HaikuHaikuJapanese Poetry
What is Haiku?What is Haiku?
an ancient form of Japanese poetry
has 17 “moras” which are similar to syllables
usually has a “kigo” which is a reference to one of the seasons
are written in one vertical line of characters called “kanji” (Japanese words in calligraphy)
usually focus on the natural world
Haiku used to be written by guys like these.
It would often look like this. The haiku is in the corner.
The haiku would often be illustrated.
Famous ExamplesFamous Examples
An old silent pond...A frog jumps into the pond,splash! Silence again. -Basho
-Basho
This is the same poem written in kanji.
Over the wintryforest, winds howl in ragewith no leaves to blow. -Soseki
Modern HaikuModern Haiku
Nowadays, haikus can be written by anyone, about anything, though they still are often about nature.
Usually haikus follow the rule of three lines, with the first line having 5 syllables, the second line 7, and the third line 5 again.
I am nobody:A red sinking autumn sunTook my name away. -Richard Wright
A few “Kid Haikus”A few “Kid Haikus”
Notice how Ryan did his haiku to go along with his illustration?
I really like Mariel’s word choice in this
poem! It goes so well with her drawing.
This is a Japanese example. Notice the syllables don’t match
up, as they use moras.
Now it’s YOUR turn!Now it’s YOUR turn!
We’re going to do what’s called “Who Am I?” haikus.
Rules: Have to be three lines, with 5/7/5 syllables.
Can’t tell in the poem what it is, just hints
Have to be about something everyone would recognize or easily know.
ExamplesExamples
Here is an example...can you guess?
Green and speckled legs,
Hop on logs and lily pads
Splash in cool water.
In a pouch I grow,On a southern continent --Strange creatures I know.
