Patricia,
I think metrics are borne from language and are an organic part of the language (any) used by the poet. I don't think they are a matter of abstract study. That is the point as far as I'm concerned.
I have said that I don't believe it's possible to "translate" a haiku as I understand the meaning of translate.
Adelaide Crapsey obviously agreed with me that the English Haiku is unsatisfactory as a concept but she failed to see that English poetry doesn't need to imitate Japanese forms. It can draw upon Japanese aesthetics without counting its toes.
The first aesthetic principle for Japanese is truth to materials and that includes language. In the case of an evolved form like Haiku that is very true. Modern Japanese culture is another thing and that is for the Japanese to sort out.
I think her approach was wrong-headed. I know astrologers who study but it doesn't make me respect them.
Sorry to be difficult. That's just my personal slant. I do believe that good poetry can happen anywhere in spite of profound studies in English metrics
Janet
[This message has been edited by Janet Kenny (edited April 17, 2005).]
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