Try a Haibun

Japanese poet Basho popularized the haibun form in the seventeenth century. The haibun presents a scene or moment caught in prose.  A haiku follows as a climax or epiphany.   

A defining moment occurs between the prose and the haiku.  

The connection between the two offers a springboard to a variety of thoughts and unexpected meanings. 

One does not define or explain the other but both add to the whole experience.

Choose an emotional moment or a nature scene.  It could also be an exchange with another person. Write 20 to 118 words in the prose segment.

Make every word expressive. Include nouns of description, active verbs, sensory imagery and rhythm. 

Add a haiku. First line of five syllables, follow with seven syllables then end with five syllables.

Or, alternate between prose paragraphs and haikus. You can create a single haiku sandwiched between two paragraphs of prose poetry, or continue the process as long as you like.



Around the neighborhood, the breeze brings scents of morning: muffins, bacon and coffee.  Sparrows awaken in song and share sound waves with mockingbirds.  Dew drips from morning glories and daisies that shine in the sun. The ocean lazes and folds in egg white that scramble to shore. Pelicans, cormorants and seagulls begin their day of flying and feeding.  Around each corner a day breaks fresh with discovery.

Children chalk sidewalk

Red, yellow combine with blue

Give sunshine to passersby