The Haiku-a-day challenge

The Haiku-a-day challenge

I love to write, but I find that I don’t always have the time to do as much as I would like.  Life gets in the way, especially small, cute, and young life, also known as my daughters, who require a great deal of attention.  Who knew that parenting was so much work?  Well, other than everyone, that is.  This led me to follow in the footsteps of several of my friends on Facebook, who have posting updates on various 30 or 60 day challenges in which they are engaged, whether spiritual or health/fitness related.

I chose to make this a 30 day haiku challenge for two reasons: 30 days seems reasonable, and I love haiku.  I love the surprising depth and simplicity of the form.  Traditionally, a haiku is a nature poem consisting of 17 sounds in the Japanese language, arranged in three lines of five, seven, and five sounds, respectively.  The concept of 17 sounds has been mistranslated as meaning 17 syllables in western languages.  Haiku written in English do not strictly need 17 syllables, however, I prefer to follow this rule, as it forces me to carefully consider each and every word, which I believe makes for better poems.

Haiku are written about topics in nature, however, there is a parallel and identical form known as senryu, which can cover almost any topic, usually with a more humorous tone than the more serious haiku.  The only thing that differentiates a haiku and a senryu is the subject matter.  I tend to write haiku and senryu in equal amounts.

For me, haiku and senryu can contain a kernel of beauty and wisdom that allows them to be as meaningful as any longer poetic form.  I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have and will enjoy writing them.