Haiku for Lower East Side History Month!

Posted by on 05.19.14 in 2014, Events, Partners in Haiku | 0 comments

Haiku for Lower East Side History Month!

May is Lower East Side History Month, and to that end a host of chalking activity was occurring on the opening weekend due to #chalkLES, a multi-organization effort to write historical tidbits on the streets of the Lower East Side.

The organizer of #chalkLES (and generally amazing LES mover-and-shaker), Ryan Gilliam, invited Guerilla Haiku to add some more chalkdust to the scene. To which we resoundingly said YES!

On the eve of our Saturday frolics, I decorated my beloved Tenement Museum with haiku inspired by its work and mission.

But the day truly began in Seward Park where the melting pot of the Lower East Side was out in full force. After getting some Jehovah’s Witnesses to translate their message into 17-syllables, snapping a photo of a group of @janeswalk participants posing with their Jane Jacobs haiku, and being inspired by a young man translating his glorious haiku into Chinese so his mother could appreciate it with him- we headed onwards!

Next up, the Henry Street Settlement, celebrating Lillian Wald (their founder’s) birthday. And we chalked into a multicultural joyful block-party!! We found ample inspiration (and participated in a number of group dances). Check out our odes to a very special neighborhood!

To Haiku!

Water, clean water - nothing better when I thirst - we are so lucky
Facepainting Happens - but you have to wait for it - better be patient!
Shaking it today - The LES rocking it out - Chayanne and MC
exercise brings joy - you can tell these hips don't lie - Get up NOW and try!
Thanks to all who came - to Henry Street Settlement - Block Party today
Cultures Converging - Ices, popcorn, and dancing - Languages merging
Sun's rays unperturbed - by clouds it shows its warm face - to the world's children
Much creativity happening
ghm575 May 17, 2014
Goddess Jane Jacobs - Historic Preservation - LES thanks you! #Janewalks
Basilisa says - The LES is the best - ...
100 years plus - Henry Street provides service - to the LES
Balloons and Chalk
ghm575 May 17, 2014
I have come - to say hello - then I shall go!
Haiku Dictations
ghm575 May 17, 2014
Goddess Jane Jacobs - Historic Preservation - LES thanks her
Sharon is 5 now - she likes to draw in purple - this is her flower
Sharon contemplates
ghm575 May 17, 2014
Our German Bostonians
ghm575 May 17, 2014
First haiku of the day
ghm575 May 17, 2014
Home of Immigrants - of the past and of today - Honor their (our) Stories!

If you want to see this album on Flickr, click here.