5-7-5. If you’re versed in poetry, or even a casual admirer those numbers may resonate as the recipe for creating a haiku. It may even bring to mind a flood of your favorite Haiku – possibly an original?
The challenge is to create a vivid story within that handful of syllables. One of the charms of haiku poetry is in its brevity—with so few words, each takes on heightened significance.
We celebrated Poetry Month by launching our “Haiku from the Heart Project” and encouraging you to create your own and share it on our Facebook post in the comments. Then check out those that others have posted and “Like” the ones that connect with you. Discover for yourself how the act of creative expression helps you feel better, or work through pain, or to simply connect with others or your inner self.
“Making poetry from subtle suggestion,” says Poet Laureate Robert Hass, who describes haiku as the close observation of nature.
Among the most celebrated haiku poets is Matsuo Bashō (1644-94).
But there’s far more at the heart of a wonderful haiku poem. Whether it’s clever or compelling, sad or sentimental, it’s succinct, concise—even short—but it’s certainly not skimpy.
There are a number of ways, and the good news is you don’t have be a poet or a writer or even consider yourself particularly artistic. Pick a subject and focus on that as the centerpiece of your haiku. Or get inspired by some of these examples.
Then post your creation in the comments of the special post we’ve put on our Facebook page by clicking here.
Why put yourself to the challenge? Creative Writing Now has some thoughtful answers. Writing is not only a great way to express yourself, it’s also a way to live other lives and to touch other people.
I believe my opinion reflects me and not necessarily the poet. To state what the poet meant is projecting my thoughts and it’s all wonderful!