The Way of Haiku, The Way of Tanka, and Poetry that Heals by Naomi Beth Wakan

haiku,
tanka,
poetry
that heals

Naomi Beth Wakan

I’m delighted to let you know that my trilogy of books on Japanese short-form poetry is now completed. The Way of Haiku, The Way of Tanka, and Poetry that Heals, are all now available in Canada from Gloria at Page’s Resort bookstore, mail@pagesmarina.com (250-247-8931) . The individual books are Cdn $20 each and the compete trilogy is Cdn $50.  e-book editions of these title are available from Google Play, Amazon Kindle, and iBooks. 

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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."

Sonja Arntzen, Professor Emerita, University of Toronto

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."   

           Terry Ann Carter, past president, Haiku Canada, author, TOKAIDO (Red Moon Press, 2017) 
           Touchstone Distinguished Book Award

Details of each book:

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 inspire readers to write their own haiku while remaining open to the possibilities it provides for personal growth.

The Way of Tanka is an approachable yet comprehensive examination of the Japanese form of poetry known as tanka. The author, Naomi Beth Wakan, discusses its roots in early Japanese courts where it was considered the poetry of lovers, as well as its adaptation to western culture and the characteristics that separate it from the more popular form of Japanese poetry: haiku. Throughout, Wakan weaves her story of personal self-transformation as she moved from the more disciplined writing of haiku to the more metaphorical and philosophical writing of tanka. 

In this inspiring memoir, Poetry That Heals, Naomi Beth Wakan takes the reader on a journey through her lifelong experiences writing various forms of Japanese poetry, especially haiku and its related genres. She explains the rules and structure that distinguish the various forms, providing many examples of her own work as well as poems from well-known historical and contemporary poets. Very importantly, however, Wakan shows by example that the "rules" are not to be taken as impediments, but rather as guideposts on the journey to discover and explore oneself. Looking back, Wakan realizes that her practice of poetry writing has enabled her to develop awareness, dispassionate interest, personal healing, and compassion. In her own words: "I have come to see that in creating poetry, I am creating myself."

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Naomi Beth Wakan

naomi@naomiwakan.com

www.naomiwakan.com