Haiku for the Kilted

**Dreadbelly** · 27th March 07, 08:18 AM

That is the beauty of the western Haiku. At least for me. In Japan, a single word could mean an entire phrase, so to speak, from my very limited understanding of the language. Here in the west, words tend to be singular in nature.

How does one express an entire thought or an entire chain of emotion in 5 or 7 syllables? You could write an entire sonnet to express love, or an epic tale, but how do you dump the entire contents of your heart and mind in to seventeen syllables? How do you move your reader? How do you inspire joy, sadness, sorrow, anger, or emotion in others with so little you can say? I understand that in the Japanese, there is a great deal more flexibility and grace with the language... The Haiku is a whole different beast. But here, things are much harder, which is why good English Haikus are well respected.

English is such a hard language... It fails. A really good example is the English Bible, when Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. In English, all you see is the word love, repeated three times. In Greek, the questions are so much more... Peter, are you my friend? Peter, are you my brother? Peter, is your love enough to die for me? Yet the translators just used the word "Love."

How do you express emotions like those in such a limited space? With few words?

The western Haiku aint much, some sneer at it. But I believe that the rules that govern it and the challenge of the English language make it beautiful. It twists your arm and forces you to express your self in ways that you normally wouldn't do.

Now go away. And stop looking at me like that. Yes, a man can be both a beast and have a sensitive poetic soul. We rough brutes are often the ones with the most delicate insides.

**Fearnest** · 27th March 07, 08:30 AM

Well said, brother Dread!
The poet within, pauses.
Peace, and harmony.

**Mike1** · 27th March 07, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Dreadbelly

I think it would be great if every XMarker posted in Haiku for just one day.

Please save all that up for a day that I am unable to access the forum, aye?

**Dreadbelly** · 27th March 07, 10:30 AM

But Mike, you told me to think carefully about what I say. Haiku makes me think about what is actually being typed.

Think about how nice it would be if everybody did that for just one day.

You wouldn't have any clean up!

**brandycr** · 27th March 07, 10:49 AM

Dread I knew you were a mush pot on the inside (just joking) but I am glad that your confident enough in who you are to discuss poetry.Makes me smile.Proud of you !

**Fearnest** · 27th March 07, 10:51 AM

Pity the poor mods...
Words are messy when used wrong.
Clean up on Thread Two!

**Big Mikey** · 27th March 07, 11:50 AM

Quoting Dreadbelly...."How does one express an entire thought or an entire chain of emotions in 5 or 7 syllables?"

"A tank made for you, half price."

I think that tells quite a story!

**Kiltedfirepiper** · 27th March 07, 11:56 AM

she was in kilt shock

march wind blows wild to and fro
no skivies on me!!

:mrgreen:

**Oldhiker** · 27th March 07, 12:07 PM

This family ours
Pay homage with thy own colors
These Kilts proudly worn !

**Fearnest** · 27th March 07, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by Big Mikey

Quoting Dreadbelly...."How does one express an entire thought or an entire chain of emotions in 5 or 7 syllables?"

"A tank made for you, half price."

I think that tells quite a story!

Wow, a one-line, seven-syllable Haiku... I, sir, stand in awe!