Haiku is the world’s shortest poetry form (2024)

Haiku is the world’s shortest poetry form. It has 17 syllables, arranged in threelines of 5-7-5 syllables. Haikugrew out of another poetry form, tanka, which has 31 syllables of 5-7-5-7-7. Haikupoets convey their vivid impression, sensation and surprise of a specific factof nature in a short verse. Thisrequires an economical choice of suitable words for the best effect.

Leaving out the words is alsoimportant to bring out the point clearly.The readers have to give full play to their imagination and read intowhat the poet wants to show in the 17 syllables.

Every haiku has to contain a word symbolizing a season of the year. For example, “firefly” is one of thewords of summer. When a reader seethis word in a haiku poem, he or shecan picture the scene of a summer evening with some fireflies by a cleanstream. Readers have to be aware ofthis feature of haiku to appreciateit fully. As Japan is blessed with four seasons, we have very keen appreciation ofthe changing of the seasons. That’s why a word of the season, or kigo, is considered so important.

In the 17^th century, haiku was perfected by a poet named BashoMatsuo. He travelledin Tohoku region and compiled a collection of poems, “Oku no hosomichi”, or “Journey of narrow path to the innerpart”. Here is one of his works;<![if !vml]><![endif]>

Furuike ya (An old pond)

kawazu tobikomu (a frog jumps in)

mizu no oto (soundof the water)

When you read it aloud, youwill hear the pleasant 5-7-5 rhythm.If it sounds pleasant to the ear, it will stay with the reader. This is one of the charms found in a haiku poem.

Haiku is not only something that great poets canwrite. Everyone can enjoy this artby putting his or her impression in 17 syllables. Many people enjoy haiku poetry in clubs or on the internet, where each member is apoet, a reader and a critic.Express yourself in 17 syllables and you too can be a poet!