Yes. Nice observation. You are correct. I break a lot of traditional haiku rules and write what’s on my heart in the moment. Even the 5-7-5 syllable pattern—which is something I love following—is also not what haiku masters follow, but the Americanized version of the poetic form.
Thank you. I have a couple of friends who are 5-7-5 purists and won't budge in the discussion of how that does or doesn't derive from the Japanese tradition and how it translates into English.
I look forward to growing my haiku practice and following traditional rules that date back centuries (present tense only, no similes, including seasonal words, no verbs, and more). I first learned about haiku as a child and as an elementary school teacher. That environment is usually solidly in the 5-7-5 approach. I love the secure boundary of 17 syllables and being playful about fitting my words into the form. I'm also a rebellious human, so I love breaking rules (writing in past tense, adding titles, or using humor). My passion is helping people fall in love with writing and discover that writing inspiration is all around us each and every day. I think writing haiku- and not getting tied up in all the rules- is a great and accessible way to do this for people of any age. Near the end of the PPWriC, I encourage people to break free from the 5-7-5 structure. It's hard for me, but I love trying new things and have faith in our beloved words on the page.
I can’t wait for the haiku challenge to begin! I have missed it since last year’s challenge ended.
Thanks neither can I.
Oh my goodness...it's so lovely to see a familiar face. I can't wait to write with you again.
I see you use "like" in your example haiku. My understanding was that in haiku we avoid the use of explicit similes (like,as).
Yes. Nice observation. You are correct. I break a lot of traditional haiku rules and write what’s on my heart in the moment. Even the 5-7-5 syllable pattern—which is something I love following—is also not what haiku masters follow, but the Americanized version of the poetic form.
Thank you. I have a couple of friends who are 5-7-5 purists and won't budge in the discussion of how that does or doesn't derive from the Japanese tradition and how it translates into English.
I look forward to growing my haiku practice and following traditional rules that date back centuries (present tense only, no similes, including seasonal words, no verbs, and more). I first learned about haiku as a child and as an elementary school teacher. That environment is usually solidly in the 5-7-5 approach. I love the secure boundary of 17 syllables and being playful about fitting my words into the form. I'm also a rebellious human, so I love breaking rules (writing in past tense, adding titles, or using humor). My passion is helping people fall in love with writing and discover that writing inspiration is all around us each and every day. I think writing haiku- and not getting tied up in all the rules- is a great and accessible way to do this for people of any age. Near the end of the PPWriC, I encourage people to break free from the 5-7-5 structure. It's hard for me, but I love trying new things and have faith in our beloved words on the page.
Karen--I see that you're a poet who knows haiku! I love it! Thanks for your comments that made me think more deeply about haiku today.