Drunken Haiku Competition (Summer Poetry Camp)

A BAFS Poetry Camp tradition since the very first year (2014), the ‘Drunken Haiku Competition’ is an exercise in contemplative intoxication and how that relates to creative output in artists. While this concept can be used as a fun party game, this workshop instead focuses on developing a personal understanding of how altered states of consciousness affect your writing. We will each use a preferred form of ‘intoxication’ – be that alcohol or other psychotropic substances, induced trance, pranayama, ecstatic dance/prayer, kundalini shock treatment, or perhaps even tantric masturbation. Whatever techniques you use to ‘get in the mood’ to write we will ask you to practice in this workshop.

The point (think alcohol) is to recognize when you hit peak creativity, and when you’ve ‘had too much’ and quality declines. Each round of the competition – Take a ‘Shot’, Write a Haiku, Read yr Example, Vote on Favorite – can include brief process notes. The round ‘winner’ will choose a theme for the following round. In the end you will have an observable record of where you peaked and where you went too far. Again, this is a contemplative/meditation workshop, not a ‘party’. Side conversations or other distractions detract from everyone’s ability to concentrate, and the zen tyrant will “Shush” you as necessary. Discussion will be encouraged at the end, firmly discouraged during.”

About Summer Poetry Camp
During July 4th weekend the annual summary poetry retreat will occur at Quonset Hut Hemp Cooperative (39820 CR 19, Fort Collins, CO), with some associated events at Wolverine Farm Publick House (316 Willow St., Fort Collins, CO). Hosted by Beyond Academia Free Skool (BAFS) and as part of the 250th birthday of the country, the theme of the event is “connecting communities.”

Note that the following week, Poetry Camp moves to Boulder (Beyond Academia Free Skool, @beyondacademiafreeskool).

If you are interested in opportunities for focused writing, collaboration, and fun, email GuloGuloPoetry@gmail.org (or use our Contact Page) to express interest and to learn more.