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Abbreviated Haiku II

Type:  

Structure, Metrical Requirement, Other Requirement, Simple

 
Description: 

There are two versions of structures that are referred to as Abbreviated Haiku. In this case, it is a haiku that is using less than the typical 5/7/5 or 3/5/3 structure. They might even be as short as 2/3/2 syllables on the three lines, respectively. The idea is to capture the spirit and sparseness of the Haiku as it is in Japanese, rather than adhering to the formal structure that does not jump the language gap well.

 
Notes: 

The language tends to be sparse and dense without articles or modifiers.

 
Origin: 

Japanese

 
Schematic: 
xx
xxx
xx

or

xxx
xxxx
xxx
 
Strengths: 

Like the entire haiku family, this form is excellent for conveying a single quick image or metaphor.

 
Weaknesses: 

This form would probably not do well for long narratives or plaints.

 
Starting Point: 

The most important part of the poem is a natural metaphor that gives you the hinge to hang your poem on.

 
Rhythm/Stanza Length: 

3

 
Line/Poem Length: 

3

 
See Also:  

Haiku, Syllabic Verse, Tanka

 
Status: 

Complete

 

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