Halloween Haiku class

This poetry class will focus on the haiku form. The “hai” syllable in the word “haiku” connotes “play,” both in the sense of drama, or theatrics; and of recreation and enjoyment, or playfulness. Since “ku” denotes “word,” or “verbal component,” we will enjoy playing around with words in our haiku crafting process. To begin this enjoyable process, we will celebrate fall by reading seasonal haiku by the traditional Japanese masters of the form, such as Matsuo Bash?, and by more contemporary American writers, such as Richard Wright. Their inspiration, combined with writing prompts and activities should lead to some interesting Halloween-themed haiku poems that we will share with each other for constructive feedback, or just simple enjoyment. Our goal is to produce some verses that we can inscribe in Halloween greeting cards for the most special people in our lives.

One of Bloomington’s finest and most outspoken poets, HIROMI YOSHIDA is the author of three poetry chapbooks, Icarus Burning, Epicanthus, and Icarus Redux. Her work has been included in the INverse Poetry Archive, and nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, the Wilder Poetry Book Prize, the New Women’s Voices Poetry Prize, and the Gerald Cable Book Award. She is a poetry reader for Flying Island Journal and Plath Profiles, and a diversity consultant for the Writers Guild at Bloomington, and Constellation Stage & Screen. She is also the winner of the “Head-to-Head Haiku Competition” at the 2022 Granfalloon Festival.