Recently I had a run in with @haikubot.
This got me thinking: what is a Haiku again -exactly?
Haiku is a short japanese poem, originally focused on nature.
The Haiku typically consists of three elements.
- two contrasting ideas, separated by a cutting word
- originally it contains 17 syllables, grouped in 5, 7 and 5 sets
- a reference to nature
Modern japanese Haiku are unlikely to follow the tradition of syllables or nature references. The juxtaposition of ideas remains the relevant property.
Japanese Haiku are written in one line.
English Haiku are written in three lines to emphasize the distinct elements.
Western style Haiku employ a short form of writing. Expletives, methaphors and rhyming are to be avoided.
Further reading: wikihow.com
An example by Matsuo Basho:
An old silent pond...
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.
Another by Yosa Buson:
A summer river being crossed
how pleasing
with sandals in my hands!
Sincerely,
