HAIKU

1. HAIKU Subtle Japanese Poetry

2. What is Haiku? • Haiku is a form of poetry originating in Japan. • Traditional Haiku follows this format: 5 syllables 7 syllables 5 syllables • Haiku is usually about nature. Often, the Haiku has a twist.

3. Read and Discuss Haiku Poems The moon glows the same: It is the drifting cloud forms Make it seem to change. I am nobody A red sinking autumn sun Took my name away.

4. More Haiku In the falling snow A laughing boy holds out his palm Until they are white. The spring lingers on In the scent of a damp log Rotting in the sun.

5. A Few More Whose town did you leave O wild and drowning spring rain And where do you go? Yellow rose petals Drop one-by-one in silence; Roar of waterfall.

6. More about Haiku Haiku is meant to capture one moment in time…like a photograph. With so few words in the poem, each word must be carefully selected.

7. Let’s practice • Think of an animal or object. • Make a list of adjectives that describe your animal or object. • Try to find words that are one syllable, two syllables, three syllables, four syllables, and maybe even five syllables.

8. Let’s practice • Now, take some of your words to make a Haiku. Remember, you’ll need 5 syllables on the first line, 7 on the second, and 5 on the third.