Friday, July 8, 2016

My current obsession - Haikus

I discovered my interest for Haikus and Senryus few months ago. Been reading them for a while now; but it was only few months ago that I wanted to write Haikus too. What captivated me are the challenges. They seem so simple at glance but to paint a lucid picture in the mind of the reader in those few words and leave a lasting impression needs a great deal of effort. That in turn should encourage the reader to visualize more beauty and there it grows! Ive been practicing and learning for a while now. Haiku's essence and techniques are so refreshing; makes one appreciate how less can mean more.

So been on a haiku writing spree. Here is one of my Haiku



This is a typical haiku following basic rules and techniques. Haikus are about celebrating nature and seasons. Haikus traditionally consist of 17 "on" or syllables. In Japanese; haikus are written in one single vertical line; while in English its written as 3 lines - with phrases of 5-7-5 syllable. These days; however the syllable and having nature as subject is not strictly followed. The other essence of Haiku is "kiru" meaning cutting. This is represented by juxtaposing two ideas and a "kireji" - cutting word between them. The job of "kireji" is to cut the flow of thoughts and take you to a parallel thought; either suggesting a parallelism or provide a heightened sense of closure. Haiku in English is not equivalent to writing it in Japanese; there is no direct equivalent to "kireji". So generally; a punctuation mark or a break is used to let the juxtapose take effect and let the reader reflect on the relationship between two contrast ideas. Here; my idea is the colorful chirpy life versus the location - cemetery.

 The other aspect of Haiku is "kigo" - a word implying season as I mentioned earlier; or time of the day. Kigo are not always part of Haiku. Apart from juxtaposition technique; there are few other basic techniques of Haiku. One is What-When-Where; which I've used here. Few others are techniques called Zooming, Unfolding, Shasei to name a few.

One of my Shasei - sketching from life. Its to describe whats exactly going on in the scene to absorb the experience and the situation; that can touch you.


The other variant of Haiku is Senryu. Its nothing but Haiku about humans. While Haiku tends to be about nature;  Senryu is about human and its generally dark humor and does not need to have kireji or kigo.

Here is one of my Senryu following all the rules and techniques



I am trying to add my haiku verses with my pictures so that the pictures and words make a great combination. Found haikus to be challenging my creativity and vocabulary. So loving it! Its not easy and I've been reading and practicing a lot. One of the greatest Haiku master was Basho. If interested; just google for Basho's haiku and enjoy his haikus.

I've a Facebook page where I upload them regularly; please visit and encourage. - https://www.facebook.com/the.bindutg/

14 comments:

  1. Quite informative. Though I love Haiku, not too keen on writing within set frames and rules.

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    Replies
    1. B,

      Ive discussed with you few times on these rules and frames. Its exciting to me; like a child finding a toy. I want to play with the rules for now and practice. I dont think my haikus are even average; but this is fun for now. Been reading a lot and Basho as well; awesome this technique is.

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  2. Beautiful Haiku
    You Write Better Poetry
    My Sincere Comment

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    Replies
    1. SG,

      Hahahaha you made my day; love it! Thank you. Yeah SG; poetry comes naturally to me; i need to practice for haikus though.

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  3. Learning never ends and you proved the point:)

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    Replies
    1. Rahul - yes. And it's such a pleasure learning new things

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  4. Painting a picture with very few words.. Thats talent and you've got loads of it. Looking forward for more Haikus from you...

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  5. Meety,

    Thanks dear. Its not easy; I find Haikus very intense and I cant match that intensity every time. I am trying :)

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  6. Bindu
    I am here after a long gap...
    Your writing has only improved over time.

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    Replies
    1. Chowla sir,

      Thank you. Honestly; I have regressed. Havent been writing much and I feel my writing quality has come down. So trying to get back to the groove sir.

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  7. beautiful haikus have to read again

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  8. Hey Ho

    I am not even going to attempt to understand How you can write like that ... BUT whatever little understand i have I can say it surly is lovely .. especially the first one ..

    so much calm in the pic and then the haiku on top of it .. BEAUTIFULLLLLlllllllllllllllllllllllllll


    Bikram's

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    Replies
    1. Bik,

      Hey wassup? Hope all is well with you. Ha just got interested and now attempting to write Haikus. Thanks Bik; the picture is of Dal Lake, Srinagar. I clicked it when I visited this April. The Haiku on it is my first ever :)

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