Some Thought on Haiku By Michael Dylan Welch - Charles Henderson's Blog

The following is not a quote.   It is a direct statement written by Michael Dylan Welch for us to use as persons trying to write haiku in a responsible, world class way.  It was said in open forum on Facebook to our own Deb Guzzie in response to a question she put to him. 

by Michael:
 I practically never use colons and semicolons in haiku. A semicolon belongs in a legal document, not haiku (in my humble opinion). A colon is usually too heavy-handed in haiku because it forces the equation of "this = that". So, if I use punctuation in haiku, it is usually limited to a dash (to indicate a quick or simultaneous shift/cut) or an ellipsis (to suggest s slight passing of time or to suggest that the reader linger on what precedes the ellipsis before reading on). I'll also use a comma where naturally needed. Sometimes line breaks can suggest punctuation, too, meaning that punctuation isn't always necessary (some poets prefer to do without punctuation entirely). Another alternative is to indent a line instead of using punctuation.  assonance and consonance and alliteration can be used effectively in haiku, occasionally even repetition. However, like anything, they can be overused too.

 An ellipsis (plural is ellipses) is three dots/periods . . . like this, used to indicate an interruption or pause in everyday writing (or an omission from quoted text). The Chicago Manual of Style (used as a style manual for most book publi...shers) recommends using spaces before/after each period. Some people prefer no spaces...like this. I use the spaces. If you use spaces, don't forget to include a space between the word and the first or last period! (There's also a single ellipsis character, but it's frequently misused, and I avoid it.)

OMG...Now Michael says THIS?? "There's nothing wrong with the last line being longest." It's days like this when I want to run screaming from the whole idea of WRITING haiku....now why are you saying short/long/short is not even needed in a proper haiku formate..GAH! non guidelines at all,,,grrrrr  Debbie Guzzi Of course..I am only venting to you..because you are here! ;)CHARLES PLEASE PLACE THIS DISCUSSION IN OUR DOCUMENTS

"Michael freedom has a downside and it is fear caused by the lack of structure..so what would you say are the defining targets HIT that make a short verse a haiku...be as simple as possible please  

• Michael Dylan Welch- The primary targets for a haiku (in no particular order) are a) primarily objective sensory imagery, b) usually three lines, c) present tense, d) season word, e) two-part juxtapositional structure, f) creating an immediate personal experience. Above all, don't write about your emotions; write about what *caused* your emotions.

• Michael is a world renown haiku master, who has written many essays and books on the subject of Haiku and other Japenese poetry.  He owns the "Graceguts" haiku website, all are welcome to view.  Simply google "Graceguts". 

Phyllis Babcock Date: 11/29/2011 10:53:00 AM thanks for the info Login to Reply

Charles Henderson Date: 11/25/2011 9:46:00 AM Ruben this blog is word for word by a world class haiku writer whom I do not wish to see anyone disrespect. I could have a fitting remark aimed at you but am not that type of person. It has nothing to do with me. Do not shoot the messenger. My friends do not appreciate your comments and neither do I. Login to Reply

Ruben Ramos Date: 11/22/2011 5:52:00 AM Too much jargon stifles the spirit. All literature evolves. Get over yourself please. Login to Reply

Charles Henderson Date: 11/20/2011 1:48:00 AM btw- I have run into this several times in the past week. The plural of haiku is not haikus, it is haiku. Login to Reply

Olusegun Arowolo Date: 11/20/2011 1:37:00 AM Thanks Charles,for your information on Haiku.I`ve now adjusted my entry on the "short,short Haiku"contest.Check it out,please.remain blessed. Login to Reply

Natalie The Rogue Rhymer Date: 11/19/2011 12:44:00 PM Wow I thought I was confused before...this makes it even more confusing. I think writing haikus the right way is reserved for those of you with iqs over 160 or something. My very intelligent neighbor, Jane, is one of the smartest people I know and this is her favorite form! Login to Reply

Carrie Richards Date: 11/19/2011 8:46:00 AM Thank you Charles for passing on these words to help us master the art of haiku. Although, I still struggle, I have learned so much. I find myself cringing a little now, while reading my own entries from the past, especially those in the beginning that were simple long, running sentences. It helps me to know, I have at least, made some headway. Thanks much to you and Debbie for all the advice and help. :) Login to Reply

Brian Strand Date: 11/19/2011 2:53:00 AM Some useful tips here Charles...especially Michael's concluding 'above all'... show don't tell.Rgds Brian Login to Reply