03-07-2012, 11:31 AM
Actually I wrote a long article about how these forms do not translate at all, and how bi-lingual Japanese poets think that what we call Haiku is just a big joke. For starters a Haiku is as much a visual expression as it is a linguistic one. Second, as you point out, there is no legitimate equivalent in English for the "on" in Japanese, and generally the idea of the "kiru", which is the central feature of Haiku, is misunderstood or completely ignored in English. So I agree with you that the imposition of the 5-7-5 is basically arbitrary and nonsensical, but as Serah had started with that as the form, I thought it only correct to make suggestion within the confines of that restriction. Thus I thought it only correct to rib you about it.
hai
Dale
hai
Dale
How long after picking up the brush, the first masterpiece?
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.