1. Haiku Poetry Japanese art form
Possesses three qualities valued in Japanese art – precision, economy, and delicacy.
Suggests meaning through imagery and seasonal words, called kigo – (ex. Snowfall=winter, cherry blossoms = spring).
Usually contains two main images. Readers draw the connection between the images to understand the meaning. The haiku is like a snapshot taken with words, usually of nature.
3 lines (5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables)
- you must chose words carefully – you don’t have many of them!

2. Example Pitifully—under A great soldier’s empty helmet,
A cricket sings.
Images: empty helmet, singing cricket
Kigo: cricket singing=night
Interpretation: This seems to be a powerful image of death. The fact that the helmet is empty suggests that the soldier has passed away, and the word “pitifully” also suggests sadness and loneliness. However, the cricket is singing, suggesting that life and beauty can continue beyond death.

3. Assignment
Complete the chart, identifying the images and kigo in each haiku and writing how you interpret the poem.
EXTRA CREDIT!!
Write three original haiku poems. Each must contain 2 images and the correct number of syllables per line (5, 7, 5). Each haiku will be worth 2 extra credit points (up to 6 points). Please type your poems and underline your images. (Due Friday May 12th).