I'm no purist, but haiku does have a structure. Five syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables. I guess if you want to forget that, fine, it happens, and it works. But one thing I hate is when people don't understand the Zen of haiku. This IS important. Haiku is meant to take a direct experience and put it into a poem. No opinions, no anthromorphosizing, just experience. This is the whole point, the whole art, of haiku. It is also usually supposed to be about nature. Bad haiku: The world turns around Like a top upon a floor Spinning is her fun The world is not a top, is not on a floor, and is almost certainly not having fun spinning. Better haiku (I'm no expert): A cat on the floor Intently watching the bug A pounce and and end
There is also supposed to be a distinctive "break" in scenes, ideas, or images, with both enhancing the understanding of the other. Some reference to one of the seasons or period in time is also supposed to occur, though its pretty loose as to what that consists of.
Indeed. These were the strictures set by the Oriental Originators of this fine art. BUT IT'S BEEN THOUSANDS OF YEARS. What is it that should make us so strictly adhere to these? If you cannot metamorphize the traditions of old to suit the mood of the moment, than you have failed both Art, in its highest and most exalted purpose, as well as your Self. eMBeMLaHV!
Not really. Some poetry has form, sonnets for example. This is what haiku is, it's not simply just a 3 line poem, just like a sonnet is not simply a 14 lined poem. There is more to it, a structure meant to be followed. If you can follow the form and create something great, then you haven't failed art. Art isn't meant to be random or disordered; in this art form, there is a structure you follow and through that your creativity is manifested. You don't have to adhere, but then don't call it haiku.
You can still adhere to the form, and change the concept. The base form is five-seven-five. My point of disagreement is in its having to pertain to a specific topic. eMBeMLaHV!
Its always awesome to expand on any art-form, but then it is no longer Haiku. The amazing thing about really great Haikus is the simplicity and clarity of them. Its hard to keep that broad but simple, Earthly feeling if you deviate from the rules very much.
i've only recently become interested in the zen of haiku.... after reading some of kerouac's work, actually. what a pure form of poetry. thanks for the tips, btm.
Call it zen or call it insight, haiku offer a special view of life's simple and most pleasurable or moving moments. Nature is its realm but nature is a very broad term. I look at haiku as capturing a single memorable or moving event or observation. One that hold the kernel of a larger idea. This idea is delivered in the third line.
Just had to dump in some Haiku quotes from SouthPark! "A haiku is just like a normal American poem except it doesn't rhyme and it's totally stupid." – Mr. Garrison "Ass full of pork fat jiggles like a Jello mold. Mouth is flapping, too." - Kyle "Your haiku insults have no effect on me, Kyle." - Cartman
