Question on Haiku Syllable Count

Amrit Sinha
from Gurgaon, Kolkata
8 years ago

The 5-7-5 count in haiku is mandatory when written in its original form, ie. Japanese. The Japanese follow sounds, not syllables. For example, Tokyo in Japanese will have 4 sounds, 'toe-oh-kyo-oh', but just 2 syllables in English. While writing in English, we have adopted the 5-7-5 pattern as syllable count, which is actually incorrect. However, most of us (including me) has stuck to this pattern, 'cause it is widely accepted now.

Many prefer to write 3-5-3 as that makes the haiku feel light, and that's exactly how it should be. Whether you are writing 5-7-5, or 3-5-3, or not following any pattern at all, you should always try to keep your haiku light and simple, and make sure it makes the readers visualise the scenes in your words. That's the most important characteristic of a good haiku 

Sunaina
from Edison
8 years ago

Thanks Amrit. Would you mind having a look at some of my attempts and see if I am doing justice to the style.....?

 

http://istoppedtosmellarose.blogspot.com/2015/10/god.html

http://istoppedtosmellarose.blogspot.com/2015/10/dutch-tulips.html

Amrit Sinha
from Gurgaon, Kolkata
8 years ago

Wow ... you are doing it real good ... loved reading them 

RioZee
from Out of this yEt in this World
8 years ago

My understanding is that Haiku was a saint and his poetic words had inner depth. I see no count mandatory. If your words have the depth Haiku himself had. Just my way of seeing it.

Sunaina
from Edison
8 years ago

Thanks Rio.....I was upset that I had made a big mistake and wanted to re-attempt all that I had written. Please spare some time to see if what I am writing makes sense as per Haiku style.....

http://istoppedtosmellarose.blogspot.com/2015/10/dutch-tulips.html

http://istoppedtosmellarose.blogspot.com/2015/10/god.html

 

RioZee
from Out of this yEt in this World
8 years ago

I see talent there. Beautifully written the heart down..

RioZee
from Out of this yEt in this World
8 years ago

This is not a haiku, but my favorite Tao te ching verse: I droop and drift, as though I belonged nowhere,..,, All men have enough and to spare;... I alone seem to have lost everything. Mine is indeed the mind of a very idiot, So dull am I. The world is full of people that shine; .., I alone am dark, They look lively and self assured; I alone depressed. I seem unsettled as the ocean; Blown adrift, never brought to a stop. All men can be put to some use; I alone am intractable and boorish.

Sunaina
from Edison
8 years ago

This is so beautifully written, clearly stating the 'loneliness' of the poet......very very nice....