Where is the speaker standing or sitting in relation to the blossoms and the temple bells? Write a short essay situating the speaker, speculating on what he was doing before and after the bells rang.

In groups, compose a poster depicting Basho¯'s poem and hang it in your classroom.

Write a haiku that "updates" Basho¯'s haiku by describing things that are unmistakably contemporary. Read it to your class and discuss its imagery. Compare yours with others in the class.

Research the history of Zen Buddhism and prepare a short presentation on it to deliver to your class.

Write a short description of your idea of a perfect evening and then exchange yours with a classmate's. In pairs, discuss the differences and similarities and what your description suggests about the things that you value.

Research Basho¯'s and...