O2 Haiku is a Literary Magazine, based in the Pacific Northwest of the United States of America. It is co-founded and edited by husband/wife duo Kevin Irigoyen Penatello and Samantha Pardo Irigoyen. We wanted to have a fresh outlet for showcasing the ancient Japanese poetry form of haiku. We believe that poetry, like life itself, is moulded by time and environment— haiku is no different.
While O2 Haiku leans into this traditional poetic form, we aren’t afraid to be challenged. We are also on the lookout for one-line haikus, short form poetry, or any poetry that centres on a specific moment in time. Check out our submission page for more information on what we are looking for!
About Us…
Hello!
Hi! I’m Samantha! My passion for writing started when I was about thirteen years old. I have been published in various Literary Magazines, Journals, and serve as an editor for Poetry Pea Journal and Podcast.
When not balancing motherhood, and editing, I find myself scribbling haikus on paper napkins and tucking them into my pocket for future perusing. I love art, music, and all things fantastical!
I love traditional haiku (not just 5-7-5). I was drawn to haiku when we first moved to the Pacific Northwest, a stunning area of the United States. For once in our lives, we lived in a place where no poem was enough. Yet, with haiku, I was able to verbalise little moments in time. I could capture a small snippet of beauty in one thought, and then return to being present in the breathtaking scenery.
Hey, I’m Kevin! I’m with her (see above)…
While not cooking for Samantha, and our child, I somehow find time to write. My poetry has been published with Somos en Escrito Literary Magazine, Decolonial Passage, and others. I also love well-crafted stories; as such I write screenplays— placing in the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards, Los Angeles Comedy Film & Screenplay Festival, and The Big Apple Film Festival.
I look for diverse, well-thought out voices, that challenge my way of thinking. I want passages that make me freeze in place. Show me words that leave me speechless.
Contact us.
Still have questions? Interested in collaborating? Press? Use the form below, and we will be in touch as quickly as we can.