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The Way of Haiku by Naomi Beth Wakan
The Way of Haiku is a guide for learning to write the most popular form of Japanese poetry: haiku. But true to the inviting and personal style of its author, Naomi Beth Wakan, it is also a comprehensive examination of the form and an eye-opening view into the way that reading and writing haiku can change the way one looks at life. “Writing haiku helps you appreciate the wonder of ordinary things and ordinary days.” Wakan discusses the history of haiku’s development, its important literary elements, and the differences between haiku written in Japanese and those written in English. Numerous examples of haiku are provided, some written by Japanese haijin (haiku writers) and presented in translation, and some written by English-speaking writers. The rich explanation of the experience of writing haiku and the encouraging words of the author encourage readers to write their own haiku while remaining open to the possibilities it provides for personal growth. All three of Wakan's books on Japanese poetry are now available as a set: "Part history, part poetry collection, part memoir—Naomi Beth Wakan's trilogy (The Way of Haiku, The Way of Tanka, and Poetry that Heals) is a gift to writers, educators, students, and anyone interested in learning more about Japanese literary forms. These books should be in every school and public library across North America. Wakan's clear prose is an invitation to self discovery and personal creativity." "Anyone with the slightest curiosity about Japanese forms of poetry in English could not find a better place to start than this trilogy, which leads the reader through haiku, tanka, haiga, haibun, and forms of renku (linked verse) by a series of playful, incisive, enlightening essays that make learning a delight. The works also contain mini-anthologies of poetry by some of the best writers of the Japanese forms today. It is not only the newcomer who will find these books a treasure; Wakan’s never failing access to “the beginner’s mind” opens it also for writers who are experienced with the forms. No one will read this trilogy without being inspired to write for the first time or to write more."
ISBN: 978-1-947067-67-7 (print; softcover; perfect bound) 110 pages |
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Naomi Beth Wakan is the Inaugural Poet Laureate of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, and the Inaugural Honorary Ambassador for the Federation of British Columbia Writers. She has published over fifty books, including the American Library Association selection, Haiku — one breath poetry (Heian International). Her latest titles are The Way of Tanka and Poetry That Heals, both from Shanti Arts. Wakan is a member of The League of Canadian Poets, Haiku Canada, and Tanka Canada. She lives on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, with her husband, the sculptor, Elias Wakan.
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INTRODUCTION |
HAIGA |
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"It is now 35 years since another Canadian, Sister Joan Giroux, wrote one of the first books of this kind — The Haiku Form. Hers was the book — now sadly out of print — that put me on the right (meandering) road to writing haiku. If I were starting now, I would be glad to find Wakan’s book in my hands. Like Guiroux’s primer, it deals infectiously with both the spirit and the form." "In The Way of Haiku, Naomi Beth Wakan parallels the fundamentals of the genre from both the western and eastern perspectives, reaching deeply into how haiku has adapted to change while continuing to hold its original essence throughout hundreds of years and many cultures. Having lived in Japan and studied Japanese literature, Wakan is well-versed in the differences and similarities between Japanese and English-language haiku. |
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Naomi Beth Wakan, “Something from Nothing,” Inspired, April 27, 2022. Review by Iliyana Stoyanova, Blithe Spirit, 29:2 Review, Modern Haiku 50:2 Review, Frogpond 42:2 Susumu Takiguchi, Founder of the World Haiku Club, Review of The Way of Haiku by Naomi Beth Wakan, Spring 2019 Janet Vickers, Review: The Way of Haiku | By Naomi Beth Wakan, League of Canadian Poets, March 4, 2019 |
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