Romanticizing the Haiku
April 3, 2024
The haiku stands out for its beauty in poetry and the literary art world. Originating in thirteenth-century Japan, a haiku is a short, unrhymed poem, traditionally consisting of three lines with seventeen syllables arranged in a 5/7/5 pattern. This format, often accompanied by a seasonal reference (kigo) and a cutting word (kireji), aims to capture a fleeting moment or sensation with vivid imagery.
The haiku emerged as a standalone form, celebrated for its ability to evoke profound emotions with just a few carefully chosen words. While rooted in Japanese culture and aesthetics, the haiku has resonance with poets worldwide. In English and other languages, writers have adapted the form, exploring new themes and styles while honouring its traditional principles of observation, simplicity, and reverence for nature.
One of its most remarkable aspects is its intent to underline our interconnectedness with the natural world. In this way, the haiku becomes a form of poetry that guides us on introspection and appreciation for the beauty surrounding us.
Nonetheless, the haiku’s less frequent presence in writing and poetry has inspired me to be more attentive to its practice. In doing so, I learned about the 17th-century Japanese renowned haiku master, Matsuo Bashor.
This old village--
not a single house
without persimmon trees.
Basho
In his haiku, Basho paints an entire village in a few words while leaving room for the reader to use their imagination to fill in the gaps. He symbolizes the persimmon fruit as a mode to nourish and sustain entire families and villages. Through this portrayal, Basho invites readers to appreciate the abundance and simplicity of their surroundings.
A monk sips morning tea,
it's quiet,
the chrysanthemum's flowering.
Basho
In crafting his poetry, Basho aspires to immerse readers in a specific mental state that demands deep concentration and meditation. This haiku achieves a sense of tranquillity and serenity, and his imagery conveys the idea of morning stillness nurturing growth. The silence further creates an atmosphere conducive to meditation and reflection. Amidst this quietude, the imagery of the chrysanthemum blooming adds depth to the scene. Their flowering reminds us of the cyclical rhythms of nature and the beauty of existence.
When we study poetry originating from different cultures, writers immerse themselves in different ways of understanding language and, therefore, different ways of understanding the world. Appreciating the haiku and its ability to say a lot in just a few words sheds insight into the beauty and craft behind simplistic but thoughtful writing.