HAI & KU - What is a Haiku?

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Hai & Ku learn how to write Haiku Poems!

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.”
Example 1
From time to time

The clouds give rest

To the moon-beholders.

— Matsuo Basho

Example 2
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.

Haikus are important in that they are a highly traditional form of Japanese poetry that 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.
Haikus are a popular form in poetry, as anyone can attempt to put together a brief poem of three lines and seventeen syllables. Here are a few examples of haiku in literature:

Example 1
Mosquito at my ear—

does he think

I’m deaf?

This haiku was written by the famous Japanese poet Issa.

Example 2
Old pond…

A frog leaps in

Water’s sound.

This is considered the most famous Japanese haiku, written by Bashō.

Example 3
A whale!

Down it goes, and more and more

up goes its tail!

A playful poem of movement, this haiku was written by Yosa Buson, another famous Japanese poet.