Pleasant to see you acquaintance.
Are you prepared to be amazed?
It’s the moment for haiku.
Did you enjoy our poem? Since it doesn’t have a rhyme, it may not sound like most of the poems you have heard. It’s a special type of poem called a haiku.
Haiku is an ancient form of poetry that originated in Japan. In Japan, these poems are sometimes known as hokku. Haiku remains a popular form of poetry even today.
Similar to a snapshot, a haiku poem captures a precise moment in time. The main focus is usually a feeling or description. Traditional Japanese haiku usually describe nature, while English haiku encompass a variety of subjects.
A haiku consists of 17 syllables in three lines of poetry. A syllable is a unit of language that consists of a continuous sound used to form words. For example, the word “cat” has one syllable, “poem” has two syllables, and “beautiful” has three syllables.
The 17 syllables in a haiku are divided in a specific manner. The first line of a haiku has five syllables. The second line has seven syllables. The last line reverts back to five syllables.
Unlike many other types of poetry, haiku poems do not require rhyming. However, some haiku poets may attempt to rhyme the first and third lines as a challenge.
Exploring the unique form of haiku can be a wonderful way to introduce aspiring writers to the world of poetry. The poems are concise and straightforward, and they focus on a single idea, item, or moment in time.
Here are a couple of examples of haiku by Matsuo Bashō, a famous Japanese haiku poet from the 17th century:
An old silent pond…
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.
Autumn moonlight —
a worm digs silently
into the chestnut.
Give It a Try
Are you prepared to create your own haiku? Request the assistance of a friend or family member to explore the following activities:
If you’re new to writing haiku, it may seem a little daunting. But don’t worry! We believe you have a poet inside you, even if you don’t realize it. Go online and read How To Write a Haiku Poem for helpful tips on getting started.
Looking for inspiration? Take a look at some of the classic haiku written by the Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō. Which of his poems inspire you the most? Why? Can you write your own poem based on one of his classics?
A fun way to explore haiku is to write “mystery clue” haiku. These haiku poems act like riddles. First, choose an object, like an animal or food, and then create a haiku that describes the object without revealing its identity. Take turns with a friend or family member exchanging “mystery clue” haiku and guessing what each one describes. Here are a few examples. Can you guess what objects are being described by these haiku poems? Share your best guess in the comments section. And when you create your own mystery haiku, come back and share them in the comments section so others can try to solve your mystery too.
+ I’m covered in cheese. I came here from Italy. A slice of heaven.
+ I am the first up, early mornings on the farm. Cock-a-doodle-do!
+ Spiky green hairdo, I grew up in Hawaii, with sweet yellow rings.
+ I live in the sea. I’d be the smallest pony! Not all horses trot.
Wonder Sources
- https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/types-haiku-poem
- https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/terms-syllable
- http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonplans/pdf/dec05_unit/whatishaiku.pdf
- http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-haiku-poems.html
FAQ
1. What is a Haiku?
A Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines. The first and third lines have 5 syllables, while the second line has 7 syllables. Haikus often depict a moment in nature and aim to capture the essence of that moment in a few words.
2. How long has Haiku been around?
Haiku has been around for centuries, originating in Japan in the 17th century. It was influenced by earlier Japanese poetic forms and became popular during the Edo period. Today, Haiku is still widely practiced and appreciated both in Japan and around the world.
3. Can Haikus be written in languages other than Japanese?
Absolutely! While Haiku originated in Japan, it has been embraced by poets and writers worldwide. Haikus can be written in any language, as long as they follow the structure of three lines with a specific syllable count. Many poets enjoy experimenting with Haiku in their native languages.
4. What are the themes commonly found in Haiku?
Haikus often focus on themes related to nature, such as the changing seasons, landscapes, animals, and plants. However, they can also explore emotions, human experiences, and philosophical ideas. The key is to convey a sense of simplicity, beauty, and a moment of enlightenment.
5. How can I start writing Haikus?
To start writing Haikus, immerse yourself in nature and observe your surroundings. Pay attention to small details and moments that catch your attention. Then, try to capture those moments in three lines, using the 5-7-5 syllable structure. Practice is key, so keep writing and experimenting with different images and ideas.
6. Are there any famous Haiku poets?
Yes, there are several famous Haiku poets who have made significant contributions to the art form. Matsuo Basho is often considered the master of Haiku, known for his profound and evocative poems. Other notable Haiku poets include Kobayashi Issa and Yosa Buson. Their works continue to inspire and influence Haiku poets today.
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