HAIKU JAPANESE POETRY WHAT IS HAIKU A Haiku

HAIKU JAPANESE POETRY

WHAT IS HAIKU? • A Haiku is a Japanese style of poetry that does not rhyme and consists of 17 syllables (3 sections of 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and 5 syllables) • Haiku has been around for a very long time. The poet Basho (1644 -1694) is credited with being the leading poet of this style. • At the turn of the last century there were said to be at least one million Japanese students who had composed haiku under the guidance of a teacher

EXAPLES

TRADITIONAL HAIKU • Traditionally Haiku focuses on elements of nature • There is usually a seasonal reference • They are often about a moment in time or event. On a bare branch • A crow has settled… Autumn Evening. -Bash��o

BASHŌ An old pond A frog leaps in, The sound of water

SILLY HAIKU • Haiku don’t always have to be serious! You can have fun and show your sense of humor too! • Feel free to break from the traditional themes if you are inspired to do so H I

ACTIVITY (WHY YOU HAVE A TREE IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM…)

ACTIVITY • Take a paper flower from up front • One side will have tape on it put your name and period on this side. I can help you if you aren’t sure if you have the right side. • On a piece of notebook paper, try writing a few haiku • Pick your favorite one you wrote and put this on the blank side of the flower • When you are done, bring your flower to Miss. Cart. It will be added to the cherry tree at the back of the room! • Remember: Haiku poems consist of 3 lines of poetry with the pattern of 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables. and they do not have to rhyme!

SOURCES • https: //www. britannica. com/art/haiku • http: //www. withwords. org. uk/history. html • Haiku One Breath Poetry by Naomi Wakan