Haiku - also called Hokku, Japanese poetic form consisting of 17 syllables arranged in three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables each. Originating in the first three lines of the traditional 31-syllable tanka, or short poem, haiku began to rival the older form in theTokugawa period (1603–1867), when the great master Matsuo Basho elevated haiku to a highly refined and conscious art. It has since remained the most popular poetic form. Many of Bashx's haiku were actually the hokku (initial verse) of a renga (linked verse). The term haiku is derived from the first element of the word haikai (a comical verse of 17 syllables) and the second of hokku; for centuries the two terms haikai and hokku were used as synonyms of haiku. Originally, the form was restricted in subject matter to an objective description of nature suggestive of one of the seasons, evoking a definite, though unstated, emotional response. Later its subject range was broadened, but it remained an art of expressing much and suggesting more in the fewest possible words. Other outstanding haiku masters are Buson in the 18th century, Kobayashi Issain the 18th and 19th centuries, and Masaoka Shiki in the latter 19th century.
(From 13-06-04)
ah, sweet Oblivion …
my long-sought-for destination
I arrived – yesterday!
______________________
once he boldly plunged
into wild waters beckoning
now gropes for bath-sponge
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grim is life, love lost
anyway, now its just a sad
forgotten forgery
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shows all his shiny facets
I am not dazzled
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my haikus flow like
babbling brooks on Mount Fuji
as carefree kids shout!
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authenti-city
a big town where he gets lost
looking for real deals
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Aotearoa, ay?
sail into the west
they want to support my work…
show me the money!
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late autumn red leaves
heart in lurching seas
death roams amongst me
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(22-6-04
belly button
fluff
why is it always dark blue?
navy navel lint
this winter I will
collect bales of the blue stuff
knit me some jersey
so keep an
ear out
for the fluff truck coming to
a depot near you.
________________________
vote myself off the island
to the continent!
__________________________
grips its cowering prey
hunted in season
________________________
painting my Sistine Chapel
a labour of love
_______________________
25-06-04
chalice well
I am
lower your thirsty bucket
let me fill you up
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parabrahman est
make way for the all
_______________________
cast your roving loving eye
blessed redeemer
_______________________
human frailty
tenuous hold on life’s line
weave more thread
_______________________
equilibrium
stand poised at the balance
we will weigh you up
_______________________
in the sunset of his days
defences razed
________________________
captured my citadel
regained her domain
_______________________
reigns in this precious moment
steals the raucous din
_______________________
hello elusive
grace me with your presence fine
warm me this sunrise
___________________________
unpacked my laden bins
cleared empty now
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