Why I love haiku poetry and you should too

I love haiku poetry. I want you to love it too.

So get ready, let's explore this poetic path of fun, imagination and inspiration.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE HAIKU?

Haiku is a form of poetry that originated in Japan. It is believed to have evolved from an earlier form of Japanese poetry called "tanka," which consists of five lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5-7-7.

Haiku as a distinct form of poetry emerged in the 17th century, when the poet Matsuo Basho began experimenting with a shortened version of tanka. Basho's haiku were characterized by their focus on nature and their use of simple, unadorned language. His most famous haiku is probably:

An old pond!
A frog jumps in—
The sound of water.

Other prominent haiku poets include Yosa Buson and Kobayashi Issa.

Haiku was introduced to the West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it quickly became popular among poets in Europe and North America. Some of the most famous Western haiku poets include Ezra Pound, Jack Kerouac, and Richard Wright.

Today, haiku continues to be a popular form of poetry around the world. While many haiku still adhere to the traditional syllable pattern, others experiment with different forms and styles.

REASONS WHY I LOVE HAIKU?

Haiku is simple yet profound

Haiku is a deceptively simple form of poetry. With just three lines and 17 syllables, it seems like anyone could write a haiku. However, the best haiku are much more than a mere collection of words. They are carefully crafted works of art that distill complex ideas and emotions into a few short lines. Haiku can capture the essence of a moment or an experience in a way that few other forms of writing can.



Haiku celebrates nature

Haiku has its roots in the natural world. Many of the most famous haiku focus on the beauty of nature and the changing seasons. Through haiku, we can connect with the natural world and gain a greater appreciation for the wonders of the world around us.

Haiku encourages mindfulness

Writing haiku requires us to slow down and pay attention to the world around us. It encourages us to be present in the moment and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. In this way, haiku can be a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and reducing stress.

HOW DO YOU WRITE A HAIKU?

A Haiku consists of three lines. The first and third lines contain five syllables, while the second line contains seven syllables. Haiku poems often focus on nature and seasons.

Let's see the above in the layout of a haiku:
Line 1 = 5 syllables (la-la-la-la-la)
Line 2 = 7 syllables (la-la-la-la-la-la-la)
Line 3 = 5 syllables (la-la-la-la-la)

Here's a little more guidance on how you can write a haiku poem:

Choose a topic: Think of a nature-related subject or a season that inspires you. Examples could include flowers, trees, water, animals, or weather.

Brainstorm: Jot down a few words or phrases related to your chosen topic. Think about sensory details, such as how things look, sound, smell, taste, or feel.

Follow the syllable pattern: Write your haiku in three lines. The first and third lines should have five syllables, while the second line should have seven syllables. To confirm, write syllables in this order 5-7-5.

Edit and revise: Read your haiku out loud and make any necessary edits. Haiku poems often use concrete imagery, so try to make your language as descriptive and vivid as possible.

Here's an example of a haiku poem I wrote:

Spring Time: (Title is not counted as part of the haiku 17 syllables)

Warm sun shining bright,
Flowers dancing in the light.
A time for delight.

So, have I convinced you? Do you now love Haikus? Try one. Post it in the comments below.



Life Pathfinder: Christian Jacques Bennett*

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