Haiku
Haiku (jap. 俳句) is a short form of Japanese poetry in three phrases, typically characterized by three qualities:
- The essence of haiku is kiru (cutting). This is often represented by the juxtaposition of two images or ideas and a kireji (cutting word) between them.
- Traditional haiku often consist of 17 syllables, in three phrases of 5, 7, and 5.
- A kigo (seasonal reference) with topics as season, heaven, earth, humanity, observances, animals, or plants.
Matsuo Bashō
Matsuo Bashō (松尾芭蕉) was the most famous poet of the Edo period in Japan. I love his poems and highly recommend reading some of his work. His poems inspired me to start writing my own.