Today's Project

I thought we'd try something new at this blog: projects. We all work on them independently. Linking/posting isn't required, but it's always nice. It's a way to keep the creative juices flowing, as well as challenging yourself to think about things you don't always think about.

So, to start this project on a positive note, write an account of the time in your life you're most proud of. Even if it's just a small, tiny moment, if it makes you happy and proud to be a human being, write it out. Even if you don't share it, even if you keep it secret -- write it out. Look back on that memory with pride and smile a warm, happy smile.

I plan on doing it too. I can't say how long it'll take me, as I've been busy (and sick), but I do plan on doing it. And I plan on making this a series if it goes over well with my readers. Even if you don't share what you wrote, feedback would still be lovely. Mayhaps you could let me know if you liked the exercise? Or you could tell others whether or not you liked it? And if you like it, maybe you can link it.

How to Write Good Haiku

A lot of people think haiku is the lazy person's poetry -- but they're wrong (and I daresay ignorant). Haiku is an art all its own. It relies on formula, but also style. And it's important to add your own flourishes to really make it your own.

Haiku are composed of 17 moras (syllables, in English). There are five syllables on the first line, seven on the second, and five on the third.

Often times, nature is mentioned in the first line. Here is an example of a traditional haiku by Matsuo Basho:

fuji no kaze ya,
oogi ni nosete,
Edo miyage

Translation:

The wind of Mt. Fuji,
I've brought my fan!
A gift from Edo

As you can see, wind, a force of nature, is mentioned in the first line. That's a very classic way to begin a haiku. But it can be modernized.

Below, I've written my own haiku. I hope you enjoy it.

The snow falls sweetly,
I wonder why my cold heart beats,
It must be your love

I still use a natural element in the first line, but the tone of my haiku is completely different. What does it say to you? How do you interpret it?

The thing is: I put my own spin on it. I used my own words. You can still write poetry that follows strict formatting and be original at the same time. So, give it a go and see what you turn up with.