The strick format that is taught in our schools (if it is taught at all) is of a 5-7-5 syllabic count in three lines or at most 17 syllables or less in the entirety of the haiku with a seasonal word. What follows and what I am about to express is my opinion (you are forwarned.)
The beauty of Reps was that he followed no rules (he actually illustrated his haikus too!) and thus, I am influenced by this man I so greatly admire. For years and until the last few, I wrote in the prescibed format, 5-7-5, although I never felt compelled to use the 'kigo' or seasonal word and this is true for most modern western haiku. I believe (frevently) that using the 5-7-5 format is good practice for the student of haiku (I will always be the student) but breaking away from that form or even the three liner is very freeing, if you understand the essense of what haiku is. In the meantime, it is like zazen, sitting in meditation, counting syallables like breaths.
Haiku is simple, haiku essense is not. Simply not... To me, a good haiku is not just a long sentence broken up and I see a lot of that. (But, haiku "making" should always be fun and I would encourage any and all to attempt haiku because one never knows when the AHah! moment will strike. ) For me, like my master Reps (and Basho, of course) the fewer the words the better. Haiku is like a good bourbon, distilled for the best taste, and when you take a sip, you go...Aaaahhhh! It leaves an impression of that moment.
Good haiku is now, in the now, right now, NOW! Good haiku paints a picture. Really good haiku is a rarity, like a rare bird glimpsed through the mind's eye, beautiful and/or tragic. Whether it be the spit on the street or a moon rise over a pine, there is always beauty to be found in the shine of each.
Good haiku usually leaves the haijin (haiku-ist or writer) as the storyteller and not part of the story. Ahah! But as with any haiku rule, please feel free to break it! I do, knowing that I am interjecting myself into a picture that would probably be better off without my ego self in it. Sometimes, it just cannot be helped and neither can I.
I would love to hear your thoughts or comments or disagreements and wish I had more time right now to continue this discussion, if it will be discussed...
momma grackle
with three fledglings-
she poops!
SooZen
