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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

Dusk (Haiku)

Twilight stars arise Lighting the midnight highway There’s nothing to fear 11/3/17 My first response to Colleen’s Weekly […]

November 3, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

In the Night (Senryu)

Disguised by the night Strange murmurs in the darkness Alone with myself 10/27/17 My response to Colleen’s Weekly […]

October 27, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Out There (haiku)

A peaceful blackness Quiet murmuring giants The space between stars. 10/17/17 This is my response to Colleen’s Weekly […]

October 17, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Reflection (Senryu)

Hollow haunted eyes Looking back from the mirror A ghost wrapped in flesh. 10/11/17 This is my response […]

October 11, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Shapes in the Mist (Haiku)

A shape in the mist Distant, ill defined; alone Shadows in the fog 10/5/17 This was written in […]

October 6, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Momentary (Senryu)

A joyful moment The spirit washes over The moment passes 9/28/17 This is my response to Colleen’s Weekly #Poetry […]

September 30, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

The Gift (Haiku)

A song on the breeze Gentle, soothing; organic Gifted to us all. 9/20/17 This is my response to […]

September 22, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Casting Shadows (Haiku)

Light banishes dark Yet the darkness still exists The light casts shadows 8/22/17 This is my response to […]

August 22, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Personal Goals (a senryu)

Nourish and flourish Pride in being authentic Have hate for no one. 8/10/17 My response to Colleen’s Weekly […]

August 11, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

Living (Haiku)

Green leaf canopy Wild nature living; thriving Peaceful stillness flows 7/18-7/19/17 This is my response to Colleen’s Weekly #Poetry […]

July 19, 2017 Formal Poetry, Haiku / Senryu, Poetry

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