The Magic of Haiku

 The Magic of Haiku

By Janpha Thadphoothon

Hello Everyone. Welcome to JT Blog. I'm Janpha Thadphoothon, and this is my blog. Thank you for following me and taking the time to read my blog posts. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.

This post is about my belief in the merit of writing haiku in English—especially for English language learning. I am sure you would agree with me that writing haiku can be both a delightful and enriching activity. But first, one may ask, what is a haiku? A haiku is a short poem consisting of three lines. Traditionally, the first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7 syllables, and the third line has 5 syllables. This simple yet profound structure captures moments in time and distills them into words that evoke deep feelings and vivid images.

The Benefits of Writing Haiku

In my opinion, the benefits of writing haiku are manifold, especially for learners of English. I think you would agree that the process of crafting haiku helps develop language proficiency. When you write a haiku, you focus on choosing the most precise and impactful words, which naturally enhances your vocabulary and grammatical awareness. You write better and pay attention to details. This meticulousness is an essential skill in any language.

Another significant benefit of writing haiku is improved concentration. Writing a haiku requires you to concentrate deeply and observe nature and everyday occurrences with heightened awareness. As we know, such mindfulness allows us to see the reality and beauty of something in ways we might otherwise overlook. For example, when you watch the sunlight filtering through the trees or notice the rhythm of falling rain, you start to perceive the world with a fresh perspective. They say that haiku opens our eyes to the magic of ordinary moments.

Experts say that haiku writing also has therapeutic benefits. As Prof. Alan Maley has observed, writing haiku can help clear your mind. I like the idea of taking a moment to reflect and organize your thoughts; it is a form of mental hygiene. The act of distilling your feelings and observations into a concise poem can be a calming and cleansing process. It is well known that creativity often brings peace to the mind.

This morning, I wrote a haiku that reflects the season and my surroundings:

January dry grass
waiting for warm sunshine
Cold wind from the north

I must admit that writing this haiku made me appreciate the subtle changes in the weather. I somehow think it also deepened my connection to nature. My conviction is that such moments of connection are invaluable in today’s fast-paced world.

Here is another haiku I wrote:

Two birds on the tree
Singing and flying away
It rained after that.

I know you would agree with me that this haiku captures the fleeting beauty of a moment in nature. The juxtaposition of the birds' activity and the impending rain creates a sense of harmony and change.

Haiku as a Learning Tool

For English learners, haiku offers an excellent way to practice using descriptive language, experimenting with imagery, and understanding syllable patterns. In my opinion, writing haiku is an enjoyable method to engage with the language creatively. What we all know and agree upon is that learning through creativity often leads to better retention and deeper understanding.

I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that incorporating creative writing into language learning fosters not just linguistic skills but also emotional intelligence. Haiku, with its focus on brevity and emotional depth, helps learners express themselves in ways that textbooks and traditional exercises often cannot.

The Magic of Observation

People say that the magic of haiku lies in its ability to make us pause and truly observe the world around us. My personal belief is that this act of observation is a skill that benefits not only language learners but anyone seeking to live a more mindful and meaningful life. When we take the time to notice the small details—the rustling of leaves, the glint of sunlight on water, or the laughter of children—we begin to appreciate life more fully.

A Few Tips for Writing Haiku

If you are new to writing haiku, here are some tips that might help:

1. Focus on Nature: Traditional haiku often centers around natural elements. Try to describe a scene or moment you have observed.
2. Be Specific: Use precise and vivid words to paint a picture. Instead of saying "flower," say "cherry blossom."
3. Keep It Simple: Haiku thrives on simplicity. Avoid overcomplicating your ideas.
4. Capture a Moment: Think of haiku as a snapshot of time. Describe what you see, hear, or feel in that instant.
5. Use Seasonal References: Many haiku include words that indicate the season, such as "snow," "cherry blossoms," or "autumn leaves."

The Joy of Sharing Haiku

I guess it is safe to say that haiku is not just about writing; it is also about sharing. When you share your haiku with others, you invite them into your world. It creates a bond, a connection through words. I like the idea of starting a haiku club or community where people can share their poems and inspire one another.

Some may argue that writing haiku in English is too difficult for beginners, but I think the challenge is what makes it so rewarding. Haiku teaches us to embrace simplicity and precision. It pushes us to think carefully about our words and to express our thoughts in ways that are both concise and beautiful. It is well known that learning something new often requires stepping out of our comfort zones, and haiku is a perfect example of this.

Nevertheless, it is my belief that writing haiku is a magical and rewarding activity. Whether you are an English learner, a seasoned poet, or someone looking for a creative outlet, haiku offers something special. It helps you develop language skills, fosters mindfulness, and brings a sense of peace and clarity.

I encourage you to try writing your own haiku. Take a moment to observe the world around you, and let your thoughts flow into the 5-7-5 structure. You might be surprised by the beauty you discover—both in the world and within yourself.

Thank you for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed learning about the magic of haiku. Feel free to share your thoughts or even your own haiku in the comments below. Until next time, happy writing!

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.