PACE Global Haiku • January 2008 |
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Selected Haiku by “A haiku is not a poem, it is not literature: it is a hand beckoning, a door half-opened, a mirror wiped clean. It is a way of returning to nature, to our moon nature, our cherry blossom nature, our falling leaf nature.” R.H. Blyth Haiku is connecting personal experiences, memories and feelings to readers. Authors of haiku should write to prompt strong images which motivate readers to envision images fro their life experiences. In order to make a lasting impression and project images, authors should use few words, do not overstate, draw from personal experiences, pause, and verses should be open ended. Also, haiku should have a clear context and a sense of place/perspective and should always be in present tense. Prior to being a student, I assumed haiku was putting verses together in syllables or pattern form and somehow fit the words into the verse. I felt it was a struggle to write effective verses and began to lose interest in the art; however, as a student, I began to research and reflect upon my life to prompt and incorporate strong images into my writings. Shortly after, I found writing haiku is less daunting and is actually a therapeutic outlet. Surprisingly, while reading haiku from different authors, I discovered effective writings would transcend me to long forgotten memories-some good and some not. I discovered haiku is more than putting words together into syllable form. It is reflecting upon your personal experience and drawing from your emotions to writ an effective verse. When I am able to draw from personal experiences and emotions, I find I enjoy reading and writing haiku. |
white picket fence |
Sweeps Away sandcastle and seashells— the sun touches the ground sounds of a fish in the distance— seagulls— a dark shadow slowly circling— |
tall grass around the old building |
bareback on my pony |
tattered old glory |
quiet stillness… |
© 2008, Randy Brooks • Millikin University
All rights returned to authors upon publication.