I think what Anonymous is referring to is what is called a Kigo. A kigo is a word that is suppose to hint at the season of the poem. It is actually a misconception that a traditional Haiku is always about nature. Instead, tradition Haiku only makes a reference to the season which is done by often incorporating words involved with nature.
A non-Japanese writer would probably not recognize a kigo in a traditional poem unless he knew a lot about Japanese culture. Also, kigo is often used as a figure of speech which would only add to the confusion.
Kigo was a requirement of traditional Japanese writers, but is not always used in non-Japanese Haiku or modern Japanese writing.
So, I would say that your poem fits the description of a non-Japanese modern Haiku and is a fine example as well. Even though you didn't include any words associated with nature, you could always say that the confusion in your poem is due to the excessive summer heat.
4 Comments:
Technically it isn't about nature so that doesn't count as a Haiku... :P
Really? Does a Haiku have to be about nature? I had no idea... I thought the syllables were all that mattered.
I think what Anonymous is referring to is what is called a Kigo. A kigo is a word that is suppose to hint at the season of the poem. It is actually a misconception that a traditional Haiku is always about nature. Instead, tradition Haiku only makes a reference to the season which is done by often incorporating words involved with nature.
A non-Japanese writer would probably not recognize a kigo in a traditional poem unless he knew a lot about Japanese culture. Also, kigo is often used as a figure of speech which would only add to the confusion.
Kigo was a requirement of traditional Japanese writers, but is not always used in non-Japanese Haiku or modern Japanese writing.
So, I would say that your poem fits the description of a non-Japanese modern Haiku and is a fine example as well. Even though you didn't include any words associated with nature, you could always say that the confusion in your poem is due to the excessive summer heat.
Thomas Bithell,
You, my friend, have blown my mind. I have read your comment three times and it rules the school.
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