Haiku

The fields and mountains

Have all been taken by snow

And nothing remains

--Basho

Background: Haiku, originally called hokku, originated in sixteenth century Japan. It functioned as the opening verse of a renga, a linked verse compiled by different poets. Renga consist of poems in half tanka form. Tanka, which originated in the seventh century, consist of thirty-one lines, the first three of which are the basis of the haiku form, with five/seven/five syllables, respectively.

Let’s Read “Three Haiku” by Matsuo Basho (722) Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes

On sweet plum blossoms Temple bells die out

The sun rises suddenly. Has spring come indeed? The fragrant blossoms remain

Look, a mountain path! On that nameless mountain lie A perfect evening!

Thin layers of mist

Respond to the “Review and Assess” questions (722).

1. Respond: Of the three haiku, which do you like best? Why?

2. (a) Recall: Would you say the speaker in the first haiku is alarmed, discourages, or surprised? (b) What causes this reaction in the speaker?

3. (a) Recall: What season is the subject of the second haiku? (b) Why is the speaker uncertain whether that season has come?

4. (a) Interpret: In the third haiku, why do you think the speaker feels it is the perfect evening? (b) Connect: What effect would the silence of the bells and the presence of fragrant blossoms have on you?

5. (a) Analyze: How would you describe Basho’s attitude toward nature? (b) Speculate: What do you think his favorite season was? Support your answer.

6. Evaluate: Do these poems have meaning and relevance to today’s readers? Explain.

Japanese poetry has neither rhyme nor rhythm because its language does not lend itself to these characteristics. Most of what the poet is saying is implied because he wants the reader to interpret and feel these experiences for himself.

Haiku is composed of three lines totaling seventeen syllables.

Line 1: 5 syllables; Line 2: 7 syllables; Line 3: 5 syllables.

Subjects of traditional Japanese haiku are nature and the seasons. Americans have taken liberties with this art form and have written about a variety of topics.

Clouds float slowly byBursting in bright hues

Fluffy, lumpy, cotton ballsSplashing colors all about

Silver, gray, and whiteAutumn leaves must fall

  1. Mark the syllables in the lines of both poems (follow the pattern done for you).
  2. What is the subject of each poem? ______

NOTE: In haiku poetry, the author’s purpose is to transform a seemingly common nature-related topic into something special or extraordinary using words.

3. Identify the nouns in the two poems: ______

4. Identify the verbs: ______

5. Identify the adjectives: ______

NOTE: Haiku poetry stresses the use of interesting and descriptive words in the elaboration of its subject.

Let’s Practice!

First, complete the Haiku Worksheet provided.

Next, recall the structure of Japanese haiku. Remember the three-line verse form has seventeen syllables, the first line contains five syllables, the second seven syllables, and the third five syllables. Finally, remember the importance of using interesting and descriptive words!

  1. In these haikus, you are to fill in a seven-syllable line.

Green pines in the woodsCrickets chirp loudly

______

Standing tall and proudBringing us good luck

  1. In these poems, you are to fill in lines one and three, using five syllables each.

______

Crystals shining in the sunThe branches bend to the earth

______

  1. Now add lines two and three. Line two = ___ syllables; line three = ___ syllables.

Snowflakes drifting downSunflowers nodding

______

______

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Create your own Haiku! ~ 10 points

Now that you’ve mastered the format, it’s your turn to create an original all by yourself! Use your emotions and senses to brainstorm a list of nature-related topics. Subjects might include: different types of weather, clouds, landforms, water formations, seasons...

Your original haiku must be done neatly in ink/color, with correct spelling and structure!

Using 8x11unlined paper (VERTICALLY), colorfully fill the all the white space of your paper as you creatively write your poem. Illustrate the images in the poem.