Haiku are short poems of three lines that record the essence of a moment in which nature is linked to human nature. They are written in the present tense, as if they are happening now. Most haiku contain a kigo, or seasonal reference, such as ‘cherry blossoms’ to indicate that it is spring. Traditionally, Japanese haiku are written in three vertical lines of five, seven, and five syllables for a total of seventeen syllables. In English, haiku is written in three horizontal lines. It is not necessary to follow the strict 5-7-5 syllable count because the two languages have completely different rhythms. Rather, it is essential that haiku be brief, telling the reader what, where, and when in a few well-chosen words. You should be able to read a haiku in one breath.
More important is the haiku moment, the “aha” that occurs when an everyday event is seen with a new awareness and understanding. Using simple words and images, the haiku poet reveals the relationship between seemingly unrelated things:
All at once
peony blossoms drop
clap of thunder
“Peony” indicates that it is the rainy season, between spring and summer. The surprise comes in the final line with the clap of thunder. The juxtaposition of the delicate peony blossoms with the crack of thunder creates both a tension and a humorous synchronicity.
Haiku are expressions of awareness. They can be serious or humorous. Emotions, however, are always suggested rather than stated. With the right images, haiku allow the reader to supply the details so he or she can have a personal experience. This sparseness is much like a Japanese painting, where a few brush strokes can portray a whole world. At their best, haiku reveal a moment of intuitive understanding of the greatness, beauty and sadness of life.
