Writing Haiku (Just for Hazel)

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Writing Haiku (Just for Hazel)

Posted on October 14th, 2009 in How To by Daisy Peasblossom

Hazel wrote a lovely poem asking about the writing of Haiku.

Haiku is a deceptively simple poetic format. On the one hand, it is a simple matter of counting out syllables: Five for the first line, 7 for the second, and five again for the third.

But right there simplicity ends (or begins?), because the true beauty of haiku is expressing something deeply profound with a statement about nature within this limited format.

I’ve attempted a few–you can find my efforts here on Triond–including one on how I would probably never be able to write a Haiku because of the many involved rules that apply to the format.

So…for us westerners who are always in a hurry and have little time to contemplate, here is my VERY shortened approach to Haiku:

Keep the syllable requirements in mind. Anyone with good vocabulary and fingers can do this part.
Hidden inside that format is a convention where the first line sets up the poem, the second describes, and the third is your capper line. Think of it like a good stand-up comic joke without the funny part.
It has to be about nature.
It should express some Truth with a capital T.

Writing of Haiku
Catches nature in essence,
Man’s distilled truth.

Not the best Haiku verse ever, but you see there how it works.

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Tags: answering triond friends, writing haiku, writing poetry

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7 Responses to “Writing Haiku (Just for Hazel)”

Christine Ramsay
October 14th, 2009 at 12:24 pm

I read the article from Hazel and tried to explain, but you have done a much better job. Well done.

Christine
ken bultman
October 14th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

I have messed up more
haikus than nature ever
intended me to.
Paul Roberts
October 14th, 2009 at 6:12 pm

The beauty about a teacher is that one never stops teaching. Even in a simple hello, you can sense there will be a test. Pay attention. Friend, fan, smile….I thank you for the journey.
B Nelson
October 14th, 2009 at 7:38 pm

the 5 – 7 -5 part is easy.. the witty last line is more difficult. Good info.
Anne McNew
October 14th, 2009 at 8:48 pm

great info. well explained.
Atanacio
October 15th, 2009 at 12:13 pm

a good entry as always
Ruby Hawk
October 15th, 2009 at 9:41 pm

Good explamation, Well done, Daisy.