Week 3:Haiku and Image
When it comes to Haikus, the common phrase, “a picture is worth a thousand words” could be re-worded to say a few words is worth a thousand words. The few words used to create a Haiku may not seem like much, but they are very powerful and have a deep meaning. Haiku, created by Japanese poet Matsuo Basho in the last decade of his life (sixteenth century), was a successful attempt to create an impactful descriptive poem that also reflected nature. The haiku has become one of the most popular forms of poetry and has spread throughout the entire world.
Like most poems there is a specific form to it. A traditional Japanese haiku must have three phrases that contain a kireji, or “cutting word”, which can be thought of a a genre or what the poem will be about. The poem must also be in a 5, 7, 5 pattern. As mentioned above, there must be a seasonal reference in the poem. This factor is highlighted on page 217, it reads, “Focusing on the seasons also allowed the poets to convey the experience of being embedded in earth’s rituals and cycles”. (Chu 217) Some Haikus have a specific rhyme scheme such as Robert Frost’s poem, Nothing Gold Can Stay, on page 218 . The the last word of every couplet rhymes. There are four couplets in all. Whereas Yosa Buson’s traditional Haiku does not have a rhyme scheme but the poem refers to a season . His poem is much shorter but it brings back the theme of few words can mean so much. The poem is petals falling and are then carried away by the river with a plum tree on the bank. This poem could be interpreted in many different way. Perhaps the pedals represent tears falling, while the rivers represents someone who takes theme away and brings joy to the grieving person.
Chu, Jean Hyung Yul. “Haiku.” An Exaltation of Forms: Contemporary Poets Celebrate the Diversity of Their Art. Eds. Anne Finch and Kathrine Varnes. Ann Arbor: U. of Michigan Press, 2002.
Margaret Holley. “Syllabics: Sweeter Melodies.” An Exaltation of Forms: Contemporary Poets Celebrate the Diversity of Their Art. Eds. Anne Finch and Kathrine Varnes. Ann Arbor: U. of Michigan Press, 2002.
