Haiku Tree

Last Friday I began to ponder and explore 'H' words/themes for this week's Alphabe-Thursday posting. I put together a rather lengthy list of words that I felt I could use in both word and picture. From 'Happy' to 'Hydroelectric', my list contained reasonably appropriate words to suit my taste and wherewithal. As I was working to narrow my list to one or two prime candidates, I was reminded that it was Tennessee Arbor Day. As a certified 'tree hugger', I was caught up in the moment and all the blogging about saving our trees and forests. I was moved to compose an impromptu poem about trees. While composing this poem the appropriate 'H' word dropped on me, like the apple and Newton's noggin. 'Haiku'...that simple yet often misunderstood form of Japanese poetry. So, it was goodbye to Hoecake and Hominy(although this combination was tasty and tempting), Herons and Hawks. Sayonara to Haunted, Hinges, Holes and Honey...and Hello to Haiku!

Haiku, this simple form of Japanese poetry, has roots dating back to the 8th century. It traditionally consists of 3, non-rhyming, lines with a 5-7-5 syllable count. Often Haikus suggest singular moments using a 'natural' theme(human included) and typically with a reference to season. I have listed below some links offering an abundance of information on history and style if you choose to explore further. Folks often ask if there is a Buddhism-Haiku connection. The answer is no, although many historic and current masters of this literary form were/are Buddhists, most notably Matsuo Basho and Kobayashi Issa(a Buddhist monk).

Haiku Tree

resting winter tree

branches spread across the sky

waiting for spring green

-by jeff campbell

As part of this exercise, and if you feel so moved, I would like to have comments include your own Haiku…and as a bonus I include my impromptu tree poem that led to my 'H'...

The Gift

How can we live

Without the tree?

God's gift for us,

For you, for me.

The shade for rest,

The limb for nest.

What we are is spoken best

By how we treat our trees.

Namaste

Haiku Links

http://www.big.or.jp/~loupe/links/ehisto/ehisinx.shtml

http://www.litkicks.com/HistoryOfHaiku

http://spice.stanford.edu/docs/138

http://www.cranberrydesigns.com/poetry/haiku/history.htm

I am a participant in Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday. I encourage all to visit her blog and participate. It is a great way to blog!