Learn to Write a Haiku

 

Learn to Write a Haiku and explore poetry in one of its simplest form. This form of poetry was developed in Japan. It consists of 17 syllables and 3 lines. The first and Last lines consist of 5 syllables. The middle line is the longest, with 7 syllables. These lines do not rhyme. Initially, the Haiku was part of a 31 syllable poem.

A Haiku often aims at packing intense feeling and imagery in just a few lines. It often describes elements of nature or a season.

Students all over the world are encouraged to write haikus for the purpose of enhancing their appreciation of the natural world around them. They learn to describe very vividly the natural world around them.

Take a look at the following piece for example:

A dry leaf falling
A small bird walking down the lawn
A moment's meditation.

What image does it create in your mind? You probably see yourself reclining on the grass under the shade of a tree. As you ponder over something, a dry leaf slowly flutters to the ground, and you observe a little bird innocently hopping on the lawn in front of you. It obviously paints a picture of peace and serenity.

See how much you could say with only a few words?

Haikus, however, are not limited to describing nature or seasons. They can also describe everyday events.

In my case, I try to employ metaphors of everyday things to describe an intense feeling or thought.

Check out a few more haikus that I have written:

A gecko crawling,
Up the mirror without falling.
She clings to hope.

The white twinkling stars,
They are so far high above the ground;
We are far from despair.

A drop of water
In a cup and one drowned in it;
Anything kills the hopeless.

A snowball rolling downhill,
Becomes bigger as it tumbles down.
Our experiences enlarge us

A strong wind blowing,
Tree branches moan but ne’er break;
The strong in hard times

A tiny flower,
Wilting under the hot sun,
A sad man crying.

The night sky above,
A billion shimmering stars;
We both fall upwards.

From a cozy home,
To the cold wintry outside;
A baby is born.

Soft bubbles on my cheeks,
A gentle relaxing massage,
Your kisses

See how I use metaphors of everyday things to create vivid mental images? You see, you do not need to use complex words. A haiku demonstrates that there is power, tremendous power, in simple words.

Now it's time to write your own.

You do not need to be an expert to do this. All you need is to take a look around you. Be observant. When you look at everyday objects and events, try to see what they remind you of, or what they resemble, or what they bring to your mind. Haikus demonstrate that everything is connected to something else; that nothing is really new under the sun.

For example, what comes to your mind when you see a snail crawling across the path in front of you? I am certainly reminded of an old woman struggling with a heavy baggage. She literally snails along under the weight of the bag.

See then the Haiku I could write from this:

The little lady
A heavy bag on her back,
Snails on her way.

Let us look at another example.

You watch a leaf being carried by flowing water in a drain. What comes to your mind? I am made to think of how much power a mob of people can exert.

See what Haiku I can write about this:

A human sea flows,
Hurtling against the huge wall;
Berlin Wall comes down.

So you see how easily it can be done?

Perhaps you are worried about the syllable count. I do endeavour to strictly follow the 5, 7, 5 pattern. However it is not a must that you should follow this pattern. Just try to come as close as possible. In most cases, just try to make the middle line longer than the other two.

What matters most about a Haiku is this:

• Briefness: Keep it short.
• Imagery: Use everyday objects and events to create vivid mental images.

If you do this, then you have mastered the art of writing a haiku.

Try out these suggestions.

There are no hard and fast rules. You are your own master, and your imagination is the only barrier.

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