Stretching the creative muscles, this week I decided to write a poem.
In fact, I chose a haiku. Something I have made only once in my lifetime. Let’s tackle the traditional kind of haiku today.
A traditional haiku is a poem. Basho, who is accredited with its refinement, introduced simplicity and depth we know today.
The rules of a traditional haiku:
- 3 lines
- 17 syllables
- line 1 typically has 5 syllables
- line 2 has 7 syllables
- line 3 has 5 syllables
- does not have a rhyme
- can include repetition
A lot of traditional haiku focuses on nature and seasons. However, when concentrating on the rules, we can still produce a traditional haiku.
So, how does one go about this…
4 Step Haiku
Step 1: Topic
You won’t be surprised. My topic and muse for this haiku is a tomcat, more specifically, my own purring fella.
Step 2: What message do you want to deliver?
Hm… I think, how even a sleeping figure comes a blooming vision of cuteness. Or you know, the daily life of a cat. I promise I’m taking this seriously.
Step 3: Follow the formula
But first, we need to put some ideas to paper (better yet keyboard to avoid all the rubber marks and scribbles) then use the formula to fit the structure.
Step 4: Reach for the thesaurus
To help find just the right amount of syllables, use synonyms.
Don’t forget to centre your new poem! Got to keep up the age old aesthetic.
The challenge
Now I know how to make a traditional haiku, its time for the struggle to create the poem.
Here are my attempts:
Curled paw unfurls
Slow elongation raises
Thump! Human jumps up
Their ears twitch backwards
Slow expanding gut raises, fails,
Huurrr! agape teeth bearing
Silence befalls around
Huurrr! agape and teeth bearing
Sudden fleeing form
Proud sitting feline
Abruptly forms a tight ball
Ignoring presence
You bet I was counting on my fingers to ensure the syllable 5-7-5 rule.
That was though. The ideas streamed in, however, making them fit into a haiku was difficult. Especially using concise syllables in the last line.
How did you fair? Leave your poems in the comments.
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This is fantastic! I love Haiku, but I can never seem to create a good one. I guess we’re our own worst critic, so there’s that, right? 🙂
I’m glad you’re enjoying the content! I totally agree, even when posting this I was doubting my creations- striving for perfection. However, these poems are made to capture a moment and enjoy the process.
Feel free to share your own poems 🙂