Hai-Poo Movement Gains Turf

A rare glimpse into the inner workings of Ditalini Press was observed at an afternoon gala held at the Historic Peabody House. The gathering did double-duty as the newly published first-in-a-series Hai-Poo: Hidden Gems was celebrated and the monthly workshop Hai-Poo: Let’s Get Going was inaugurated. The library conference space was figuratively likened unto a water closet, as modern-day 'Hai-Poo Movement' founder K.Grace addressed the curiosity seekers. "Hai-poo can be no less described as a phenomenon. Take the two most fascinating subjects: poetry and poop, and watch as they elevate one another to new heights.”

Hai-Poo has recently re-emerged as a viable art form. The first Hai-Poo is feared forever lost, but other fragments have been found in diverse pockets of heretofore unexplored terrain.

K.Grace is the world’s undisputed H’Poo Master, humbly proferring a wealth of well-rounded knowledge. "Hai-Poo is a specialized form of poetry that stems from unknown origins. Haiku, we know, can be dated back ten centuries. And poop . . . well, do we need a time line? It's as ancient as the sun. Hai-Poo may seem new, but it's timeless: a celebration of life, words and wisdom." She put forth a Hai-Poo sample -

don't shake his left hand
do you not see it is brown?
he had no paper

As they spiraled with initial tentative phrasing, Number 2 pencils in hand and Sani-Wipes at the ready, K.Grace exhorted her new crop of cohorts, “When properly marinated, the melding of poop and haiku is seamless . . . full of life . . . and fun for all ages!"

Aunt Sue, warming to her role as co-facilitator, spoke next. “I’d like to offer just one specimen of a dozen Hai-Poo I have under my belt to date. Whether or not I’ll produce another is anyone’s guess.”

ice cream indulgence
buff basinscape rendezvous
freshly pebbled path

“Where do you get your inspiration?” Henry 'Hank' Jamison called out.

Aunt Sue responded, “For me, the word Hai-Poo itself inspires, invites, even insists on jargonistic double-speak. After incorporating the 5-7-5 challenge, I sit back and let nature take its course.”

K.Grace nodded knowingly. “I believe there is a Hai-Poo Muse who moves in and out of the trees of the mind, usually just out of reach. But every now and then she comes near and sings a beautiful melody."

Sally Wharton looked strained. “I wonder how often I’ll get the urge to write Hai-Poo. . . if ever?”

“When it comes to this style of poetry, K.Grace is the only one I know who has achieved any sort of regularity. She has more entries in Hai-Poo: Hidden Gems than any of us, but we are all contributors,” Aunt Sue beamed, looking proudly to the other members of Ditalini Press. Then picking up poncho and pocketbook, she left abruptly, stating simply, “I gotta go.”

“A ‘pressing matter’, no doubt,” cracked flush-faced attendee Ron Smolders. “Hey, that just popped – I mean ‘plopped’ - into my head! Am I getting the hang of this or what!”

At day’s end, K.Grace reminded everyone, "Hai-Poo can be quite enigmatic. At times it flows forth as easy as a river . . . but some days it can be puzzling to write.” The idea is to gently keep pushing until achieving the desired outcome.

One participant summed up the workshop experience neatly, “It’s been like a breath of fresh air!”

Note: All love and thanks to K.Grace for collaboration on this bit of silliness!