Haiku Haiku is one of the most important form of traditional Japanese poetry. Haiku is, today, a 17-syllable verse form consisting of three metrical units of 5, 7, and 5 syllables.

Modern Haiku The history of the modern haiku dates from Masaoka Shiki's reform, begun in 1892, which established haiku as a new independent poetic form. Shiki's reform did not change two traditional elements of haiku: the division of 17 syllables into three groups of 5, 7, and 5 syllables and the inclusion of a seasonal theme.

Seasonal Theme Each Haiku must contain a kigo, a season word, which indicate in which season the Haiku is set. For example, cherry blossoms indicate spring, snow indicate winter, and mosquitoes indicate summer, but the season word isn't always that obvious.

Traditional Japanese Haiku Matsuo Basho ( ) An old pond! A frog jumps in- The sound of water. The first soft snow! Enough to bend the leaves Of the jonquil low. In the cicada's cry No sign can foretell How soon it must die. No one travels Along this way but I, This autumn evening. Shuson Kato I kill an ant and realize my three children have been watching. Kijo Murakami ( ). First autumn morning: the mirror I stare into shows my father's face.

Modern Haiku Urban Haiku Michael R. Collings Freeway overpass Blossoms in grafitti on fog-wrapped June mornings If Not for the Cat BY JACK PRELUTSKY If not for the cat, And the scarcity of cheese, I could be content. Tree BY NIKKI GRIMES 1. Ear to trunk, I hear Tree sighing and dreaming of lights, tinsel, angel. 2. Her boughs bending, still she welcomes Snow’scompany— temporary friend.

Haiku Assignment Write a series of four haikus, each one dealing with a different season. Each haiku should have a kigo - a word that indicates which season the Haiku is set. Please underline the word. Follow the Haiku pattern: First line = 5 syllables Second line = 7 syllables Third line = 5 syllables Rough draft due tomorrow