Haiku is the shortest and one of the oldest poetry forms in the world, having originated in Japan in the 17th century. It is primarily a nature poem but can also be used to describe human situations. In this introductory workshop you will get a short history of the form, with examples from classical and contemporary haijin, and learn some key techniques for writing and editing haiku and senryu (human nature haiku). You will also be encouraged to go on local ginko (composition strolls) to be inspired by the sights, sounds and smells of early autumn.

Maeve O’Sullivan works part-time in further education. Her poetry and haikai have been widely published, anthologized, awarded and translated. She is the author of five collections from Alba Publishing, the most recent of which is Wasp on the Prayer Flag (2021). Maeve is a professional member of the Irish Writers’ Centre, and leads workshops in haiku and related forms for adults and children on behalf of both them
and Poetry Ireland.