BEGINNING HAIKU
BEGINNING HAIKU
INSTRUCTOR: RACHEL LENTZ
When asked to define haiku, many people think "5-7-5." However, If you were to ask a haiku poet to define haiku, that poet would likely talk about relationships, nature, seasons, the five senses, focused attention, objective observations, emotions, moon phases, the present moment, all moments, humor, beauty, brevity, simplicity, universal experiences, or even human kind's place in the universe.
Intrigued? Can all of this possible in the humble three-lined haiku? Come to Beginning Haiku, and find out!
In this class we will talk about the history of haiku, the four historical haiku masters, and some other closely-related types of Japanese poetry, but the class will primarily focus on contemporary English-language haiku. What are the essential qualities of a haiku? What is being published in haiku journals today? How do you read a haiku in order to unlock all its emotional, sensory and relational nuances? And - of course - how do you write haiku? This is an interactive, participatory class, emphasizing discussion, in-class and between-class writing, and supportive sharing of our work with one another.
MATERIALS
Please bring a notebook and pen/pencil to write with. We will not be using electronic devices to do our writing, if possible, as we want to slow down the process of writing and increase our attention, intention and connection to our thoughts. (If you are unable to write by hand for any reason, bring whatever adaptive means you use to write.) We will be going online to look at haiku-related websites during class, so electronic devices are encouraged for that portion of class. I will have an issue of Modern Haiku reserved for each student, which will be used for between-class readings and in-class discussion. That is a $15.00 fee, payable to your instructor at the start of the first class session
REGISTER NOW: MONDAYS | FEBRUARY 3-24 | 6 PM TO 8 PM | $120
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.