When considering
the haiku as poetry
shorter than the rest—
Remember this rule:
Syllables — five-seven-five
(Your own haiku test.)
Today, most haikus
Can be about anything
(Whatever looks best.)
Traditionally,
Haikus were about nature
(Before they came west.)
Haikus are supposed
To describe a moment where
The poet would rest.
When he took the time
To look around him and saw
A bird in its nest.
Basho was the king
Of haikus in his own time
(His poems were blest.)
You may disagree
With this new, longform haiku
Or find it a jest.
“That’s not how it’s done!”
You cry so indignantly
To stop my own test.
“You’re right,” I’ll admit.
“First, it’s not in Japanese
And rhyming, a pest.
However, it’s close
(Or closer) to Pound’s attempts
In the English quest.”
I might do better
To compare this haiku to
A red robin’s breast.
And if you think now
You’ve got a better haiku
Please, friend, be my guest.
Contact Lauren West at [email protected].
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