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Journey to the Interior: American Versions of Haibun

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Haibun, a hybrid form of poetry that combines haiku with prose, has found a home in the United States. American writers have embraced haibun, using it to explore their own unique experiences and perspectives. This article provides a comprehensive overview of American haibun, from its early origins to its contemporary manifestations.

Early Origins

The first known American haibun was written by Lafcadio Hearn in 1894. Hearn, a Greek-Irish writer who spent much of his life in Japan, was fascinated by Japanese culture and literature. His haibun, "The Dream of a Summer Day," is a lyrical meditation on the beauty of the Japanese countryside.

Journey to the Interior: American Versions of Haibun

by Bruce Ross

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Other early American writers who experimented with haibun included Ezra Pound and Amy Lowell. Pound, who is best known for his role in the modernist movement, wrote several haibun in the early 1900s. Lowell, a poet and critic, also wrote a number of haibun, which she published in her book "Can Grande's Castle" (1918).

The Mid-Century Revival

After a period of relative obscurity, haibun experienced a revival in the United States in the mid-20th century. This revival was due in part to the work of poets such as Jack Kerouac and Gary Snyder. Kerouac, who is best known for his novel "On the Road," wrote a number of haibun that were published in his book "The Scripture of the Golden Eternity" (1960). Snyder, a poet and environmental activist, also wrote a number of haibun, which were published in his book "Riprap and Cold Mountain Poems" (1959).

The mid-century revival of haibun also saw the emergence of a number of new journals and magazines devoted to the form. These publications provided a forum for American writers to share their work and to learn from each other.

Contemporary American Haibun

Contemporary American haibun is a diverse and vibrant form of poetry. American writers are using haibun to explore a wide range of topics, from the natural world to the urban landscape. Some of the most notable contemporary American haibun writers include Jane Hirshfield, John Ashbery, and Robert Hass.

Hirshfield is a poet who is known for her lyrical and meditative work. Her haibun often explore the relationship between the human and natural worlds. Ashbery is a poet who is known for his experimental and innovative work. His haibun often explore the complexities of modern life. Hass is a poet who is known for his passionate and political work. His haibun often explore the social and environmental issues of our time.

American haibun is a rich and diverse form of poetry that has been used by American writers to explore a wide range of topics and experiences. From its early origins to its contemporary manifestations, haibun has proven to be a resilient and adaptable form of poetry.

Journey to the Interior: American Versions of Haibun

by Bruce Ross

4.3 out of 5