Haiku Poetry

– Written by Lara Gemini Poet

Most poets write poems as they come to them. It probably depends on the emotion and/or inspiration behind the piece. Some poets are very specific in how they write, and that specification becomes part of their brand and product as a writer. Haiku Poetry is a particular type of poetry originating from Japan in the 700 to 1100s. It was discovered then that Haiku’s were more desirable than Chokas (long poems). The culture of writing poetry at the time was highly specific and crucial.

The rules are simple:
• A haiku must be EXACTLY 3 lines.
• It consists of 17 syllables
• The lines must follow the 5-7-5 format:
The first line contains ONLY 5 syllables.
The second line contains ONLY 7 syllables.
The third line contains ONLY 5 syllables.
• A haiku MUST express a mood, thought, or feeling.It is usually written about nature.
• A haiku does not have to rhyme.

So what should haiku accomplish? What should it provide the reader?

Traditional haiku often focuses on very simple subjects while providing an interesting or unexpected perspective. Two distinct images are usually placed in juxtaposition, allowing the reader to see an enlightening connection between the two. Like a good joke, the first part serves as set-up while the second part delivers the punchline.

Example:
The wren is chirping,
But it grows dusk
just the same
By: Issa

The two images: a wren chirping and the growing dusk. The poem involves nature, includes two simple subjects in juxtaposition (the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect) and makes a connection between the two that tells us a little something about ourselves: Try though we may, we cannot add hours to the day.

Of all the forms of poetry, haiku perhaps is the most demanding of the reader. It demands the reader’s participation because haiku merely suggests something in the hopes that the reader will find “a glimpse of hitherto unrecognized depths in the self.” Without a sensitive audience, haiku is nothing.

Perhaps this is the reason why Haiku’s are hard to master to write or perform let alone understand but they are creative and intriguing enough to understand. How about you try it?