Haiku originates from Japan. It is a minimalist form of poetry. The writer has 17 or fewer syllables through which to convey an experience. It usually consists of three lines, containing 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively. These three lines pare down an experience to its essence, you say what happened in a few chosen words. Writing haiku is also a form of meditation that begins with the recognition of something occuring in the everyday Traditionally, haiku is about nature, sometimes serious, often comic. It did not rhyme. The poem usually referenced a season of the year. Long called the “wordless poem,” haiku was a way of life. It was associated with spiritual practice. Poets and common folk alike wrote haiku to praise, describe, and to open the heart and mind. Basho, the best known haiku poet, was a Japanese samurai who devoted his spiritual life to writing poetry. One of the principles in contemplative photography is reducing the subject matter...
