It’s not as scary as it sounds. Haiku It’s not as scary as it sounds.
Line structure Comes from Japan; we’re going to look at the English version Haikus follow a 5-7-5 pattern in Japan. English Haiku does not use 5-7-5 often, but for the purposes of this class, we will do the traditional line structure in a language we can al understand. 17 syllables total. Usually has a ‘season’ word in it (things that have to do with any of the seasons) or in Japanese, a kigo. Use of 2 implicit images that are split up by some kind of line break, punctuation interjection, or grammar break. Remember, conflict & contrast are key to creating a haiku with meaning. Haiku is so short, that telling a story becomes a far greater feat. Try thinking of it in terms of a snapshot that tells your entire story with its very small, quick existence.
Examples An old silent pond... A frog jumps into the pond, splash! Silence again. -Basho -In Japanese , this is more simply translated, and it does not fit the English meter, but it does fit in the native language. Over the wintry forest, winds howl in rage with no leaves to blow. –Soseki I kill an ant and realize my three children have been watching. –Shuson -Not a traditional Haiku in structure, [4-7-4] but do you see the story in such a small space?
Assignment In groups, designate up to three people to draw on the board a seasonal image (a picture describing a kigo) with which to write your haiku about. Designate another person in your group to draw the “board” product on a piece of paper. Then together, find the words for your haiku. Ask yourself & answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper: 1) What do you think the speaker sees in this poem? 2) What is the surprise in this poem? 3) What is the theme of this poem? 4) Describe the scene and the mood of this poem.
Homework Study for tomorrow’s quiz on literary terms, and the types of poems we have discussed. Class notes, PowerPoints, and other pertinent information with which to study can be found on my website: www.crayolakristy.weebly.com Revise poems to bring to workshop after the quiz.
Workshop Let’s talk about the workshop… This is a time where we will take group discussion and use it to discuss our poetry amongst each other. You have a choice to workshop two of your poems – excluding the Cinquain, and your free verse poem. Choose two from: -I Am -Image -Sonnet -Limerick -Haiku You will pass your work around the group so that each member has a chance to give you feedback. When it gets back to you, use peer feedback to change up your poem in new ways. I will choose a few to read their poems aloud, so be prepared.