A Haiku helps you go to the heart of your idea or insight and distill it down to the simplest image of elegant beauty. By steadfastly removing everything superfluous, you can uncover the concentrated beauty of the object’s essence. The rigid structure of Haiku can actually be liberating: By limiting the options of form, you focus on the essence.
And a haiku is the perfect way to express this moment in time. Just three lines with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third. Here are some of our favorites submitted by readers:
Icy black creek cuts
gently through snow-covered banks
past our woods to spring
Alan Headbloom
For the viral past,
New Years is the antidote –
take it with champagne.
Haiku's my hobby.
Scribbling each day's tears and fears
puts feelings to bed.
A journal keeper
need not chew on a pencil
for five-seven-five.
Don't get me started!
My poetic addiction
overwhelms good sense.
Dr. George F. Simons
Let not ice your hearth embrace
But conjure spring's warm embrace
Memory's flame endures
Peggy Edwards
Here are some haiku samples from some other masters over the past centuries:
The first dream of the year —I keep it a secret
and smile to myself
Matsuo Bashoo (1644-1694)
A fallen blossom
is returning to the branch!
ah, a butterfly
Moritake (1473-1549)
Old pond
a frog leaps in
water's sound
Matsuo Basho (1644-1694)
The morning glory
has captured my well bucket.
i will beg water
Chiyojo (1703-1775)
The snow is melting
and the village is flooded
with children.
Mosquito at my ear—
does he think
I'm deaf?
Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827)
Now it's your turn!
5 syllables
7 syllables
5 syllables
Take a snapshot of the moment. Use simplicity and understatement to allow the viewer's imagination to "fill in the blanks." Sent it to us: office@intxel.com
by Diana Rowland, author Japanese Business: Rules of Engagement
