What is Poetry? Haiku Part Three

Get into the Habit:

• Keep a small notebook handy and jot down observations.
• Be on the lookout for a “haiku moment” in your daily life.
• Jot down images and moments to be worked up into a haiku later in the day.
• Be disciplined and write an observed moment each day.
• Use simple language. Focus on the moment.
• Begin looking and recording the simplest things; as you get into the habit these will become a wide range of observations as you become more attuned to your environment.

Remember, haiku are grounded in your senses.

Try not to use western-style literary techniques such as metaphors, similie and use adjectives and adverbs sparingly.

When you are ready to sit down with a fresh sheet of paper or a notebook or at the computer, work up several versions describing these images in three lines.

Brevity is desirable in Haiku. Use 17 syllables or less across the three lines and use everyday expression of language.

Look for the fundamental truths.

the first leaf
drops onto another
sunset

the focus of a leaf dropping suggests autumn and the first two lines could be read that a leaf falls onto another (falls) … it could also be read that the leaf drops onto another sunset. Sunset too could relate to the “sunset” or “autumn” of a life – the sun setting on the life of a middle aged person.

midwinter
weeds reclaim
the picnic bench

Let me know what you think of this one and how it reads to you.

As a result of writing haiku, you will find you are more alive to the moment and your appreciation of nature and your place within it will deepen as will the profundity of moments observed.

See article 1  here and article 2 here

look out for articles on related haiku short form – tanka, haibun, haiga