Our founding masters of Japanese haiku often wrote about moments of quiet wonder observed in the natural world that we still find, centuries later, delightfully transcendent. This lineage also gave us poems that were quite socially engaged – work that revealed the human experience, especially around the existence of suffering. Come explore how a bearing witness tradition continues to flourish today.
Starting with a brief overview of formal ingredients, we’ll contemplate how our own haiku practice may become a form of compassionate action. If we turn toward suffering, we may offer words that give voice to liberation, truth-telling, and solidarity in the midst of a world on fire. We’ll look at various poems as examples and prompts, and have time for writing, sharing, and discussion. Whether you’re newly haiku curious or an experienced haijin, please come and help co-create this conversation!