Haikus

A haiku is a very short form of Japanese poetry, consisting of only 17 syllables. Said syllables are arranged into three phrases that are divided into 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively. Generally, Japanese haiku are printed on a single line while its American cousin is broken up into three lines, signifying the break down of the syllables. Also, Japanese haiku usually have a seasonal/nature reference called a kigo. American haiku tend to have more free range of expression.

Here's a haiku from Kijo Murakami:

First autumn morning:
the mirror I stare into
shows my father's face.

I always enjoyed the haiku for its simplicity from a young age. As I've grown older, I still enjoy it for its simplicity, but also revel in its complexities. You can tell an entire story in 17 syllables as well as the accompanying emotions. Anyway, here's one I wrote today:

Did not get the job.
MATCH School is looking elsewhere
To fill open spots.

It's so clear and concise. You have to respect and appreciate the haiku for that. I was reading a friend's blog the other day and found that he wanted to share a haiku I wrote with his readers. He's teaching English for a year in South Korea, so it's possible my haiku is getting some international readership thanks to his post. I wanted to give credit where credit is due though. I need to thank Mr. Cooper Marshall for inspiring me to have fun with the haiku. You see, Cooper wrote hilarious and insightful haiku to share with our AP English class in high school. That is where I learned to appreciate the haiku, so thank you, Cooper. I hope you're having a blast overseas; it sounds like you are from your blog.

Let's continue with the haiku, they just pop into my head. Try writing a few, it's fun and fairly easy. Try to include a kigo if you want to write a more traditional Japanese haiku.

Autumn leaves signal
Start of frigid Winter chill,
But the hearth warms us.

I lose count sometimes,
Distant bright lights stretch the sky:
Many lonely stars.

My brother wears pants,
But often without a belt.
He sure is silly.

Nature called to her,
But I guess the seat was up;
She ends up all wet.

Holiday season,
Reminded of family,
We miss those we lost.

I thought I've known it,
But wrong was I all this time.
Love eludes this heart.

Arthur pulled the sword,
Releasing Excalibur
From its stone prison.

Angels and Demons,
Based on Dan Brown book, coming
To theaters near you.

With every strike,
I'm closer to perfection.
Only nine more frames.

I made Christmas shirts.
One said "friendship warms the heart;"
They were iron-on.

If you're bored at work or have a couple of minutes to spare, post a haiku as a comment. I'd love to read them.

They can be about:
Anything and everything.
I am very bored.