Introduction of Haiku

 

A haiku is a specific type of Japanese poem which has 17 syllables divided into three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables. Haikus or haiku are typically written on the subject of nature. The word haiku (pronounced hahy-koo) is derived from the Japanese word hokku meaning “starting verse.”

Examples of Haiku

Example 1

The fox and the grapes

From time to time

The clouds give rest

To the moon-beholders.

— Matsuo Basho

Example 2

The lion and the mouse

Sparrow’s child

out of the way, out of the way!

the stallion’s coming through

— Kobayashi Issa

Example 3

Over the wintry

forest, winds howl in rage

with no leaves to blow.

— Natsume Soseki

As is clear from these examples, most haikus examine natural themes, such as weather, animals and plants, and changing seasons. Haikus can be serious and meditative, free of mood, or playful and fun.

The Importance of Using Haikus

Haikus are important in that they are a highly traditional form of Japanese poetry which has been in existence as early as the 1600s. Haikus later spread to the west in the 1800s. Haiku shows that in as few as three lines and seventeen syllables, interesting observations about nature and life can be made. They show that poetry does not have to be about lofty subjects but can make an animal as small as the grasshopper or a subject as simple as the wind interesting, important, and mentionable.

Related Terms: Haikus vs. Similar Poetic Forms

Tanka

A tanka is a thirty-one syllable poem with five lines divided into five, seven, five, seven, and seven syllables. Looking at form, tankas are very similar to haikus, with the first three lines in the same form and two added lines of seven syllables each. Tankas were written as early as the year 600 and were primarily written as songlike letters written to lovers as a gift. Here is an example of a tanka versus a haiku written by the poet Philip Appleman:

In the spring of joy,

when even the mud chuckles,

my soul runs rabid,

snaps at its own bleeding heels,

and barks: “What is happiness?”

In Closing

Haiku is a classic Japanese form of poetry which celebrates nature and little moments in life in a brief three-line seventeen-syllable form. Haikus range from serious reflections and images to lighthearted and uplifting instances.