The Haiku

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Posted on January 30th, 2009 in How To by Joni Keith

A haiku is a form of Japanese poetry. The English version consists of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable count.

Recently I’ve published some poetry in the form of haiku, or at least my attempt at haiku, and have received some comments on the brevity of my work. This made me think that perhaps the art of haiku as a poetry form wasn’t as widely known as I thought. Here’s a little history on the haiku.

What is Haiku?
A haiku is a form of Japanese poetry. The English version of haiku consists of seventeen syllables:

first line, five syllables
second line, seven syllables
third line, five syllables

In it’s original Japanese form, haiku are traditionally printed in a single vertical line with three metrical phrases and include a kigo, which is a seasonal reference. This form of poetry evolved from the hokku and came to be known as haiku at the end of the 19th century, so named by Japanese writer Masoka Shiki. Haiku differs from it’s predecessor hokku in that it is a stand alone, independent piece of poetry. Hokku was originally the term for an opening verse of renku.

Contemporary English Language Haiku
While traditional Japanese haiku had a focus on nature and mankind’s place in it, modern day haiku poetry covers a much broader range of subject matter.

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Initially, haiku was dismissed by early scholars of western civilization as having little poetic value. R.H. Blyth, an Englishman living in Japan, produced a series of work on Japanese and Asian literature. Among that work was a four volume publication on haiku in 1949. He later published History of Haiku in 1964 as a classical study of haiku and went on to become known as a major interpreter of haiku to the English speakers of the western world.. Blyth’s work stimulated the writing of haiku by English speaking writers.

In 1957, Japanese-American scholar and translator, Kenneth Yasuda, wrote several books with a critical theory about haiku. It was in those translations that the 5-7-5 syllable count was first applied. Yasuda also theorized the concept of a “haiku moment” based in personal experience. His philosophy of the haiku moment is the foundation on which North American writers have based their haiku poetry.

Appreciating Haiku Poetry
As is so often true in modern day poetry, the rules have been bent, if not broken. Haiku is such a structured form of writing, it can pose a bit of a challenge to a writer. Simple and concise, it is often a challenge to portray a picture in so few words while adhering to the 5-7-5 syllable count that defines the haiku. Personally, I use haiku as a writing exercise. However, I do use an image when I publish a haiku poem to help the reader visualize what I had in mind at the time I wrote the poem. If you’ve never tried your hand at writing haiku, I hope I’ve inspired you to give it a try. I also hope that this article will help my readers understand that I wasn’t at a loss for words., I actually meant to write a three line poem.

Haiku’s by Joni Keith

Sunset

My Dream

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Tags: haiku, poem, poetry

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21 Responses to “The Haiku”

yaffel
January 30th, 2009 at 8:44 am

Very good article Joni you have taught me something I didn’t know. Very informative and an excellent read
JK Kristie
January 30th, 2009 at 9:29 am

I learned haiku in high school. I like it because it’s short but precise. Thanks for refreshing my memory.
Emma C S
January 30th, 2009 at 9:45 am

Really interesting article, Joni, I’d had to do haikus sometimes at school but I didn’t know much about their history. Thanks for this!
jmichelsen
January 30th, 2009 at 10:33 am

I am impressed with your research and knowledge about the Haiku and its history here, I learned some things I never knew before about the history. As will all forms of art, the viewer or reader will have his or her own interpretation of the work regardless of the authors intent. Keep it up.
Sotiris
January 30th, 2009 at 10:42 am

Now I know! Thanks!
Sharona
January 30th, 2009 at 10:42 am

I think it would be a fun experience.
Thanks for the information about Haiku.
Good article!
Aardaerimus
January 30th, 2009 at 12:41 pm

Wonderful article, Joni!

Haiku just so happens to be one of my favorite creative outlets. I have numerous haiku and senryu on my profile page, and I invite you to check them out if you get bored.

It’s kind of sad that so many people feel that haiku is merely a short, inadequate form of poetry. It’s so much more than that, and I feel that it takes a bit more talent and skill than people give it credit for. It can be very challenging to express depth of imagery in so few words and to do so in a logical and cohesive manner.

Again, thank you for this article.

- Aardaerimus
rutherfranc
January 30th, 2009 at 1:47 pm

yah, I remember writing them in high school.. first impression by my readers? – I`m lazy.. thanks to this article, I might rediscover my touch for it..
denus
January 30th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

nice job, I knew most about haikus but you taught me a little but and this is great for new poets!!!!!!!

Good explanation, nice article!
AC Hamilton III
January 30th, 2009 at 8:09 pm

You did an excellent job on this article. You cheated the Haiku out of nothing in this piece. You kept it simple and interesting. Great job!

AC
Inna Tysoe
January 31st, 2009 at 3:17 am

Thanks for that. I did not know the history of the English haiku.

Inna
Carolyn Cordon
January 31st, 2009 at 3:45 am

I love haiku. I looks so simple, but learning to create good haiku can take the rest of your life. A fun and exciting journey. The combining of haiku with images is called haiga, and is beautiful.
Joni Keith
January 31st, 2009 at 1:04 pm

Thank you all for your comments.

Carolyn, I didn’t know that added an image to my haiku transformed it into a haiga. I guess I need to do some more research. Thanks for the info.
Ruby Hawk
January 31st, 2009 at 1:38 pm

I have tried Haiku and it’s difficult to make the picture with three lines but it’s a good exercise for your creativity.
Suppee XX
January 31st, 2009 at 6:35 pm

Joni, read the 3 line poem, and thought it was very effective. I had no idea it was a haiku- and so am greatful for this education.
Sandra Tapia
January 31st, 2009 at 10:54 pm

It is rare to see people today put the art to use. I am impressed. Your article is very informative and temps me to test the skill. Although not dead, it is often a challenge to master. Your article breaks it down so well.
spiritwalker
January 31st, 2009 at 11:23 pm

This is very helpful in understanding the importance of the haiku. I also had to write them in creative writing.
Denise Kawaii
February 1st, 2009 at 2:23 am

Joni,

I really enjoy reading your haikus. I don’t run accross many of them normally, and so yours have caught me delightfully by surprise. This article is a great reminder of what they are, why they are and where they came from.
eddiego65
February 4th, 2009 at 9:45 am

Thanks! I learned something new today!
Aspire2
February 12th, 2009 at 7:14 pm

This is a really interesting article. I am certainly inspired to try writing a Haiku or two. Not sure if I will be any good though (bad memories of trying to write a Haiku at school), but I will give it a go.
kate smedley
March 18th, 2009 at 2:48 pm

Thanks for this Joni, very useful.