Haiku is a poetic form and a type of poetry from the Japanese culture. Haiku combines form, content, and language in a meaningful, yet compact form. Haiku poets write about everyday things. Many themes include nature, feelings, or experiences. Usually they use simple words and grammar.
The most common form for Haiku is three short lines. The first line usually contains five (5) syllables, the second line seven (7) syllables, and the third line contains five (5) syllables. Haiku doesn't rhyme. The content of a haiku is typically, but not always, focused on what a person witnesses in everyday life that is more outstanding or important than normal, something deemed worth reaching for in written expression.
A Haiku must "paint" a mental image in the reader's mind. This is the challenge of Haiku - to put the poem's meaning and imagery in the reader's mind in ONLY 17 syllables over just three (3) lines of poetry. My favorite part of writing haiku is finding the 'awe' that is usually passed by without notice.
A friend recently introduced me to this. And I am hooked:)…. The simple words and equally simple style of writing is so fascinating. Not only does it allow your creative side to surface it also allows you to see beauty in the simple things in life that you might have otherwise overlooked.
You can find the work of few of the famous Haiku poets here… http://www.toyomasu.com/haiku/
Meanwhile……here’s my amateurish attempt at it……….
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Little dark boy,
In the puddle on the road-
Laughter like rain on tin.
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Merciless nights,
Hope elusive as hope.
And then, dawn.
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Hard day-
Summer heat wearing you out.
Sleep comes to rescue.
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Little girl in a little frock,
Chasing butterflies in the sun-
Life of innocence.
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Local train,
Treading along in the summer heat,
Heartbeat of the city.
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Old books-
Pages rustling like autumn leaves-
Myriad of memories.
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Window seat-
Vivid images flying by.
And inside-memories.
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Neighborhood garden-
Winter leaves and springtime blossoms.
Still no child to play.
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Lemme know what you think....... ;)
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