In Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg talks about a fundraiser she did for the Minnesaota Zen Center: she had a “spontaneous writing booth” where she would write poems on any subject. I loved this idea, and knew it would work perfectly with haiku, one of my favorite verse forms. The name “Haiku Hut” came in a burst of inspiration.

The Haiku Hut premiered at San Francisco’s first Car-Free Day. Armed only with a pen and a stack of index cards, I created custom haiku for all takers, with Walk San Francisco enjoying a donation from the proceeds. Soon the Haiku Hut popped up at other non-profit events, such as the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Winterfest, where I've become a fixture. (Click here to find out more about bringing the Haiku Hut to your next event.)

I also undertook the Urban Renewal Haiku Project. (Now available as a book! Click here to order.)

During the war on Iraq, I responded with another project called Seventeen Syllables for Peace. I handed out thousands of these at protests, vigils, and other events.
NEW! – I’ve added some more “Seventeen Syllables...” haiku. Sadly, the need to protest Bush’s lies, actions, and arrogance continues.