Jonathan Wainwright

English Haiku Jonathan Wainwright

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry, typically written about nature. Pronounced High-Koo, it is derived from the Japanese word Hokku meaning 'Starting verse.'Traditionally, Haikus comprise 3 lines and are intended to be read in one breath. The first and last lines have 5 syllables and the middle line 7 syllables, hence 17 syllables in all. However, because the English concept of syllables doesn't exist the same way in the Japanese language, there are subtle differences. Because Haikus are such short poems, they are usually written about things which are recognisable to the reader and strictly speaking about nature. English Haiku can follow the traditional Japanese rules, but sometimes are less strict, particularly regarding the number of syllables and subject matter. This e-book contains over a hundred haiku I have written about modern times: from Covid 19, to the English NHS system of healthcare, to fear and hero's, to transport and rubbish