The Art of Creating Haiku

The rules for writing haiku are not as stringent as they once were. Now, in the United States, haiku are written in almost any manner of lines and syllables. One reason is that the Japanese language is much different than English. Some say a haiku should have 17 syllables no matter what the format. I disagree, since I have read haiku written with less than that number of syllables. They should not have more than 17 syllables.

Some of the rules that still remain for writing haiku are listed below:

1. Each haiku should capture a moment in time.

2. A haiku is not a sentence or statement in three lines.

3. There are two different approaches or forms for modern American haiku:

a. Classic form - in which the first line refers to a large, often familiar element of nature. Line one is generally divided from lines two and three by a punctuation symbol.

b. The other modern American haiku is contemporary in its display. In this instance, line one is almost a copy of the classic form. The end punctuation is usually skipped, although an implicit break is definitely expected.

4. Each haiku should end with an "Ah-Hah" moment (A kind of surprise or comment apart from the line before the end)

Here is a haiku demonstrating the 'Ah-Hah' moment.

Still round pools---
on the lake
Raindrops

by: Jeanette Oestermyer

Most haiku are written about nature, usually, it is one aspect of nature that captures one's curiosity; in watching, that moment is captured in a written haiku. This is a most important rule that only one moment in time is kept and written into a haiku. These small poems are so beautiful if perfectly written. I try writing them occasionally, and I love reading the really good ones. They are definitely not easy to write.

The four early Japanese masters of haiku were:

Matsuo Basho

Yosa Buson

Kobayashi Issa

Masaoka Shiki

You will probably here more about Matsuo Basho in this time than the other three. We will also learn more about these four great haiku masters in another article.

Haiku can be written about almost anything, even if it's just nature related, as the following:

deserted mobile home---
roses climbing there
trellis by the steps...

by: Jeanette Oestermyer

There are several other Japanese forms that I like to call: "related to haiku." I will list some below. These will be explained further, each in its own writing. Also, I want you to know that I am a proud member of the Haiku Society of America.

Senryu - are written about people or simply just events or things, also humor.

Haibun - This form tells a story. It is interesting and challenging.

Tanka - Usually tell a story - more lines and strict syllable count

Haiga - Drawing a picture - picture accompanies the haiku

Renga - Writing with others

Resources:

Higginson, William J., with Penny Harter, "The Haiku Handbook," Kodansha International, Tokyo. New York. London, pp: 7, 12, 16, 20, 87, 223

Ross, Bruce, "How to Haiku," Tuttle Publishing, 2002, pp: 35, 55, 77, 93, 111
Personal experience