Expressions From The Heart

Haiku . . . Expressions from the Heart

What is a haiku? A form of poetry that originated from Japan . . .

. . . which incorporates

form, content, and language.

Form: Haikus should have three lines with a total of seventeen syllables. Line one typically has 5 syllables, line two typically has 7 syllables, and line three typically has 5 syllables.

Content: Haikus should contain kigo (words that conjure seasonal moment or current weather) and a heartfelt connection to nature.

Language: Haikus should conjure a mental image using language that expresses the present moment.

Examples of Haikus

An old silent pond . . . [5 syllables]

A frog jumps into the pond, [7 syllables]

splash! Silence again. [5 syllables]

(Basho Matsuo 1644-1694)

Over the wintry [5 syllables]

forest, winds howl in rage [7 syllables]

With no leaves to blow. [5 syllables]

(Natsume Soseki 1275-1351)