Haiku

Haiku

A Japanese verse form of three unrhyming lines in five, seven, and five syllables. It creates a single, memorable image. Usually they focus on nature.

“Three Haiku”

BY PHILIP APPLEMAN

(Kyoto)

CONFIDENCE

       (after Bashō)

Clouds murmur darkly,   

it is a blinding habit—

gazing at the moon.

TIME OF JOY

       (after Buson)

Spring means plum blossoms   

and spotless new kimonos   

for holiday whores.

RENDEZVOUS

       (after Shiki)

Once more as I wait

for you, night and icy wind   

melt into cold rain.