1. HAIKU

2. What is Haiku? • A form of poetry made popular in Japan, which has become appreciated around the world. • Grew out of a writing game in which one person would write the first three lines and then another would write the last two lines.

3. What is Haiku about? • Haiku can describe anything, but are seldom complicated or hard to understand. Almost all Haiku has a dominant impression, or main idea, that appeals strongly to one of the five senses. • Nature is a predominant theme of Haiku.

4. Haiku Structure • Exactly 17 syllables • 1st line five syllables • 2nd line seven syllables • 3rd line five syllables • Avoids similes and metaphors • Refers to a season of the year • Expresses a thought or feeling

5. Haiku Master • One of the greatest Haiku poets was the Samurai, Basho (1644-1694). • To become a Samurai, Basho served a local lord who was fond of writing. • Basho learned the style of writing Haiku and under the name Sabo he traveled throughout Japan writing until his death.

6. Example of Basho’s Work This snowy morning That black crow I hate so much But he’s beautiful ! • Use of nature-winter. • To use nature to express a mood is the heart of Haiku. • Black crow against snow-shows beauty and balance.

7. The Seasonal Theme • Each haiku must contain a kigo, a season word, which indicates what season of the year the Haiku is set in. • Examples: blossoms would indicate spring snow-winter mosquitoes-summer • The seasonal word may not always be obvious, consider the theme of the poem.

8. Conclusion • Japan is a country of many customs, ways of living, sounds, tastes, and Haiku. • Haiku is valued for their simplicity, openess, depth, and lightness. Clouds appear and bring to men a chance to rest from looking at the moon