Repeat After Me: English Haiku

By C.A. Morningstarr

The Japanese haiku poem typically consists of 3 lines, with syllables measuring 5 -7 -5 without requiring a set rhyme or pattern, instead relying, to a great extent, on the enhanced feelings the poet wishes to express. In contrast, certain characteristics associated with English-language haiku have incorporated at least three or more different, or experimental forms of the style. I believe what my contemporaries are trying to say is that the poet themselves are in search of one's personal sense of perfection, hoping to convey those private occasions, expressed with creative disciplines while catching the mood of the moment the poet themselves wish to share, using as few words as possible. Still, there are those schools of thought that believe in paring down haiku to its most simplistic arrangement possible, using as little as two or three words, again depending on which school of thought one might subscribe to, or not. This may be in part due to the fact that Japanese and English expressions are not, in essence, always comparable. As a result, it is rare to find a poem as long as seventeen syllables in today's English-language haiku. As for me I believe it is the poet's intent not to dishonor the poetry that is Japanese haiku, but instead create something it may call its own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667867779

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Repeat After Me Copyright © 2022 by C.A. Morningstarr

1st edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied and critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests contact the author at [e-mail]

Printed in the USA

Print ISBN: 978-1-66786-776-2

eBook ISBN: 978-1-66786-777-9

Also by C.A. Morningstarr

Breath In

Breathe Out

For Thomas, Emily, Paul, & Jordan

preface

For those of you unfamiliar with the style of poetry known as Haiku I offer you the formal definition, out of respect to my predecessors, and to you, the reader.

Haiku is a term, at times, [loosely] applied to any short, impressionistic poem, however there are certain characteristics that are commonly associated with the genre, such as having a strong focus on nature or the four seasons. The haiku often has a contemplative or wistful tone, and/or a vague briefness to the setting, that might inspire the poet. There should be little or no unnecessary words or fluff, one might say, although the poet is advised to avoid the use of metaphor and similes. Instead, the haiku should place the emphasis on imagery over explanation. Additionally, there may be a division involving two asymmetrical sections that juxtaposes two subjects, such as the natural world as opposed to the human made.