Haiku 31

writing
late into the night -
an owl sleeps



NOTE: I know these last "haiku" I've posted aren't technically correct. They are more leaning towards senryu... I just label them Haiku (I'm not quite sure... it's just a habit).

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Joan C. Fingon

Date: 1/29/2020 11:34:00 AM

What is interesting is that I think what you wrote is haiku. I can see why you might be confused I get that way too. Yet, there are many different definitions of haiku in American Contemporary and traditional Japanese writing of this form. In some contests and journals you do not always need 5-7-5 or 17 total syllables, you can have less and could use less if it makes the haiku image stronger. Just my 2 cents.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/23/2013 10:10:00 AM

I just realized you were one of the few who went back to actually check the comments to the comments!! And I found out you were looking for the word enjambment all this time. Yes, I only learned that word in 2001 when I took an online poetry course. I left more comments to my comments on the senryu about handsies. I rarely comment on comments but I had fun doing it for that particular poem!

Jack Jordan

Date: 5/22/2013 4:57:00 PM

I'm certain it IS a haiku, a contemporary one for sure, but a haiku none the less. Yes, it doesn't follow traditional rules, but then there are many examples of modern haiku that don't, including one-word haiku. Write what you want. It's the feeling that matters, not following the rules. Jack

Timothy Hicks
Date: 5/22/2013 10:45:00 PM

I like your aim, Jack. The feeling and atmosphere of it... infinitely more important than the rules. I guess if you can't really "feel" the haiku, than it's not all that great...

Eileen Manassian

Date: 5/22/2013 2:54:00 PM

Oh Timothy...this is lovely..haiku or senryu...who cares when it's this good! :) Yes...I've had the owls sleep while I'm writing away...Lovely!

Timothy Hicks
Date: 5/22/2013 10:44:00 PM

... the fate of the poet, I suppose. Thanks for reading me, Eileen... as always!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/22/2013 10:14:00 AM

Good to be learning differences between senryu and haiku. I just LOVE this. It is me so often, the one awake while the owls actually get to sleep!! thanks for your comment on my last sonnet, glad you can realize I am doing enjambments.

Timothy Hicks
Date: 5/22/2013 10:42:00 PM

Enjambment! That's the word! I couldn't for the life of me remember it, but I knew it was a poetic tool...

Russell Sivey

Date: 5/22/2013 6:30:00 AM

Awesome, this is a totally wondrous write my friend...whether or not it right doesn't matter, it is a poem and a very good one! I have to admit I'm not a very good Haiku person myself, so don't fret about labeling it, I probably won't notice the difference (sorry Debbie)! You have portrayed a very good piece, Great Work!!

Timothy Hicks
Date: 5/22/2013 10:42:00 PM

I'm happy you can still appreciate the form even if you can't exactly write them yourself... Haiku (for me) has endless possibilities... so I don't like STRICTLY staying to the nature themes.

S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri

Date: 5/22/2013 2:50:00 AM

Hmm nice haiku! A dis night owl sleeps eh! I tink coz he's bored of sleepin in daylight.

Timothy Hicks
Date: 5/22/2013 10:40:00 PM

Haha... well my actual intention with was to insinuate that the writer stayed up ALL night... thus the sleeping owl... lol. Thanks for checking me out!