evin asked in general, for a link discussing Senryus. I've found this link pretty good that not only talks about Senryus but also Haikus and Tankas.
http://www.shadowpoetry.com/resources/haiku/haiku.html
I like the explanation of these forms, in this link. It demystifies these forms and explains the crucial differences of each one besides giving plenty of examples.
However, in getting this link here and reading the notes on Lees G.'s comments on haiku, I gotta confesss that I still follow that 17 syllable count even though I don't have to.
It's like I'm afraid the Haiku god is going to come out from a bush and whack me in the back of the head with his fan, if I go under 17. So silly, I know. I don't have to do it in three lines either but I still do.
I've noticed too that some poets, who do haikus, fall into the same mind set. They stay with the three lines, 17 syllables and they know they don't have to.
Recently I read a fellow poet's haiku. It had 16 syllables but it was perfect. He asked me if it was ok and I said "Yes. It's great!" Then he posted back. "No, no it's not great. It's 16 not 17. Damn!" He changed it and his haiku was not as strong as before as evident of the lukewarm reviews he got later.
Just thought I'd share this little story cause I write haiku's all the time and I got to slap myself when I write one that has all the elements in place but reads like the back of a cereal box because of it.
Anyway, above is the link. Would love to hear your "haiku nightmares/stories."
[This message has been edited by Yolanda Cruz (edited March 25, 2005).]
Threaded Mode
