An introduction to the Japanese genre of writing called haibun.

One Breath Poets present a reading of selected haibun from Basho’s Narrow Road to the Interior and Other Writings.

Haibun is a combination of chiefly autobiographical, short, haiku-like prose combined with haiku poetry. This form has been used extensively in travel journals. Matsuo Basho, the father of the haiku, is the most famous of the early practitioners of haibun.

Lastly, there will be a presentation on “how to write haibun.” There will be an accompanying handout. One Breath Poets will examine some of the previously read haibun to explain why they are successful. Each of the One Breath Poets will read one or two of their original haibun. Integrated into the “how to,” will be an overview of how to write haiku.

The One Breath Poets of Central Oregon are interested in the Japanese compressed poetic forms: haiku, haibun, haiga, tanka, and renga/renku. They write poetry in these short forms. Additionally, they study contemporary as well as traditional poets who write in the compressed poetic forms of China, Japan and North America. While these forms are challenging, they find the challenge fun.

At their monthly meetings they read their most recent compositions for the fun of sharing and for group critique. They often read the work of poets who write in the Japanese compressed poetic forms, thus adding to their knowledge and skill.

One Breath Poets was founded in 2012 by Marion Davidson and Lorna Cahall. They are presently 9-members strong, including Marion and Lorna. Meetings are at Higher Ground Common House on the first Monday of the month from 11:00 to 12:30.


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