Enta Kusakabe, who created Gogyohka, says "there is a masterpiece in every heart." We can lift each other up when we remember how to sing, even if our song is sad or angry or difficult. Because then we know we are not alone. Others feel this way, too, at some point. Gogyohka has gogyohkans, not poets. Gogyohka reminds us we are like birds--we all know how to sing, fly, and gather in the play of murmuration. So sing your song! Dive and rise! This is how we belong. Heart citizens singing songs across the globe.

We will be celebrating our seventh Big Forest Uta-Kai (Japanese Poetry Gathering) in late July, when the hot sun finds every cell of our body, warming our bones and preparing us for the turn of the wheel towards darkness. We will gather together with this poem by Hafiz inspiring us: 

You carry
All the ingredients
To turn your life into a nightmare-
Don’t mix them!

You have all the genius
To build a swing in your backyard
For God.

That sounds
Like a hell of a lot more fun.
Let’s start laughing, drawing blueprints,
Gathering our talented friends.

I will help you
With my divine lyre and drum.

Hafiz
Will sing a thousand words
You can take into your hands,
Like golden saws,
Sliver hammers,

Polished teakwood,
Strong silk rope.

You carry all the ingredients
To turn your existence into joy,
Mix them, mix
Them!

Listen. To your song and the songs around you. We will gather and build playgrounds and remember how to be free.

***

No experience reading or writing is required. Please bring paper and a pen or pencil with you. This is not a poetry workshop. No critical evaluation of your poetry will take place.  A heart cannot be questioned, only encouraged.

Light meal, good times, an embodiment practice, writing gogyohka, and optional sharing. Gogyohka Uta-Kai is super fun!

Sliding Scale 20/25/30