Haiku is something everyone should try at least once in their lives. Not only is it fun, but it is also quite simple: the first line has five syllables, the second has seven, and then the third has five. Of course, the more traditional Japanese Haiku was a bit different, (that is, it was longer, usually written in conjunction with other poets, and it dealt with environment, Buddhist principles, seasons, et cetera). Nevertheless, the Haiku principle remains the same. Listen to the Haiku bellow (bellow as in roar, not below as in beneath [because that has one "L"]):
Fingernail clippings
Scattered on the hardwood floor
Look like little smiles.
Turn the faucet on
Wash my hands until they’re clean
Turn the faucet off
Dead armadillo
Scattered all over the road
Probably a Ford
Cold wind numbs the face
Hot wind parches the senses
Where does it come from?
Flowing through the veins
Blood is the river of life
Cells are tiny boats
Fifteen minutes left
Until the sun sets again
Same as yesterday
Birds chirping outside
Singing in sweet melodies
Makes my cat hungry
Playing my guitar
Moving up and down the frets
Wonder what’s for lunch
Everyone can write
Some just better than others
I wish I was “some”
The Buddhist principle is what? Well, it is many things; it is one thing, and each Haiku above shares that principle.
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