A pathway through grief: Robert Epstein, haiku, and well-being

While many studies consider the healing qualities of poetry during periods of grief, this study focuses specifically on haiku through the example of psychotherapist and poet, Robert Epstein. Research was conducted through a review of the existing literature and close readings of Epstein’s haiku, prose, and interviews. The analysis applies Kathleen T. Galvin and Les Todres’ categorization of well-being types and Scott Mason’s definitions of the five principal elements that contribute to well-being with respect to haiku. The study concludes that following Epstein’s approach to haiku can assist people experiencing grief to regain their well-being and that Epstein’s work creates a haiku poetics of well-being.