Writing Haiku in English

Optional Materials: Video of South Alps and classical music. See the teacher to borrow the video tape or some music.

a. Haiku was born in Japan, but has spread world-wide. Many famous Japanese haiku have been translated into English; furthermore, many original haiku have been written in English.

b. A traditional haiku has:

• 5 syllables (onji) in the first line
• 7 syllables in the second line
• 5 syllables in the third.

c. At first, do not worry about the number of syllables, concentrate on finding words that express your feelings.

Look in particular for images that can be seen, touched, heard, smelled, or tasted.

You do not need to use difficult words. Deep feeling can be expressed using simple, concrete words.

d. Your haiku should:

• Be short
• Have one or two clear images (pictures)
• Give a feeling of emotion to the reader

Examples from Matsuo Bashou:

On a barren branch [kare-eda ni]
A raven has perched-- [karasu no tomarikeri]
Autumn dusk [aki no kure]

Wet sand
Tumbling back
Into the sea

Butterfly floats
Through the air
Cloudy autumn sky

 A boat
On the water
After the hurricane

Assignment:

1. Watch the video of the South Alps and write down words and images you see that are impressive.
2. Assemble your collected words into a finished haiku.
3. Share your poem with other students.

Variation:

1. Look at the words on the Movie Description Vocabulary and General Movie Vocabulary pages.
2. Use them to write a haiku movie review.