Haiku is traditionally about the combination of human life,and seasons. It is intended to be so.
Though I find many on the web who post with their only concern keeping
the 5-7-5 syllable rhythm. It's hard to break tradition that was taught so many
years ago by someone who took the art seriously. Now I find it is
difficult to enjoy it, without the season's presence.
It doesn't have to be a bold statement of seasons, but something subtle to relay a mixture of human life, and seasons...
Words weave warm branches--
Contrast between human form
nature's breath painted.
Or an emotion captivated in the way a season played into it...
Love's touch awakens,
exhilarates summers kiss:
Trembling lips meet.
But the season must be present.
It doesn't have to be a bold statement of seasons, but something subtle to relay a mixture of human life, and seasons...
Words weave warm branches--
Contrast between human form
nature's breath painted.
Or an emotion captivated in the way a season played into it...
Love's touch awakens,
exhilarates summers kiss:
Trembling lips meet.
But the season must be present.
When I read Haiku, I immediately become focused and calm as I read the words to picture the image and find meaning. Thank you for the deeper introduction.
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome. I love the art, the beauty in finding just the right words to display something that can be so complex... simply.
DeleteAll of your haikus are lovely!
ReplyDeleteThese restrictions are new to me, but they make sense. I know that Japanese syllables are different, and, as such, the way we write haikus in English doesn't translate well. The nature element, however, is not something taught in schools, for example. Fascinating.
Thank you Mikazuki. You are right, the translation is less than sloppy. It would be hard without knowing both languages to do justice to the Japanese syllables.
DeleteThe man that taught me was born in Japan, and an excellent poet, not just of Haiku, but of many styles. He taught me about sonnets, stanzas, cadence, and haiku. He was very strict with me, but I always appreciated a solid "red pen" in my writing. It was good to learn from him, and I have yet to meet his measure of skill, but I continue to remember his words, and do my best with mine.
Thank you.
I wasn't aware of the compulsory inclusion of the seasons/nature, in traditional haiku writing... makes it that much more challenging...
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed Michelle. There are many that are not aware of the foundation, at least that has been my understanding as I perused the internet for Haiku. Not just seasons though, but a human relation to it, with contrast :-)
DeleteThanks for this lesson. It has been a long time since I studied haiku. I've been seeing a lot of them in the web lately. I looked up Wiki about haiku and I only got the syllabic pattern - which by itself is already daunting. Your introduction gave the perspective and foundation for the art form. And yes, it made it all the more challenging. :-)
ReplyDeleteYour haikus are lovely - the best that I have read so far. :-)
~Imelda
Thank you Imelda. Most references only mention the 5-7-5 pattern, I'm not sure if it is an iteration of the English persuasion or what, but it is only part of the story. It is a fun challenge for me now, but I can remember when I first began, I thought I might never get it right! Thank you for appreciating them. I look forward to seeing what you might come up with :-)
DeleteI find such peace here after a long stressful day like today.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that Sandra, it makes me smile to know you can just pause for a moment here. :-)
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