Training Session #1 - Mary Macin

theHaikuUmm...Didn’t we learn this in 3rd grade?!

Haiku Basics

Originated in Japan around the 17th century

Considered a “lighter” form of poetry; often uses wit and wordplay to get point across

Subtly is valued over specificity

Anatomy of a HaikuThe haiku consists of 17 total syllables:

5 syllables in Line 1

7 syllables in Line 2

5 syllables in Line 3

Green and speckled legs,Hop on logs and lily pads

Splash in cool water.

Anatomy of a SyllableSyllables refer more to ‘speech sounds’ than to specific blocks of letters

[Very] basically, a word is broken into syllables where there is a hard break in the way it is spoken

Water = “Wa” and “ter”

Syllable = “Syl” and “la” and “ble”

Training = “Trai” and “ning”

Development

You Try!

Things to Consider

The Japanese do not have the same ‘syllable’ structure we do, so the “5,7,5” rule is a western construct

True beauty of a haiku is not in the number of its syllables but in the spirit of its idea

Now it’s your turn...Time to practice!