2008 that first highlighted for me the international significance of the island’s geological, glacial and archaeological landscapes within a small geographic area.

This journey has taught me that walking and writing is my way of finding peace in the world and emphasised to me the importance of creativity in that crazy world.’

The book was inspired by the teachings and friendship of Manx Dharma Master Michael Kewley, who wrote its foreword. Its poems explore the principles of Zen, mindfulness and living in the present moment, using the island’s historic landscapes as inspiration.

Paul said, ‘The Lhen Beach in the north of the island became a particular place of inspiration during the project. It’s a place from my childhood (my grandparents lived there) and I’ve continually been drawn back there in recent years.

It’s a prominent place in Manx folklore, being where the legendary ‘King Orry’ landed. There’s also the Manx Wildlife Trust’s beautiful Cronk y Bing nature reserve there, which adjoins the beach.’

The £10 collection is available from six outlets across the island, with proceeds once again supporting mental health charity Isle Listen.

You can purchase it at the following locations: The Manx Museum, The House of Manannan, Both Bridge Bookshops, OMA Sustainable Living and the Time Machine.