Below, I have written a haiku, a form of short poetry originally from Japan that follows a 3 line pattern with 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, and 5 in the third. It is reflective of my discussion with 5 of my peers at St. Olaf and is a call to action for creative placemaking – the strengthening of our campus community through the arts. Please enjoy.
A Haiku for Creative Placemaking
For every new face,
St. Olaf has a place to
Engage with the arts.
The dance department
Is a tool to become more
Culturally versed.
While studio art
And its many forms leaves you
Thoroughly emersed.
Photography is
Vulnerable, it provokes
and even disgusts.
So, this campus must
Embrace everyone to form
Creative trusts.
You want to hear more?
Music is available
For all to explore.
Diverse arrays of
cultural identities
Are voiced through the scores.
Once traditional
And Eurocentric, Nordic
Heritage was rife.
Now, BIPOC and female
Composers set out to share
Their voices and strife.
For pupils that care,
Learned instructors are there,
To fulfill your needs.
The arts can create
A welcoming space for
Dialogue and deeds.
From music to film,
To dance and photography;
The arts produce leaders.
But one must be present,
Use their aptitudes and strengths,
And work together.
Creativity
Can help our community
Inspire social change.
Support all the arts
For they will make us happy,
Keep us from derange.
Talent fills the air,
Clever people everywhere,
St.Olaf creates.