National Haiku Day

Today is National Haiku Day. Celebrate by writing the world’s shortest form of poetry.  Haiku uses a total of 17 syllables throughout three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, but many modern poets believe the rules are flexible. Many writers emphasize that their poems can be read in one breath. Their goal is to show rather than to tell.

The haiku developed after the hokku portion of traditional Japanese poetry broke from the tanka. Introduced to the West in the 1950s, the haiku grew into a phenomenon and was particularly embraced by beat poets like Jack Kerouac.

Public libraries, reading groups, and recreational poets alike can observe the day with readings, artwork and other events. Haiku are traditionally about the seasons, so this day is celebrated annually on the winter solstice. We decided to celebrate as well by writing a few Lubbock inspired haiku poems.

Wildflowers sprout

Covering the Hub City

An untamed corsage

 Driving to Lubbock

Pat, Jay Boy, Wade, and Buddy

Keep me company

The nickname is true

“The Giant Side of Texas”

Big culture, big heartsThe Depot in Spring

Full of art, music, and wine

Old West renaissance

So go out and write your own Haiku to celebrate the national holiday!