Haikus, Tankas, and Limericks Short-Form Poetry

Haikus Haikus are a form of Japanese poetry. Haikus have 17 syllables. The pattern is: Line 1 – 5 syllables Line 2 – 7 syllables Line 3 – 5 syllables In haikus, there is no need for rhyme. Haikus are typically about nature.

Haiku Example A bad example: Haikus are easy But sometimes they don’t make sense Refrigerator A good example: The red blossom bends And drips its dew to the ground Like a tear it falls

Tankas Tankas are also a form of Japanese poetry. Tankas have 31 syllables. The pattern is: Line 1 – 5 syllables Line 2 – 7 syllables Line 3 – 5 syllables Line 4 – 7 syllables Line 5 – 7 syllables Tankas also do not rhyme. Tankas are typically about nature, seasons, love, sadness, or emotions in general.

Tanka Example Beautiful mountains Rivers with cold, cold water White cold snow on rocks Trees over the place with frost White sparkly snow everywhere

Limericks Limericks are an English/Irish form of poetry. Limericks consist of five lines, each of which follow a specific rhythm. Limericks also follow a rhyme scheme. The structure is as follows (written to emphasize the rhythm) Line 1 – da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (A) Line 2 – da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (A) Line 3 – da da DUM da da DUM (B) Line 4 – da da DUM da da DUM (B) Line 5 – da da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (or da DUM)(A)

Limerick Example There was an old man from Peru, (A) da DUM da da DUM da da DUM Who dreamed he was eat- ing his shoe. (A) da DUM da da DUM da da DUM He a- woke in the night, (B) da da DUM da da DUM With a ter- ri- ble fright, (B) da da DUM da da DUM And found out that it was quite true. (A) da da DUM da da DUM da DUM

Your Assignment Write one of each type of poem: Haiku Tanka Limerick Please write all of your poems on a single sheet of paper. Use multiple columns, or write on the back of the sheet if necessary. Poems are due on Friday, January 18.