.                                                                                     Haiku
  The Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that is more complex than 
you might think.  It must follow a 5-7-5 syllable form, forcing the
author to compact thought into the most basic element. Traditionally   written about nature, today, anything goes.  You will find samples of   the finest Japenese poets as well as my mediocre lines.  Be sure to 
note the funniest hiaku I have ever heard (read at Stillwater Cafe, 
Sandusky, Ohio) at the bottom of the page.
     
Poetry
Haiku from the Masters
Summer grasses:
all that remains of great soldiers'
imperial dreams

                     Basho
Your song caresses
the depth of loneliness,
O high mountain bird

                     Basho
That great blue oak
indifferent to all blossoms
appears more noble

                     Basho		 Come out to view
the truth of flowers blooming
in poverty

                     Basho
So many flea bites,
but on her lovely young skin
they are beautiful

                     Issa
The Skylark School
argues with the Frog School
each with its song

                     Shiki
Now, a few of mine...
Inarticulate
My heart and mind scream aloud
In painful silence.

                                CBH
Like Christmas morning
each poem unwraps differently
I am delighted.

                                CBH
When climbing the hill
Impossibly difficult
enjoy scenery

                                CBH
The photograph fades
my memory so vivid
preserved in my heart

                                CBH
A gentle rainstorm
drenched with good company
warms like the sun

                                CBH
Melting in silence
The candle burns at both ends
I am the consumed

                                CBH
A favorite from Stillwater:

Without erection
Man lives a celebate life
It is not hard.

                         Jim Hayes
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