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[picappgallerysingle id=”236773″]Before we begin, let’s get a working definition of a Haiku Poem. Here is the best one I found:
A haiku is a non-rhymed verse genre. In Japanese, haiku has five sounds in the first part, seven in the second, and five again in the last part (they count sounds, not strictly syllables, however, and also write in a single vertical line, but we use three horizontal lines in English). In Japanese, the word “haiku” means “playful verse.” More important than form is that a haiku contain a “kigo” (season word) and employ the equivalent to a “kireji” (cutting word), which means that the poem should present two juxtaposed parts in three lines. In addition, haiku should use objective sensory images, and avoid subjective commentary.
A “season word” does not mean you have to use the words summer, winter, fall, or spring in the verse. It means some word gives an indication of the time of year.
So, to summarize:
- Three lines, the first with five beats, the second with seven, and the third with five.
- It is not meant to “rhyme.”
- Must include a “season” word.
- Should employ a “cutting” word, which means the poem presents two juxtaposed positions.
- Use objective sensory images and avoid subjective commentary (though the interpretation of those words is very subjective and definitely commentary.)
All of this said, these rules seem to bend and change to the author’s will. I found five Haiku by Paul Eluard here and a couple of them adhered to the stated rules, but not all.
I will try to abide by the guidelines set forth. And so, without further delay, I give you Haiku the Texas way.
I will give these poems a collective title:
Haiku You Do?
Bluebonnets all gone; The rolling hills are weed-strewn: Blue is all brown now ***** Trick-or-Treaters gone With all the candy in tow… Here’s an empty bowl ***** The cow chews his cud Staring blankly from afar The batter just spits. ***** This time yesterday It was an hour later: So time flies…backwards ***** Howdy Do? He says Through cracked lips and narrowed eyes: Looks like a Norther ***** Fun’s all over now The Boys of Summer gone Football anyone?So, there you have it. My Haiku to you. Feel free to leave a Haiku of your own in the comments section, or, if you prefer, discuss and analyze the “deeper meaning” of these verses.
Cheers!
