1. Structure:
* Syllabic structure: Haiku strictly adhere to a 5-7-5 syllable count per line, totaling 17 syllables.
* Line breaks: Haiku usually follow this strict structure with no deviations.
* No rhyme: Haiku do not use rhyme scheme.
2. Content and Style:
* Focus on nature: Haiku often deal with nature, capturing a fleeting moment or observation of the natural world.
* Conciseness and imagery: Haiku strive for brevity and use strong, vivid imagery to evoke a sense of beauty, tranquility, or even melancholy.
* Juxtaposition: Haiku often employ a juxtaposition of elements, for instance, a contrast between the natural world and the human experience.
* Kireji (Cutting word): This is a special word at the end of a line that creates a pause, deepening the poem's impact.
3. Interpretation and Meaning:
* Open-endedness: Haiku are often open to multiple interpretations, allowing for a personal connection with the poem.
* Emphasis on the unspoken: Haiku rely on suggestion and implication, leaving much to the reader's imagination.
Comparison to other forms:
* Free verse: While both haiku and free verse poems are unrhymed, free verse lacks the strict syllable count and often explores broader themes than haiku.
* Sonnet: Sonnets are much longer, with a more complex rhyme scheme and structure, exploring a single theme in depth.
* Limerick: Limericks are humorous and playful, using a specific rhyme scheme and a five-line structure, focusing on a lighthearted narrative.
In essence, haiku is a unique form of poetry characterized by its concise structure, focus on nature, and emphasis on imagery and suggestion. It invites the reader to engage with the poem on a deeper level, experiencing the fleeting beauty of the natural world and the profoundness of human existence.