Haiku
by Cynthia E.  Jones

August, 2004

that which is light, simple, open and written with depth...........

Often times when writing a poem of any kind the writer will dig deep into their subconscious, releasing emotion and feeling that other wise would be retained and pent up. While all forms of poetry have this cause and effect, a Haiku may be the easiest from to get our feelings quickly written and explained. A haiku can also be considered an exercise to help with writer's block, forging a beginning to something more with greater detail.

One outstanding example of enlightenment in this manner is indeed Basho;  Japanese poet considered master of the Haiku form and author of "Oku-no-hosomichi (Narrow Road to the Interior)">. He shared with us his meditative way of life through his writing style, leaving us with the most wonderful pieces. The reader is made aware of his attitude and focus as he writes skillfully with a light texture to his words. In his most solitary moments he found beauty in everything around him and conveyed that in depth for our pleasure.  Shared below are a few links that better introduce Basho Matsuo and his creatively written Haikus.

• BASHO

• Basho Matsuo
• Biography of Basho
• Basho's Life

 

• QUALITIES OF HAIKU FORM

These are poems that contain 17 syllables in total. Line one will contain 5, line two will contain 7 and line three will contain 5. When writing a Haiku, one should avoid writing with similes, meaning words or phrases where anything is likened to something else.  Metaphors are also another aspect to not use when writing in this form.  Omit the figure of speech that a word or phrase ordinarily designates one thing, then used to designate another. As an example of a metaphor; That garden is like a paradise.  A Haiku should reflect lightness, simplicity, openness and depth while always maintaining Japanese values.

An example from me while watching my fish tank:

air bubbles surface
fish swim deep within water
their movement soothes me