Life Desk :
While poetry is about expressing extravagantly, imagine condensing hundreds of words into few lines. Condensing emotions into just three lines that would otherwise require pages and maestros to be described is what a Haiku does.
Previously called hokku, haiku was given its current name by the Japanese writer Masaoka Shiki at the end of the 19th century.
It is a traditional form of Japanese poetry. Consisting of 3 lines, Haiku poems follow a set pattern. The first and last lines of a Haiku have 5 syllables and the middle line has 7 syllables i.e., 17 syllables in total.
A syllable is a part of a word pronounced as a unit. It is usually made up of a vowel alone or a vowel with one or more consonants. The word “syllable” has 3 syllables: syl-la-ble. Similarly, the word poetry has 3 syllables – po-e-try and Haiku has 2 – hai-ku.
The syllable structure of a Haiku uses sensory language to capture an emotion or an experience. Almost all Haiku have a dominant impression, or main idea, that appeals strongly to one of the five senses.
The ‘key’ to Haiku
The secret to write a great Haiku is to observe and appreciate nature in as much detail as possible. Haiku is a sum of two juxtaposed ideas. Usually, the last lines shift the perspective of the original thought to create a punch.
The essence of a Haiku is ‘cutting’ (kiru, in Japanese), often represented by juxtaposition of two images or thoughts and a ‘cutting word’ (Kireji, in Japanese) between them. This has to be a kind of verbal mark that indicates a moment of separation of thoughts. It is not necessary for the lines to rhyme.
How to write Haiku?
First, get a picture in your mind of a thing or a person that made you angry, sad, happy or glad.
Write down your image using 10 to 15 words.
Then put it into the 5-7-5 form.
Try to make others see your picture or idea. An illustration of what you are trying to express might help too.
Take inspiration
One of the greatest Haiku poets was the Samurai, Basho (1644-94). Yosa Buson, Kobayaski Issa and Natsume Soseki were other masters of Haiku.
Few examples:
From time to time
The clouds give rest
To the moon-beholders. – Matsuo Basho
Blowing from the west
Fallen leaves gather
In the east. – Yosa Buson
My life, –
How much more of it remains?
The night is brief. – Masaoka Shiki
I kill an ant
and realize my three children
have been watching. – Kato Shuson
-TNN
