Writing the Haiku

_Elsa_

Rachel finds an article that explains how to write a Haiku poem and she shares it with her group.

‘Follow the line and syllable structure of a haiku. Haikus follow a strict form: three lines, with a 5-7-5 syllable structure. That means the first line will have five syllables, the second line will have seven syllables, and the last line will have five syllables.

• The poem will have a total of seventeen syllables. To count syllables in a word, place your hand under your chin. Then, say the word. Every time your chin touches your hand, this is one syllable.

• A haiku does not have to rhyme or follow a certain rhythm as long as it adheres to the syllable count.

Describe the subject with sensory detail. Haikus are meant to give the reader a brief sense of the subject using the senses. Think about how your subject smells, feels, sounds, tastes, and looks. Describe the subject using your senses so it comes alive for your reader and feels powerful on the page.

• For example, you may write about the “musky scent of the pine needles” or the “bitter taste of the morning air.”

• If you are writing a haiku about a particular subject, such as your dog, you may describe the “clacking of its nails on the tile” or the “damp fur of wet dog.”

Use concrete images and descriptions. Avoid abstract or vague descriptions. Instead, go for concrete images that are easy for the reader to visualize. Rather than using metaphor or simile, try describing the subject with details that are particular and unique.

• Avoid wordy descriptions or elaborate language. Try using simple language so you can stick to the syllable count required for a haiku.

• Do not use cliches, or phrases that have become so familiar they lose their meaning. Instead, go for images and descriptions that feel unique.

• For example, you may write, “Fall leaves brush the road” or “Dog chases a bright bluebird.”

End with a surprising last line. A good haiku will have an ending line that is intriguing and leaves the reader hanging. It may leave the reader with a surprising last image or reflect on the previous two lines in a surprising way.

• For example, the haiku by Japanese poet Kobayashi Issa has a surprising last line: “Everything I touch/with tenderness, alas/pricks like a bramble.”

Read the haiku out loud. Once you have a draft of the haiku done, read it aloud several times. Listen to how the haiku sounds. Make sure each line flows easily into one another and that the lines follow the 5-7-5 syllable count. The haiku should sound natural when read aloud.

• If you notice any awkward or choppy lines, adjust them so they sound smooth. Replace any words that are too long or complicated. Make sure the haiku sounds pleasant when reading aloud.’ (Source) 

The girls are so confused. They have to discuss this with Elsa to find out if it’s worthwhile doing something like this for the party. Meanwhile, Elsa is making her phone call to the next group, @teresawallace44, Jenny, and @siti_payung so that they can start looking for ideas.

Let’s continue - Homemade Valentine’s Day cards

Start at the beginning – Valentine’s Day 2021 (Part 2)