- What is haiku?
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Haiku is an unrhymed Japanese verse form that records the essence of a moment
keenly perceived, in which nature is linked to human nature. It is not a form of verse
that can be defined by a strict set of rules. That is not to say that writers cannot invent their own rules
and still call the work haiku. Nor does it mean that traditional guidelines can be ignored.
Haiku is
written about common experiences and natural objects. They use simple
language and usually no metaphors or similes. Haiku traditionally contains
two contrasting images. One suggests time and place. The other is a strong,
temporary observation. Together they form a new image — which is left for
the reader to discern. In Western literature these poems are often arranged in three
lines of 5-7-5 syllables, leading to the erroneous belief
that haiku is merely a seventeen-syllable poem. Seventeen Japanese syllables (or, more strictly onji "sounds")
approximates only to around twelve English syllables and so most haikuists regard 17 syllables as a maximum,
and not a requirement. More important than syllable-count is the inclusion of a "season word" (kigo)
and a "cutting word" (kireji) that marks a pause.
- What is senryu?
- Senryu is similarly constructed to haiku but is usually
humorous or satiric and deals with the human perspective as opposed to nature.
- What is tanka?
- Tanka is a Japanese verse form.
Tanka are mood verses, and use poetic devices such as
metaphors and personification which are avoided in haiku.
Traditional Japanese tanka consists of five lines of 5,7,5,7,7 onji,
respectively. When writing in English, the syllable
count is flexible with the purpose being to try to capture the "essence"
rather than adhere strictly to form.
Whilst western and modern writers of tanka are generally haikuists,
in Japan writers of tanka and writers of haiku are seldom the same person.
- What is haibun?
- Haibun is prose that shares the haiku angle of looking at the general
through the particular, with haiku-like condensation in the prose style and incorporating
at least one actual haiku.
- What is renga?
- Renga, or renku, is linked verse where two or more poets
write a series of verses. There are various types of renga and often
elaborate rules to be followed in their construction.
- What is sedoka?
- Sedoka is a Japanese verse form that evolved from ancient songs. They can
be mood poems, similar to tanka, or they can tell stories in the manner of
a song. Sedoka consist of 6 lines of 5-7-7-5-7-7 onji respectively.
Each 5-7-7 unit is called a katauta. Traditionally, the second katauta says
the same thing as the first katauta, although in a different way. In modern
English the syllable count is somewhat more flexible, and there is usually a
turn, or change in direction, in lines 3 and 5. The turn in line 3 is
sharp, and the turn in line 5 is gentle.
- What is sijo?
- Sijo is a Korean verse form generally of 42-46 syllables written in 3 or 6 lines.
There should be a shift in content between the second and third
lines. Unlike haiku, various poetic devices, such as metaphors and similes
are permitted. It is often lyrical.
All these definitions are open to debate, and are given here only as an introduction.
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