HAIKU FOUR WEEK
HAIKU IMMERSION
INSTRUCTOR: RACHEL LENTZ
It is said that a haiku is started by the poet who writes it, and is finished by the one who reads it. The haiku poet presents two images which capture the essence of a moment being observed, then releases the poem into the world. When the reader engages with the haiku, there is an "ah-ha!" moment when relationship between the two images is suddenly perceived. The reader then realizes," Of course that's how it is," and feels satisfied. The haiku is then complete.
Many people think of haiku as Japanese poetry written in a 5-7-5 syllable format. While that is one way of writing haiku, it is not the only way or even the most common form of contemporary English haiku. Come join me to learn more about this beautiful, brief poetic form. We will learn just enough about the original master's of haiku - Basho, Buson, and Issa - and we will explore ways to read and write haiku.
You will leave class with a deeper understanding of what it takes to write haiku. You will be able to identify the essential elements of haiku - such as the kigo, or seasonal word - and how to suggest relationships between seemingly unrelated images in order to create an emotional experience. By the end, you will have written several original haikus of your own.
MATERIALS
Bring a notebook and a pen or pencil.
REGISTER NOW: MONDAYS | JUNE 8-29 | 6 PM TO 8 PM | $140
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Rachel Lentz is an Air Force veteran and clinical psychologist. In 2016 she took her first oil painting class, and since then has been devoted to the creative life. In 2021 she discovered Kobayashi Issa’s writing when searching for inspiration for a painting. Curiosity peaked, she soon began her haiku journey in a class taught by Dave Reynolds, a Colorado Springs based haiku writer and teacher. At the same time, Rachel also started taking creative writing classes at Cottonwood Center for the Arts under the tutelage and mentoring of the exquisite Jacqueline Moulton.
In addition to haiku, Rachel also loves writing short fiction - particularly for Open Mic nights at Cottonwood! She has been honored to have several of her haiku published in American and British haiku journals, and she continues to learn more about the art form every day.