The term “English Haiku” is quite a misnomer. The traditional Japanese short-form poetry really doesn’t have an English equal that can replicate its brevity and simplicity of language, because of the difference between syllables and word order in Japanese and English. So over the ages, poets have done the best they can to come up with a rough equivalent for the English language.
Probably the most well-known of these attempts is the three-line, 17-syllable structure, or the 5-7-5 structure, wherein there is no rhyming. Furthermore, the piece should reflect a moment in nature and, in the best case scenario, indicate the season in which is takes place.
English haiku have taken on different forms in recent years. The trend, as it is for most of poetry these days, is leading towards less structure. I may explore those types of English haiku in the future, but for my most recent writing sessions, I have stuck to the “traditional” English haiku of 5-7-5. I’ve also done my best to keep the emphasis on nature and the truth it sometimes reveals to the observer.
With that in mind, here are some of my most recent:
Frigid river runs.
Surrounding snow insulates.
It can still be heard.
*
Smell of coming snow.
A wind louder than the waves.
It is still the beach.
*
Sweltering midnight.
Steam from a recent down pour.
The goddesses make love.
*
Light snow in April
Melted away by lunchtime.
Yes, I remember.
*
Strong wind in July.
The putrid heat is moving.
I do not say much.
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