I have written a lot of poetry. I know in some circles it gets no respect, but it does not stop my writing it, and it should not hinder you either.

Okay, I can imagine some of you saying I have not written verse since high school. This is okay. Then some of you are going to say poetry is hard, and I am not smart enough. You should never speak of yourself that way. Poetry only requires creativity and a willingness to try. You must have both because you are reading this.

I generally do not like forms in poetry. Forms are where one is prescribed certain syllable counts, line counts, or rhyme schemes. One of those is hard enough to write under, but some forms require all three, masterminds like Shakespeare can do it, me not so much. I am primarily a free verse poet, but there are a few forms I enjoy.

If you have not heard of the Japanese form Haiku, you are in for a treat. Haiku is an ancient form. Initially, it was developed to celebrate the seasons, nature, or sometimes special occasions. Some still write it that way. I play with haiku when I am stuck or blocked. I have found the act of writing, even haiku, unsticks the gears in the brain so real work can be done.

Americanized Haiku are three lines with a first line syllable count of five, second line syllable count of seven, and the last line syllable count of five. As long as you keep the numbers and use some imagery or proverbial meaning, you will do just fine.

Here are a few examples:

The dog sits alone
Looking out the window while
Rain blurs fallen leaves.

When I see a clown
Outside a birthday party
I tend to shiver.

You cannot produce
An ample creative crop
Without great effort.

Now it is your turn. See how your creative mind can muster up to the challenge. I believe you will enjoy it. If you want to share your work leave some of it in the comments.

Thank you so much for visiting Haphazard Creative. I hope you had fun and will return. Take care!

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan