19 jun 2027

“...every day is a journey and the journey itself is home.”

This workshop is for everyone from journal keepers to published poets – those interested in exploring a different approach to journaling, sharpening their skills for prose poetry, playing with a different form, or experimenting further with haiku.

Haibun was born out of Bashō’s travel journal, The Narrow Road to the Interior (1694), recording his observations as he journeyed on foot over 1500 miles. A distillation of his observations in prose form became the haiku. This workshop finds its roots in this journal. We are all travelers in this life, and when we engage with our senses, letting go of everyday concerns, the written word that emerges is a complete surprise.

We will begin with a brief discussion of the components and essential traits of haibun. This will be followed by a close look at the two parts: prose poem and haiku. Close readings of modern prose poetry will demonstrate poetic devices such as sound and repetition that heighten the impact of the prose. Prompts will be offered for participants to explore and play with these. This will be followed by exploring the various ways in which haiku is used to further the impact of the prose. After lunch, participants will spend time in the Zen Center gardens where they can take photos and notes to inspire their writing. A period of writing and sharing of work will then ensue.

What You Will Learn

Through close readings and writing prompts participants will explore and play with poetic devices and how haiku can interplay with the prose to heighten the impact for the reader. Participants will gain an understanding of the interaction between spiritual practice and poetry, as well as an appreciation of the deeper meaning of haibun and how it provides a way to engage in the immediacy of one’s environment.

Schedule

• 09:00 — Welcome and Introduction
• 09:30 — Prose Poetry
• 11:30 — Vegetarian Lunch (provided by the Zen Center)
• 12:30 — Haiku
• 01:30 — Ginko
• 02:00 — Writing and sharing
• 03:30 — End of retreat

Instructor—Joan White

Joan has been a member of the Zen Center for over 30 years. During that time, she has been an avid writer of poetry. Her work has been published in Cider Press Review, NPR’s On Being blog, Burningword Literary Journal, and Nature of Our Times anthology, among others. Her debut book, a commoner’s prayer, was published by Rootstock Publishers in April 2026.