The writing exercise I’m sharing today is from my book 101 Creative Writing Exercises. This book takes readers on a journey through different genres and forms while also providing inspiration, writing techniques, and practical experience.
Each chapter is devoted to a specific form of writing or concept. These include freewriting, journaling and memoirs.
We’ll be looking at Chapter 7, Form Poetry, with a poetry exercise called “Haiku.” Enjoy!
Haiku
Haiku is a complex form of poetry, despite its simplicity. You need to understand the Japanese language or, more specifically, the key differences between Japanese and English in order to appreciate haiku truly. Traditional haiku also adhere to some pretty strict rules in terms of form and content.
A haiku is composed of seventeen Moras, or phonetic units. The word Mora is loosely translated as Syllable.
A haiku verse is composed of seventeen syllables. Haiku used to be written on one line. Modern haiku are composed of three lines with 5-7-5 syllables.
Haiku uses a device known as Kireji. This word divides the haiku into two distinct but connected parts. Since the kireji concept is not used in English, poets who write haiku often use punctuation instead, such as a hyphen, ellipses, or other symbols.
The kireji gives structure to the verse and highlights imagery on both sides. You may not be able to identify the kireji easily, but you can look for words or punctuation marks that break the flow of the verse and split it into two haikus.
Kigo is another basic element in haiku. True haikus are set in a specific season and have a strong connection to nature. The kigo can be a clear word, such as snow, which indicates winter. Or it can be vague, like leave, which could be present at any time of the year.
Contemporary Haiku
There is a lot of debate (and controversy) about what technically qualifies a haiku. Some poets only adhere to the 5-7-5 line and syllabic structure, and ignore the kireji or kigo elements. Purists claim that a haiku poem does not qualify if it doesn’t meet the requirements.
Many modern poets don’t write haiku that are exclusively focused on nature. Modern haiku can be written on any topic.
Exercise
Write a few haiku. This exercise will require you to write a poem with seventeen syllables over three lines in the meter 5-7-5.
The best haiku use almost tangible images. Many haiku contain a surprise element or clever turns of phrase, similar to puns.
Variations: Write some haiku following stricter rules. These haiku deal with nature, and they include kireji and kigo.
Haiku is still popular in poetry and literary journals. Haiku are great for Twitter and other social media. They’re also quick and easy to write. They encourage clear, concise writing as well as the use of vivid imagery.
Try it out
Please feel free to share your haiku in the comments. Do not forget to get a copy of 101 Creative Writing Exercises, available in ebook and paperback.
