The Great Master always keeps to the rule of seventeen syllables in his haiku. The rule that these should be organised as three lines of 5-7-5 is almost universal in his work and that of others. There are, however, eight different ways in which seventeen syllables can be arranged symmetrically over three lines. This gives a different balance - and opens new opportunities - while maintaining the discipline of line length. Here are examples of each. They are original except for 4-9-4 which is an enhaikument of 22 syllables of Spanish.
A curiosity, or, perhaps contained herein, the beginning of a new art form?
I
Have spent my entire (unhappy) life looking after number
1
The one
Who is incompatible in our relationship
Is you
A 'Grade A'
In my results! But... My best friend has failed
A grey day
I want to do
With you - what it is that springtime does
With cherry trees
Distorted haiku
Still seventeen syllables
- Different line lengths
Blind man walks the pavement
Tap, tap, tap, tap, bump
- We don't see each other
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
(The Choral)
- Heard it more times than he did!
Records our birth - walking with us
TIME
Keeps on going - leaves us for dead
