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John W. Leys

Indie Poet & Writer
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Category Archive: Haiku / Senryu

Haiku is an unrhymed Japanese verse consisting of three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables (5, 7, 5) or 17 syllables in all. Haiku is usually written in the present tense, focuses on nature (seasons), and includes a kireji (cutting word) and a kigo (season word). Japanese Haiku differ from those in English in that Japanese “syllables” are counted much differently. Some writers of English Haiku disregard the syllable count and try to stay true to the spirit of the original Japanese form. Some, like myself, don’t always stick to the traditional subject matter.

Senryu is a related form that is identical in structure to Haiku (5/7/5), but differs in subject and tone. Senryū tend to be about human foibles while haiku tend to be about nature, and senryū are often cynical or darkly humorous while haiku are more serious. Unlike haiku, senryū do not include a kireji and do not generally include a kigo.

My understanding is that Haiku can be about human nature and Senryu can be about nature. The major difference is the tone of the poem.

I’ve grouped these two forms together because, often, it is hard to classify a poem as one or the other. Also, I often experiment with these forms and have produced some that I don’t think really fall into either category.

More info at Shadow Poetry

Coffee Shop Haiku

Chilly April morn Chai Latte and a good book Snow falls from the sky 4/16/18 My 15th poem […]

April 15, 2018 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Lotus Flower Haiku

Lotus flowers float Atop the dirty water Growing in the sun. 4/12/18 My 13th poem for National Poetry […]

April 13, 2018 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Rain – a Haiku

Darkened stormy skies Humidity is rising Rain is on its way 4/3/18 My fourth poem for National Poetry […]

April 4, 2018 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Life – a Haiku

The glory of life Maturing in the sunlight Rooted in the Earth. 4/3/18 My third poem for National […]

April 3, 2018 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Haiku About the Sun

The Sun is shining, Light escaping darkened clouds, Warmth through frozen air. 3/18/18

March 20, 2018 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Haiku about a Bird

Bird perched on a branch In a naked leaf-less tree, Then he flies away 3/18/18

March 19, 2018 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Haiku Written While Looking Out My Dining Room Window

Blue skies patched with grey Naked trees, a winter breeze, The birds are singing. 2/10/18

February 10, 2018 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Snowy Woods (Haiku)

A path in the woods Soft snow lays on frozen trees Warm winter sun sets 1/20/18 This haiku […]

January 21, 2018 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Comfort (Haiku)

Comfortable, warm Cotton, Wool, and body heat Scented candles burn. 11/16/17 My third response to Colleen’s Weekly #Poetry […]

November 16, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

October (Haiku)

Golden Foliage Summer falls into Winter Frozen until Spring 11/3/17 My second response to Colleen’s Weekly #Poetry Tuesday […]

November 7, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

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