What's a haiku?
A haiku is a kind of poem, originally developed in Japan and now popular all over the world. Today, you can find haiku adapted for any language.
What does an English haiku look like?
An English haiku typically has three lines; the first has two accents in five syllables, the second has three accents in seven syllables, and the last has two accents in five syllables.
On this still hot day,
only the sound of soft grass
in the beaks of ducks.
(Claire Pratt)
the flick of high beams ---
out of the dark roadside ditch
leaps a tall grass clump
(Paul O. Williams)
Using all
seventeen syllables yields graceful English, but the full English haiku form
is then longer than the original Japanese haiku
The white spider
whiter still
in the lightning's flash
(Geraldine C. Little)
Jeep tracks
over deer tracks
in new snow
(William R. Mosolino)
A 'kireji' (cutting pause) usually divides the haiku into two distinct rhythmic units; either 5 beats followed by 3 (when the kireji isolates the last line, as in the previous example), or 3 beats followed by 5 (when it isolates the first line, as in the next example).
the aster blossoms.
the glittering of dew drops
'til after noontime.
(Karel Hellemans)
where peonies bloom
the tomcat lurks and watches
falls asleep.
(Beverly White)
In haiku, grammar is pared down. Incomplete sentences abound. Use of articles and prepositions is minimal.
What can you say in just three lines?
Traditionally, a haiku recreates a contemplative natural experience. Although short, a fine haiku causes the reader to experience its subject at length. The resulting sensations are the whole point of the haiku. The rhythmic structure of a haiku yields a sense of incompleteness, inviting the reader to wait with it.
Just enough of rain
To bring the smell of silk
From umbrellas
(Richard Wright)
Are there any other 'rules' for writing haiku?
Traditionally, the experience explored in the haiku must take place in a defined season --- spring, summer, fall, or winter. The season is revealed, often quite subtly, by a 'kigo' (season word) in the text. The sensations induced by the haiku are triggerred by the seasonal cue as well by the particular subject matter.
Only
scattered stars,
till the moon wakens clusters
of saguaro flowers.
(Foster Jewell)
 All
the examples above are taken from "The
Haiku Handbook --- How to Write, Share, and Teach Haiku", by
William J. Higginson, which you can order
here. |
