A frog jumping into a pond, inspired by Matsuo Basho's famous haiku.
The most famous haiku (and possibly most famous poem) of all time
is a 340-year-old poem about a frog jumping into a pond.
Furuike ya
kawazu tobikomu
mizu no oto
An ancient pond
A frog jumps in
The splash of water
—Trans. by Koto City Basho Museum
Haiku, a form of short poetry, has become the world's most popular style of writing.
Originating in Japan, this short poem form acts as a snapshot of a moment. The haiku above was written by Matsuo Basho in 1686. It is the most famous haiku in the world. In fact, it might be the most famous poem in the entire world.
As you read it, you can see the frog, see it jump, see it hit the water. But there's more in the poem. You can smell the water and the mud. You can see trees around the pond. You can feel the sun and the shade. Many haiku evoke complete images in a few words.
How to Write Haiku Poetry
There are a lot of rules that you'll hear about writing haiku:
- "It must be 17 syllables."
- "It must be written five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third."
- "It's only three lines."
- "It must include a season, like spring, summer, or winter."
- "It must be about nature."
It might seem radical, but we're going to tell you to ignore all the rules. Write a small snapshot of whatever you want.
Cat sleeping, paw on eyes
Woman finishes book
Coffee is ready
Sunday
It's about creating a short, simple snapshot of a moment that you want to share with others. It might not meet the technical definition of a haiku, but it will serve the same function.
Basho's poem above was written by a man, long dead, about a frog, long dead, about a moment that lasted just a few seconds. We're still talking about it 338 years later. Using words to record a moment is not unusual, but the form of the haiku makes every poem a snapshot, like an old-school black-and-white Polaroid. It's a meditation on a single scene. As if you've closed your eyes and recreated a scene from your childhood, you're recording this instant to share with everyone forever.
Breaking Haiku Rules
No rules. Relax. Enjoy it. Don't worry that it's not good enough. After all, the most famous poem in the world is about a frog plopping into an old, muddy pond. And as for the rules? Notice that Basho didn't include the name of a season in his poem. He was a Haiku rebel!
Expanding Your Haiku Horizons
While traditional haiku adheres to the structure of 5-7-5 syllables, modern haiku poets often explore beyond these boundaries. This allows for more creative freedom and expression. Incorporating contemporary themes, emotions, and experiences can lead to refreshing and innovative haiku.
City skyline,
Neon lights reflecting rain—
Silent crowds move fast.
By breaking away from strict syllabic constraints, you can focus on the essence of the moment you wish to capture. Whether it's the hustle and bustle of urban life or a serene moment in nature, the goal is to convey a vivid, fleeting image.
_by_Yosa_Buson.jpg) |
| A painting that includes a haiku. The painting is a visual representation of the poem. A little cuckoo - Yosa Buson(1716 - 1784) |
The Role of Nature in Haiku
While it's true that traditional haiku often includes references to nature, this isn't a strict rule. Many modern haiku poets incorporate elements of cityscapes, technology, and contemporary life. However, the connection to nature remains a central theme for many poets because of its timeless and universal appeal.
Nature often serves as a metaphor for human emotions and experiences, providing a deeper layer of meaning. For instance, a simple haiku about falling leaves might evoke feelings of change, nostalgia, or impermanence.
Famous Haiku Poets
To further enrich your understanding of haiku, it's helpful to explore the works of other famous haiku poets. Apart from Matsuo Basho, poets like Yosa Buson, Kobayashi Issa, and Masaoka Shiki have made significant contributions to the art form.
- Yosa Buson: Known for his vivid and painterly haiku, Buson often infused his poems with rich imagery and a deep sense of place.
- Kobayashi Issa: His haiku frequently reflected his personal struggles and the human condition, often with a touch of humor.
- Masaoka Shiki: Considered the father of modern haiku, Shiki introduced new techniques and approaches that have influenced countless poets.
Further Reading and Resources
For those interested in delving deeper into haiku, numerous resources are available:
- "The Essential Haiku: Versions of Basho, Buson, and Issa" by Robert Hass: A comprehensive collection that provides insight into the works of three of Japan's greatest haiku masters.
- "Haiku in English: The First Hundred Years": This anthology showcases the evolution and diversity of haiku written in English over the past century.
- Online Haiku Communities: Websites and forums where haiku enthusiasts share their work, provide feedback, and discuss the art form.
By exploring these resources, you can gain a greater appreciation for haiku and discover new techniques to enhance your own writing.
Conclusion
Writing haiku is a simple yet powerful way to capture and share moments. Whether you stick to traditional rules or forge your path, the essence of haiku lies in its ability to evoke vivid images and emotions with just a few words. So, grab your pen, take a deep breath, and start capturing those fleeting moments in your own unique way.
References and Citations
Basho Haiku Translation:
Government of Japan. "Basho's Haiku: The Frog Jumps into the Water." Government of Japan, 2022, https://www.gov-online.go.jp/eng/publicity/book/hlj/html/202205/202205_12_en.html.
Books:
Hass, Robert, ed. The Essential Haiku: Versions of Basho, Buson, and Issa. Ecco, 1994.
Higginson, William J., and Penny Harter. The Haiku Handbook: How to Write, Share, and Teach Haiku. Kodansha International, 1985.
Brooks, Gwendolyn, ed. Haiku in English: The First Hundred Years. Norton, 2013
Online Communities:
"The Haiku Foundation." The Haiku Foundation, https://www.thehaikufoundation.org
1. What are some tips for beginners to write their first haiku?
When starting with haiku, my biggest tip is to keep it simple. Start by observing the small moments around you—like the way sunlight filters through leaves or the sound of rain on a window. Don't stress too much about the 5-7-5 syllable rule; focus on capturing the essence of the moment. Try to use vivid, sensory words that paint a clear picture. And remember, practice makes perfect! Each haiku you write is a step toward mastering this beautiful art form.
2. Are there modern examples of haiku that don't follow the traditional rules?
Absolutely! Modern haiku poets often break away from the traditional 5-7-5 syllable structure. For example, you might come across haiku that use fewer syllables or don't focus on nature at all. Here’s a modern twist:
City streets hum,
Neon lights paint the night sky—
Quiet in the crowd.
This example still captures a moment but in a more contemporary setting. It’s all about flexibility and creativity, so don't be afraid to experiment!
3. How can I use haiku as a form of meditation or mindfulness practice?
Writing haiku can be a fantastic way to practice mindfulness. It requires you to slow down, observe your surroundings, and focus on the present moment. Start by finding a quiet place where you can sit comfortably. Take a few deep breaths and let your mind settle. Then, simply observe—whether it's the rustling of leaves, the play of light, or the rhythm of your breath. Capture these observations in a few words. The process of writing haiku can help you connect more deeply with the world around you and find peace in the simplicity of the moment.