JOURNAL 4 Japanese Poetry

Let’s write a Haiku Example: 5- Rain, the prettiest 7-droplet of the heavenly 5-gods, cleanses our souls. Requirements for Haiku: Choose a subject and define the meaning or provide an argument or interpretation of the subject. After the subject, use an interrupting phrase as a modifier that describes the subject. Use enjambment-make sure the haiku is one sentence long. Don’t forget the syllable pattern: 575

Let’s write a Tanka Example: Now write your own. 5- Her hands, as soft as 7-rabbit fur against the grain 5-of my unshaven 7-beard, dare to destroy any 5- dark, polluting thoughts 5- racing through my mind. Requirements for Tanka: Use an interrupting phrase as a modifier that includes a simile. Use personification. Use enjambment -make sure the Tanka is one sentence long. Use alliteration twice. Use one of the following imagery: smell, sound, touch, or taste. Don’t forget the syllable pattern:

Let’s write a Cinquain Example: 2-She danced 4- with palm tree hips 6- swinging, swaying, swooshing 8- enticing the sea with her breeze— 2- striking! Now write your own Requirements for Cinquain: Use alliteration (at least three consecutive words). Use a metaphor connecting to nature. Use a series of assonance (at least four consecutive words). Use enjambment -make sure the cinquain is one sentence long. Don’t forget the syllable pattern: 24682