Haiku
A short Japanese form, traditionally about nature and the seasons.
About the Haiku
The haiku is a short poem of Japanese origin, usually set in three lines, traditionally invoking a moment of perception drawn from the natural world. Its power lies in compression and juxtaposition, two images placed side by side, the gap between them doing the poem's real work.
Structure
In Japanese, 17 sound units in a 5-7-5 pattern. In English, often written as three lines of five, seven, and five syllables, though many poets write shorter, about 12 to 15 syllables. Traditional haiku include a seasonal reference (kigo) and a cutting word or pause (kireji) that breaks the poem into two contrasting parts.
In English, a haiku is often written as three lines of five, seven and five syllables, though many poets write shorter.
A Short History
- 1600sMatsuo Bashō raises the hokku into an art.
- 1700sYosa Buson adds a painter's eye.
- Early 1800sKobayashi Issa writes tender, everyday haiku.
- 1890sMasaoka Shiki revives the form and makes the name haiku standard.
- TodayWritten worldwide, in many languages.
Famous Haiku
- 01"The old pond"Matsuo Bashō
- 02"The light of a candle"Yosa Buson
- 03"This world of dew"Kobayashi Issa
Questions About the Haiku
The things people ask most, answered in a sentence or two.