Guest Post by Grace of My Year in Haiku

creaking ice melting

dripping off purple table

the water cycle

We all remember haiku from school, right? Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry. There are numerous forms of haiku. In fact, if you Google how to write haiku you will discover different types with all kinds of rules and suggestions. Generally, an English haiku contains 17 syllables in three lines. The first line has 5 syllables, the second line 7 syllables, and the final line goes back to 5 syllables. Nature and seasonal themes are the most common subjects in traditional haiku. Some say you must have a “season” word and a “cutting” word to create a haiku. A “season” word is obvious – words that evoke the seasons (mosquito for summer, daffodil for spring, snow for winter, etc.). The “cutting” word is more complex and difficult to define in English. Simply explained, it is a break or pause indicated by punctuation or a word (English writers often use ellipses).

bare branches lifted
in silent ode to the sky
brown breasted birds sing

In my writing, I just stick to the 5-7-5 rule and let it roll from there. Many of my poems are inspired by nature but some relate to random observations, mundane domestic trials and events, or things my children do. Speaking of children, haiku is a great introduction to poetry and a fun way to learn about syllables with children. My oldest daughter has written several haiku. She likes to create an illustration to go with them like a story.

cold and hazy air

afternoon in the cold fog

patches of green grass

Similarly, I often include a photograph that inspires my haiku. I think the key is to approach it with inspiration. Personally, I cannot decide to write a poem about the wind, or a bird, or a mushroom and just do it. I have to see something, feel something, experience something, hear something and then I become inspired to write. Conversely, when my daughter writes she usually thinks of a subject (horse, owl, or butterfly) and starts from there. It is both challenging and fun to create imagery in three short poetic lines. Limited to so few words, each word becomes important.

I encourage you to give haiku a try. Brevity of form means it won't take too long. Come on – its fun! You might feel the mindful connection to nature when you write. You might have a laugh and bond with your child. You might be awed by the little things in our world. You might be peacefully satisfied by completing a little poem. You might learn something about the way you view the world by focusing on a feeling or a vision.

Come to my blog, My Year in Haiku, to see more samples.  Just click on the title of this post.

All photos and text from this post belong to Grace of My Year in Haiku.  Copyright 2011.