Light Verse
Japanese Haiku, is a form of poetry with rules, not dissimilar to English short poetry (light verse) without rules.
Haiku can be traced back to influences of traditional Chinese poetry and originated in Japan in the 13th century. In the beginning hokku was the opening line of a longer poem called renga, a collaboration taking a few hours to compose. In the 17th century hokku became a trend of independent poetry. In the late 19th century hokku changed name to haiku and it’s now a form of poetry to convey nature and thought.
Haiku traditionally comprises of 17 syllables, a cutting word (pause/punctuation) and a seasonal subject.
Haiku in English is written in three lines. The rules are: –
1) There are no more than 17 syllables
2) Haiku is composed of only three lines
3) Typically a 5,7,5 format. First line 5 syllables, second line 7 syllables and the third line 5 syllables. Although it’s flexible to create a thought-provoking short poem with less words and lines.
A seasonal well-known haiku poem and my version below.
“Over the Wintry” by Natsume Sōseki
Over the wintry
Forest, winds howl in rage
With no leaves to blow.
———
“Winter Solstice” by Me
Winter Solstice – seasonal
The shortest day, the darkest day – cutting word
The sun’s strength returns.
I attend a short haiku class at a community festival this summer and it’s not easy without really thinking about words, subjects and syllables to use, that will give a thought-provoking or meaningful ending. I was tutored by a someone with over 20 years’ haiku experience and even he said there’s still things about this form of poetry he is learning.
I find haiku will come to my mind if I’m on walks, it’s a little bit of mindfulness as you absorb the visual and sensory aspects of the surroundings. It makes your brain get creative with the beauty around you, be it any time of year. If you can remember your haiku poems when you return to our busy world then write them down, they are like photos that capture the moment.
If you’re away on your short break with family and friends, try out your haiku skills it’s surprising the picture that each one paints in haiku poems.
If you’d like to know more about our getaway and retreat ideas, contact us we’d be happy to help.
Jane.