WC Newsletter #93 * Haiku

Writers' Circle Newsletter

Issue #93: September 22ish, 2003

(To read back issues of the Writers’ Circle Newsletter, see "WC Newsletter Back Issues" .)

Haiku – More than seventeen syllables

There are as many schools of thought about a “proper” Haiku as there are poets on the planet. Let me try to guide you on the essentials as well as take you through your options.


History – Where it all began

Over one thousand years ago in Japan, Tanka (AKA waka or wakka) poetry was making the court circuit. This lead to a game where one person created the 5-7-5 section and another finished it with the 7-7 ending. They had so much fun with this it lead to competitions, which morphed into chained poetry games (Renga’s, which are incredibly long 5-7-5 chains). A Hokku is the first verse of a Renga and set the tone for the rest of the chain. This made it very important. People would practice and practice getting these juuuust right. Eventually, this lead it to it becoming its own poetry form – the Haiku.

Your Options – Flash that poetic license

Traditionally, Haiku has seventeen syllables but Japanese is quite different than English (ya don’t say?! lol). This can either be a help or a hindrance for us writing in the English language. I say, do what works for you AND your piece. If you have the perfect Haiku and it is only fifteen syllables, don’t pad it! Leave it be. I would just notate that it is in the 5-5-5 (or whatever) format for those helpful reviewers that will count your syllables for you.

Again, tradition dictates that a Haiku is in three lines, but this is not a strict rule. Choose to be different and make it a two-liner! I would notate this change with your piece, for the same reason stated above.

Haiku is a simple form and most writers avoid using overt poetic imagery tools ("Imagery - I Want My PTv!" ). I LIKE using imagery tools and if you are like me, and want to use them in Haiku, just remember to be subtle about it.

What is a must – The nitty-gritty

KIGO – This is the Japanese word for a seasonal reference. If your haiku doesn’t have it – it isn’t haiku.

KIREJI – Means a pause. This refers to the splitting of the haiku into two parts. The first is the setting and the second is the action. This cutting is done using a: -- ; … , or :

The most important thing, when writing haiku, is to say a LOT in very few words. Take a single moment in time and make the reader live it in 3D.

Avoid summing up your haiku. This is the hardest part of haiku for me. I like to add wrapping paper and a bow to my presents BUT you need to let the reader sum it up in their own way in their own mind. I find, however, that I generally get higher ratings when I sum up because many people find haiku too abstract. Also avoid using articles (a, the, etc.) in your haiku. Only use when necessary, instead, find a word that expands your image or leave it out altogether.


In the end, it is your poem. Do with it what you will, and call it poetic license, lol.


Hai-cool

-Haikai is Haiku’s plural.
-There is a “cult” writing haiku about spam! (spam-ku, and that’s about the meat product NOT junk email, lol) Other variations: Vampire-ku (did you start this Starr? lol), Bar (as in the ol’ drinkin’ hole) haiku, F1 (formula one race car) Haiku, Haiku obituaries, scifaiku (AKA SciFiKu), and Pop (culture) Haiku.

Next week’s newsletter will be brought to you by a bear with the flu and the wonderfully witty Starr* Rathburn .

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WINNERS!

Here are the winners of "Invalid Item" !

1st Place:

"Invalid Item"   by A Guest Visitor

2nd Place:

"Invalid Item"   by A Guest Visitor

3rd Place:

"Invalid Item"   by A Guest Visitor

HM:

"Invalid Item"   by A Guest Visitor

CONGRATS and thank you to all who took the time to enter!

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Featured Haiku From Members:

(I think I am just about the only WC member who writes haiku!)

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Featured Haiku From Non-Members:

Variations on syllabic structure:


5-5-7

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7-4-5 also a variation on syllabic amount

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Says a lot in few words:

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Cutting/Pause example:

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Seasonal reference - Kijo:

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Rhyming Haiku example:

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Writing Prompt:

Write a Haiku. Take a moment in your day and make us truly live it.

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Recommended Reading, Groups and Forums:

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Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #521788 by Not Available.

You are invited to submit suggestions to the Writers' Circle editors. To submit an item for consideration in the WC newsletter:

WC Newsletter Feedback and Submissions  [E] #641406 WC newsletter submission, a cheer or jeer, or just want to join the group? Find it here! by Red Writing Hood <3

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All comments about this and any WC newsletter are welcome!

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WC Newsletter Feedback and Submissions  [E] #641406 WC newsletter submission, a cheer or jeer, or just want to join the group? Find it here! by Red Writing Hood <3

Issue #93
09/22/2003
Edited by: Red Writing Hood <3
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