Class

Writing Resistance Haiku

Politics. Climate change. Feminism. Racism. Even if we want to write about our experiences regarding these topics, the issues can feel so complex that it's hard to get started. Haiku can offer a way in. At first, it may seem impossible to write our big emotions inside such a tiny poetic form, but it is doable. Because haiku is so short, it forces us to narrow our focus. We can't tell a whole, complicated story in a haiku, so instead we are free to only tell a little part of it.

By breaking our big experiences into smaller fragments, we may find it's easier to start sharing our truths. In this class, we'll learn basic haiku principals and discover the history of resistance haiku. We'll read resistance haiku written by both Japanese and American writers, and share observations about the poems in small and large group settings. We'll brainstorm ideas for resistance haiku of our own, and in-class writing time will give us the opportunity to generate some haiku. Two instructors will be available for on-the-spot, verbal feedback. We'll leave class confident haiku can help carry us forward in our acts of resistance.

In this class, students will:
-be introduced to the three, traditional rules for Japanese haiku and also learn about modern approaches to the form that don't require adherence to these rules.
-be introduced to the history of resistance haiku and read haiku written by Japanese and American poets that fall into the category of resistance haiku.
-have the opportunity to discuss the art of haiku with fellow class participants.
-use class time to write haiku, receive on-the-spot oral feedback from instructors, and share their work with fellow class participants.
-leave class feeling confident they can begin a haiku practice of their own, using the form to express a wide range of life experiences.

Please submit this request form at least two to three weeks in advance if you have any accessibility requests for this class. This class takes place in-person, at the Loft at Open Book. Please see the Loft’s website for the most up to date information about the Loft’s COVID policies.