Hello lovely readers!
As someone who enjoys learning, one of the pleasures of writing is that there are so many styles to try. I have always been rather in awe of poets, and if I’m honest, was nervous of having a go. But during lockdown, I pulled on my big girl pants and faced my fear by completing Sandra Ireland’s fantastic Poetry Writing series of workshops, which I highly recommend.
And it was during one of those lessons that I fell in love with Haiku, the Japanese short form of poetry. For those not familiar with the term, Haiku is a structured style of poetry where the lines follow a 5/7/5 formation – five syllables, followed by seven syllables, followed by five syllables. The challenge lies in creating a vivid image with minimal words. Like completing sudoku or finishing a jigsaw puzzle, I find it mildly addictive. Traditionally, Haiku relates to the seasons and as I live in rural northern Scotland, I was free to observe nature in all its amazing glory during lockdown walks.
I’ve pulled together a small summer collection here and would be thrilled if you would share your own summer Haiku in the comments. And if you’ve never tried writing one, please take five minutes and give it a go.
Enjoy!
DROWSY AFTERNOON
GREEN BARLEY
SWAN HILL
SUMMER’S CURSE
A LIGHT LUNCH
I love haiku, too, Rae, although I have to confess to not having written one for years. Maybe I should try again! Lovely images of summer!
Remember to share if you do write one, Mairibeth! Thanks for reading. : )
I’ve loved Haiku for years, Rae, so thanks for reminding me about them! Yours are beautiful and I love the way you’ve illustrated them. This is an early attempt that I wrote ages ago (I have another away at a comp just now, funnily enough).
Fragrant, full blown rose
weeping tears of morning dew
for wilting beauty.
Keep them coming!
That’s beautiful, Rosemary! I’m very much a beginner and it might be a while before I enter a competition. Good luck with yours. Xx
You’re very kind, Rae – I’m an amateur at them but enjoy trying! I meant to mention an unusual and fascinating little book that I bought in a wrapper-covered lucky dip in a bookshop a couple of years back: The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman by Denis Theriault. It contains lots of Haiku here and there through the story and has a lovely cherry blossom cover.
Just checked it out, Rosemary and it sounds just my kind of read. Thanks for sharing. : )
Great information. I checked out this style of writing. Will try to do so. Thanks for sharing…
Good luck! : )
Thank you.. I am absolutely in love with your poetries..