The Heian period in Japanese history is rich with literary accomplishments. Research this topic, and choose two female authors who you think might be included in Hahn's reference to the Immortal Sisters—female poets of that period to whom Hahn often addresses her own poetry. In comparing the writing of the Heian writers to Hahn's, look for similar subjects, style, tone, and themes. How is Hahn's poetry like that of the women of the Heian period? How do her poems differ?

Compose a series of tanka poems. In the first set, describe a beautiful scene you have experienced in nature. In the second, focus on your relationship with someone close to you. For the third set, write as if you were corresponding with other women (or men), discussing particular details of what it is like to be a woman (or man) living...