Haiku - The Traditional Form The traditional Haiku has a fairly strict metrical pattern. This normally consists of 3 lines (or units) of 5, 7 and 5 syllables in each respective unit. This is a strict convention in Japan, but when composed in English, the variation in the length of syllables, allows for a less strict formula. Another traditional element of Haiku is the inclusion of a seasonal theme. In such a short verse form there is no need for a centre of interest. Everyday subjects from daily life form the usual subject matter and significance is placed on the poet's first impression and on the use of local colour to create freshness and clarity.
	Some traditional Japanese Haiku First autumn morning: the mirror I stare into shows my father's face.       Murakami, Kijo (1865-1938) A mountain village under the piled-up snow the sound of water       Shiki, Masaoka (1867-1902) A dead chrysanthemum and yet - isn't there still something remaining in it? He says a word, and I say a word - autumn is deepening. The winds that blows - ask them, which leaf on the tree will be next to go.       Takahama, Kyoshi Green frog, Is your body also freshly painted? Sick and feverish Glimpse of cherry blossoms Still shivering.       Akutagawa, Ryunosuke (1892-1927)
My Own Haiku Frosty morning trees; Start the day by promising Better things to come. Go to the window; Throw open the green shutter Let in the limelight. I awoke with a start I was searching in my dream; Looking for meaning. Friendship is skin deep; But love descends to the core And cuts me to the quick Spring and daffodils; Speak to me of courtly love And brave jousting knights. Sun on my window; Glass reflects it back again Back into the day. Open up the window And fill the house with laughter; Breathe the fulsome air.

Pseudo-Haiku Because of the fairly simple format and the rigid structure of the standard Haiku it is not difficult to play with the conceit and produce bogus versions using a formula similar to the one below. You might like to try to construct a pseudo-Haiku by choosing one word from each column below (or indeed compile your own word-lists): An example would be: Delicate sunlight dancing on the mountain; springtime begins

LINE 1 Little Bizarre Delicate Bright Yellow Red White Vanished Hushed Gentle

dragonfly mountain moon flower sunlight seed bird cloud

LINE 2 dancing sleeps growing hidden rises always looking afloat playing

above on inside with upon beneath beside over

the mountain the sky the path the wind the mist the frost the trees the water the flowers

LINE 3 morning cold evening night summer autumn winter springtime

begins perfume time is beginning is over breeze is coming sleeps dream

DOG HAIKUS A number of amusing Haikus on the subject of dogs as pets were reproduced recently in The Times Magazine's 'Global Village' series. You can enjoy these by visiting either or both of the following websites: Yuckles Pandora

Leave the SECRET GARDEN of HAIKU

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