FAQ June 24, 2008

What are the guidelines for writing a haiku?
How do I get in on this?
Do I have to write one every day?
How should I title my posts?

 

 

What are the guidelines for writing a haiku?

The form of haiku has evolved over time and translation, but most Americans encounter the haiku in the form of a 3-line syllabic verse.
The first line has five
Pulses; the second, seven.
Then, five beats again.

For our haiku year, you may wish to modify this form: more or fewer syllables, give or take a line. The point is to crystallize a moment of thought or feeling into a few short lines. As described in the book the haiku year, some traditional themes for haiku include:  

• Seasonal references to establish time and place
• The moment seized and rendered purely, captured in an instant of Buddhist (or Zen) enlightenment
• Reflections of the particular consciousness, or point of view of the authors, his or her loneliness, or comedy, or anger.

How do I get in on this?

Comment on this page. We’ll send an invitation to your Email address (which will not be published on the site) to log in with your WordPress ID or to create a WordPress user ID. You should then be able to share your haiku whenever you want.

Do I have to write one every day?

No. But you should try. It will change your life.

How should I title my posts?

Any way you like. We’d prefer for you to indicate chronology – perhaps by numbering 1, 2, 3 or a, b, c, or by date. Since we have multiple users, we’d prefer for you to indicate your username in the subject line. You may like to give your haiku a title, or you may think more is better left unsaid.