What is Haiku?
Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that has become very popular in the English-speaking world. Known for its brevity and imagery, it’s a well-regarded poetic form despite its short length.
In fact, the haiku vies with the sonnet for the title of Best Known Poetic Form There Is. Haiku offer a unique way to capture a moment in time and evoke emotion with very few words. They also provide a glimpse into Japanese culture and aesthetics.
This article will explore the history, structure, themes, and variations of haiku through several haiku examples 5-7-5. We’ll examine traditional and modern interpretations of the form. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of haiku and inspire you to appreciate — or even create — your own!
The foundations: History and structure
Haiku is a deceptively simple poetic form. While the 5-7-5 syllable structure is well-known, there’s a rich history and a set of conventions that contribute to the art of haiku.
Historical roots of haiku
Haiku comes from Japanese poetry. It evolved from a longer form called tanka. One of the masters of the form is Matsuo Bashō.
Over time, poets all over the world have adapted and reinterpreted haiku. Modern haiku often bend or break the traditional rules.
The 5-7-5 syllable structure
A traditional haiku has three lines. The first line has five syllables, the second has seven, and the third has five. That structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm.
Many contemporary haiku poets don’t follow the 5-7-5 rule, and they focus instead on capturing a moment or feeling. You can be flexible as your skill grows.
Key elements beyond syllables
There are a few elements to consider as you write haiku:
- Kireji (cutting word): Traditionally, haiku include a kireji, a word that creates a pause or shift. You may not find this element in every modern haiku.
- Kigo (seasonal reference): Many haiku include a kigo, which is a word or phrase that indicates the season. This connects the poem to the natural world.
Classic Haiku Examples: Masters of the Form
Some of the most memorable haiku were written by masters of the form. Here are a few examples that showcase the power and beauty of this concise poetic style.
Matsuo Bashō: The Old Pond
Bashō is considered one of the greatest haiku poets of all time. His “Old Pond” is perhaps his most famous work:
An old silent pond…
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.
This haiku captures a moment of quiet contemplation that’s disrupted by a sudden, small action. The frog jumping into the pond can be interpreted as a symbol of how external stimuli impact the human mind, breaking the silence and then leaving us to reflect on what just happened.
Yosa Buson: The Light of a Candle
Buson was another influential haiku poet. Here’s one of his:
The light of a candle
is transferred to another candle—
spring twilight
This haiku beautifully depicts how one thing can illuminate another without being diminished. It evokes a sense of warmth, connection, and the sharing of light and knowledge.
Kobayashi Issa: A World of Dew
Issa’s haiku often reflected his personal hardships and his deep empathy for all living things.
A world of dew,
And within every dewdrop
A world of struggle.
This poignant observation speaks to the fragility and resilience of life. The dewdrop, seemingly insignificant, contains a whole world within it, a world where even the smallest creatures face challenges.
Other Notable Examples
Here are a few more haiku worth exploring:
- Katsushika Hokusai: A poppy blooms
- Yosa Buson: In the moonlight
As you read these and other haiku, consider the themes, techniques, and the overall feeling each poem evokes. What makes each one memorable?
Modern Haiku: Breaking Boundaries and Expanding Themes
While the traditional haiku form is still beloved, modern poets have taken liberties with the structure, expanding both the form and the subject matter.
Deviations from Tradition
Modern haiku sometimes ignores the 5-7-5 rule. The goal is to capture the essence of a moment, even if the syllable count strays from the traditional pattern.
Modern haiku also covers a wider range of topics. Instead of focusing solely on nature, modern haiku often explores urban life, technology, and social issues.
Examples of Modern Haiku
Here are some well-known examples of modern haiku, and what they’re trying to convey:
- Richard Brautigan: “Haiku Ambulance”
Haiku Ambulance:
a four-day wait to die
in the hospitalThis poem is a darkly humorous take on the modern experience of mortality and healthcare.
- Jack Kerouac: “The Taste of Rain”
The taste of rain —
Why kneel?This simple poem shares a profound observation about the natural world and spirituality.
- Sonia Sanchez: “Haiku [for you]”
summer words spill
into the streets
hot jazz. be-bop lives.This poem captures the energy and rhythm of summer in the city.
The Influence of Western Poets
Ezra Pound’s poem “In a Station of the Metro” is often cited as an early example of haiku’s influence on Western poets. It’s interesting to see how Western poets have adapted and transformed the traditional form.
Writing Your Own Haiku: Capturing the Moment
If you’ve enjoyed reading these haiku examples, you may be inspired to write your own. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Observation and Insight
Haiku are all about focusing on a single moment of insight or realization. A good haiku conveys a feeling that the poet suddenly sees or realizes something important.
While haiku don’t have to be about the natural world, many of the best ones are inspired by nature. Try studying a single object for a few minutes, considering what you see, hear, smell, or feel as you contemplate it.
Structuring Your Haiku
The classic haiku framework is 5-7-5. That is, the first line should have five syllables, the second line should have seven syllables, and the third line should have five syllables.
To start, try writing two lines—five syllables and seven syllables—that capture some insight about the object you’re studying. Then, add a final line of five syllables to complete the haiku.
And then…wave goodbye to 5-7-5 if you feel the poem would be better served by a different structure.
Key Elements of Effective Haiku
Directness, clear images, and conciseness are all important. The goal is to convey a moment of insight as simply as possible.
Many effective haiku have a contrast or surprise in the second half of the poem. Think of the haiku as breaking into two parts, with the second part revealing something new about the first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the perfect haiku?
Ah, the million-dollar question! There’s no single “perfect” haiku, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? But a truly resonant haiku often does a few key things well. It paints a vivid picture with few words, usually drawing on nature or everyday observations. It evokes a feeling or a moment in time. And, crucially, it leaves a little room for the reader to fill in the blanks, to connect with the poem on a personal level. The best haiku are often those that linger in your mind long after you’ve read them, sparking new thoughts and feelings each time.
What is the English version of a haiku?
When we talk about the “English version” of a haiku, we’re mostly talking about adapting the structure while trying to maintain the spirit of the form. The traditional Japanese haiku is written in one vertical line and typically features 17 onji (sound symbols), often arranged in a 5-7-5 pattern. Because English syllables and Japanese onji aren’t directly equivalent, the 5-7-5 structure is a guideline. Some poets stick to it strictly, while others prioritize capturing the essence of the haiku – the brevity, the focus on nature, and the moment of sudden insight – even if it means deviating from the syllable count. So, the “English version” is really an adaptation, a balancing act between form and feeling.
Putting It All Together
The 5-7-5 haiku form has stood the test of time, connecting readers and writers across languages and cultures. The power of haiku lies in its simplicity; with just a few carefully chosen words, the poet can evoke a feeling, capture a moment, or spark a new way of seeing the world.
Haiku shows us how much can be conveyed with so little. It challenges us to distill our thoughts and observations down to their purest essence.
Whether you’re an experienced writer or someone who’s simply curious about poetry, writing haiku can be a deeply satisfying creative experience. Don’t be afraid to break the “rules” and experiment with different approaches. The most important thing is to find your own unique voice and to use this ancient form to express your own unique perspective.