What's a haiku?

Haiku originated in Japan, but have been written here for decades. Perhaps, you've been told a haiku should be written in three lines with 17 syllables (5-7-5). Previously, this was tried and proved to be stilted and artificial. Sometimes, unnecessary words had to be added in order to fill out the form.

Haiku Society of American definition:

"Haiku: A poem recording the essence of a moment keenly perceived, in which nature is linked to human nature. Usually a haiku in English is written is three unrhymed lines of seventeen or fewer syllables."

Traditionally, haiku contain an observation of nature and senryu a human event (often with a humorous element). We will not make a distinction between haiku and senryu.

Typically, a haiku contains two uneven parts, each a separate image, with what is commonly called a "cutter" - or aha twist. The twist is a surprise element that changes the way you see something. For instance,

low neckline -
but still hidden
dark side of the moon

Also, traditionally, haiku contain a kigo or season word. We believe Lee Gurga best describes the power of the season word in his book Haiku: A Poet's Guide, when he writes - "Because it can link the experience of a single moment to the universal forces of change and renewal, the seasonal reference has developed into haiku's most powerful tool to the engage the reader: it enables the poet to invoke the whole of the natural world with a single image."

Gurga goes on to say... "By relating a single instant of time to the season in which it occurs, the poet can suggest a mood that would otherwise be impossible to create in so short a poem."

In the haiku above, the low neckline would indicate summer.

Why Haiku?

Wherever we are, at any time, we have the ability to enjoy a haiku moment. Children are natural haiku writers because almost everything is new and exciting. Watch a newborn calf jump and run with new life. A child will mimic this and, for a haiku moment, become the calf. "To understand the pine, become the pine" - Basho.

The elderly are often the same. Life has slowed. So, once again, they are able to see the little unnoticed "aha" moments.

Writing haiku?

You don't need a fancy degree to write haiku. Here are a few suggestions:

1) Think in the present. Avoid cause and effect.

2) Observe as though seeing a crime scene. Don't mess it up. Leave it exactly like it was for the reader.

3) Don't change the order of perception. And be honest. You are relating an experience, not inventing one.

4) Let the event speak for itself without the benefit of simile, metaphor, rhyme or other poetic device such as personification.