What is a Haiku?
A haiku is a form of short poetry consisting of 17 syllables, originated in Japan. It comprises unrhymed lines and describe a moment in time to evoke our senses. Haikus are characterised by their short length, simplicity, and directness of expression. Natural themes are the traditional focus of haiku poems and, this fixed poetic form uses brief, suggestive imagery for the readers to interpret and describe.
Rules for Writing a Haiku
A haiku has no more than 17 syllables.
A Haiku has only 3 lines.
Must follow a 5, 7, 5 syllable count. The first line must have 5 syllables, the second line must have 7 and the third line again must have 5 syllables.
The 17th-century Japanese Haiku master Matsuo Basho described Haiku as "simply what is happening in this place at this moment."
Basho's poems have deceptively simple themes, yet they are intended for deep reflection and ponderance. Being a Zen Buddhist and lay monk, he has incorporated Buddhist themes and Zen teachings into many of his works. Nevertheless, his haikus remind us to truly appreciate every moment and attune ourselves to the simplest things life has to offer.
Here are a few examples of Basho's haikus for you to contemplate on:
1. A Cicada Shell
A cicada shell;
it sang itself
utterly away.
2. The Old Pond
An old silent pond
A frog jumps into the pond—
Splash! Silence again.
3. A Caterpiller
A caterpillar,
this deep in fall--
still not a butterfly.
4. In the twilight rain
In the twilight rain
these brilliant-hued hibiscus -
A lovely sunset.
5. Ungraciously
Ungraciously, under
a great soldier's empty helmet,
a cricket sings.
More Examples of Haikus
By Kobayashi Issa, translated by Jane Hirshfield
On a branch
floating downriver
a cricket, singing.
"A World of Dew” by Kobayashi Issa
A world of dew,
And within every dewdrop
A world of struggle.
“Over the Wintry” by Natsume Sōseki
Over the wintry
Forest, winds howl in rage
With no leaves to blow.
"A lightning flash" by Masaoka Shiki
A lightning flash:
between the forest trees
I have seen water.
"A cold rainy night" by Masaoki Shiki
Night; and once again,
the while I wait for you, cold wind
turns into rain.
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