Haiku

Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry that is usually about nature, doesn't rhyme, and has 3 lines that follow this pattern:

The first line has 5 syllables.  The second line has 7 syllables.  The third line has 5 syllables

Haiku is like a pair of photos that connect an idea. Here are two haiku written by poet Issa, translated by Bruce Lansky.

Snow melts. Suddenly, the village is full of children.

Frog sunning on lily pad as dragonfly darts by. Thrapp!

Poet Bruce Lansky says that some of the best stimuli for writing haiku are nature hikes, nature photography, or art. Try this: Write down what you see when you go outside for recess or when you go for a walk in the woods over the weekend. Write down your observations on paper (or better yet, record them with a camera). Depending on the season, you might get observations of nature like the following:

• leaves blowing in the wind
• snow piling up on unused doors
• ducks swimming in a pond during a rainstorm
• the first buds on tree branches in your backyard
• the first daffodil poking it's head through the dirt
• hungry bees buzzing around a flower garden

Next, try to find two images that create a striking impression when connected and write them down. You might get something like this:

1. After it started to rain, fishermen steered their boats toward the shore.
2. Then, I saw a family of ducks waddle over to the lake and swim across.

OK, now you have to pare the sentence down so it still describes the scene while inviting the reader to marvel at nature. How's this?

Sudden spring storm-

a family of ducks paddles

around the deserted lake.

Here are a few more examples to help you to get started. Count the syllables in each line. What are the two pictures that are formed in your mind. How are the two pictures related. Was the haiku well written? Here are some about cats.

The Rose by Donna Brock The red blossom bends and drips its dew to the ground. Like a tear it falls

A Rainbow by Donna Brock  Curving up, then down. Meeting blue sky and green earth Melding sun and rain.

Now see if you can finish these haikus with the seven syllable line and the two five syllable lines

Green elms in the woods Standing tall and proud.

The petals bend to the earth

Now its your turn to write an original Haiku.

1. Pick your favorite sport or other topic. That will be your theme. If you're stuck for ideas, scroll to the bottom of this web site (http://writingfix.com/leftbrain/haiku.htm) for ideas.
2. Decide: 1) For what purpose will you write? 2) What mood do you want to convey?
3. Think of the images, descriptive words, and figurative language that best describe your idea (remember sounds, smells, sights). Jot them down in web form or in a list as you think of them.
4. Then the final step is to experiment by putting your ideas on the Haiku "skeleton" - 5, 7, 5 (syllables) and 3 lines.
5. Draft, revise, and edit.
6. Look at your poem, check it for correct syllables and lines. Now, for the real test, read it ALOUD. Does it really paint a clear picture? Edit again.
7. Share your Haiku with someone else. Listen to his or her critique of your poem. A critique is when someone tells you the strengths and weaknesses of your work. DON'T GET MAD, LISTEN to the suggestions. Revise your work. Remember, the BEST writers are REWRITERS!
8. Give your poem a title.
9. Type and choose a font that adds to the look of your Haiku.
10. Illustrate your poem. BACK