Haikus

Haiku is a fascinating form of poetry that has been around since the 17th century. The more I practice, the more I recognize how this disciplined form of writing has changed the way I think – it has changed the words I choose. The art of the haiku is all about expressing as much and suggesting even more in the fewest possible words.

Restrictions of 17 syllables across 3 lines of 5-7-5 creates an interesting challenge, and forces the author to carefully choose the most appropriate word possible. Haiku writing, for me, is a form of cathartic release, and has become somewhat of a compulsive habit. I find myself counting syllables in the middle of a conversation where there is a relevant line or something that catches my ear.

I have never considered myself a writer for some reason, although with a growing collection of hundreds of haikus, it turns out that I am! I decided to share a few of these poems with you in the form of  GIFs. The repetitive and momentary nature of the GIF seems to fit well with the idea behind the haiku format. Eventually I will release a book with a more extensive look into my haiku addiction, but for now these will do.