BHS event with Jim Kacian

Saturday, 7 September 2024, 11.00-16.30, Conway Hall, London

Morning session: Jim Kacian’s Presentation

On 7 September, renowned American poet, editor, and publisher Jim Kacian delivered an insightful talk on ‘haiku and the environment,’ followed by a dynamic Q&A session. This presentation was also featured in the Third International Haiku Conference in Krakow, Poland (13-15 September 2024).

Kacian’s talk centred on the evolution of seasonality in contemporary haiku, examining the changing role of kigo (season words) over time. He emphasized the crucial responsibility of haiku poets in documenting our changing world through their craft.

Afternoon session: Clerikus Project and Haiku Workshop

Following a brief lunch break, the afternoon session commenced with Kacian introducing his innovative “Clerikus” project (from clerihew and ku). This ambitious undertaking aims to create an anecdotal history of Western haiku, featuring over 275 influential figures including early haiku community leaders, translators, scholars, theorists, and artists. The Clerikus project has gained traction, with esteemed publications like Blithe Spirit, Frogpond, and Presence featuring one Cleriku per issue since 2023.

Interactive Haiku Workshop

The day culminated in a haiku workshop and sharing session, with a short refreshment break. Participants were challenged to craft haiku incorporating kigo that either addressed the global climate crisis or represented phenomena that would have been inconceivable as seasonal references in earlier years.

The workshop concluded with each participant sharing one haiku, followed by an anonymous audience vote. The winner, receiving over two-thirds of the votes, was Vanessa Hope’s poignant haiku:

crop spraying
… and is there honey
still for tea?

This evocative piece skilfully intertwines modern agricultural practices with a nod to the classic poem “The Old Vicarage, Grantchester” by Rupert Brooke, highlighting environmental concerns.

The event proved to be a resounding success, fostering thoughtful discussions on the evolving nature of haiku and its role in addressing contemporary issues.

Write-up by Iliyana Stoyanova