Haiku

Haiku 

 I wasn't aware there were different forms of haiku until I took the creative writing class on board ship.  They pose different challenges,  and create quite different results. I took the subject of leaf cutter ants and composed a haiku in each form.

The Japanese haiku verse form of 3 lines of 5,7 and 5 syllables has no metre or rhyme,  and focuses purely on the subject of the poem, traditionally concerning the seasons.   It shares feelings of joy or sorrow,  painting a mental picture.

On and on and on
Each tiny piece of leaf carried
From branch to ant nest.


The Brazilian haiku has the same number of lines and syllable pattern, but in addition it has internal rhymes: the last syllable of the 1st line rhymes with the last syllable of the 3rd line; the 2nd syllable of the 2nd line rhymes with the last syllable of the 2nd line.  I found this quite complicated and less satisfying.

Up and down the tree
Never ending leaf cutter
Busy industry.


There are two forms of American haiku, called lune.  The first has 13 syllables in a 5, 3, 5 formation, which is an incredibly concentrated form.

In tiny pieces
Each leaf is
Carried to the nest.


The second American form is composed of 11 words,  in a 3, 5, 3 formation.

I watch as
Ants carry tiny leaf cuttings
Down the tree.


© Copyright 2018. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved.

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