Words Come Alive: Haikus By: Marlina Fraterman
An old silent pond… A frog jumps into the pond, Splash! Silence again. -Matsuo Basho
Haiku History Japanese poetry Seventh century: waka (5-7-5-7-7, 31 phonetic units) Most recognized form, recognized as word specialists Tanka in ninth century
Haiku History (continued) Most famous poet: Matsuo Basho Created more than 1000 verse-poems and taught over 2000 students After 100 years, declared saint of the haiku and known as most famous poet in Japan Masaoka Shiki focused on 5-7-5 and renamed it haiku Became well-known in US in 1950s
The “Rules” of Haiku 3 lines 5-7-5 17 syllables About nature
Misconceptions 5-7-5 / 17 syllables is not set in stone Does not have to be about nature
LET’S LOOK AT HAIKUS! Winter seclusion - Listening, that evening, To the rain in the mountain. Kobayashi Issa Don’t weep, insects – Lovers, stars themselves, Must part. In the cicada's cry No sign can foretell How soon it must die. - Matsuo Bashō My life, - How much more of it remains? The night is brief. Masaoka Shiki Over-ripe sushi, The Master Is full of regret. Yosa Buson I kill an ant and realize my three children have been watching. - Kato Shuson
Let’s practice!
Group Work In groups, look at pictures assigned to your group and create 2-3 haikus based on the picture When we meet back up, share the best haiku your group came up with Group 1: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/US-Army-troops-taking-break-while-on-patrol-in-Vietnam-War.jpg Group 2: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fairyheart/5974458693 Group 3: https://www.flickr.com/photos/139878514@N06/24488959840/in/dateposted-public/ Group 4: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/10000/nahled/1-1256485976IMth.jpg
Group One
Group Two
Group Three
Group Four
Review What are the main “rules” of haikus? 3 lines, about nature, 5-7-5, 17 syllables Which “rules” are actually common misconceptions? About nature, 5-7-5, 17 syllables Who was the most famous poet in Japan, writing over 1,000 verse-poems? Matsuo Basho