Tuesday (not Haiku) Poetry

 

If you should go,

I’ll say I’m waiting for the moon,

Turning my gaze

Toward the eastern

Evening sky.

-Saigyō

Today’s poem is not a haiku, but a classic form of Japanese poetry known as waka. These short poems generally follow a 5-7-5-7-7 metre and are mostly used to convey an emotion or feeling. (Whereas haiku follow 5-7-5 and refer to seasons and nature). Waka were being written thousands of years before the introduction of haiku.

Special thanks to @Sqrlthebasic for recommending the poet Saigyō in last week’s post. I am really glad to have been introduced to his poetry. 

Now it’s your turn to write a poem. Write a haiku, senryū, waka, or any kind of poem that strikes you. Sonnet, free verse, limerick, or whatever! You can also share a poem by someone else or share a picture or illustration. Just find a way to express yourself. If you need creative help, the haiku generator is always there with guaranteed comedic results.