JOURNAL 4Japanese Poetry

Let’s write a Haiku

Example:5- Rain, the prettiest7-droplet of the heavenly5-gods, cleanses our souls.

• Requirements for Haiku:• Choose a subject and define the

meaning or provide an argument or interpretation of the subject.• After the subject, use an

interrupting phrase as a modifier that describes the subject.• Use enjambment-make sure the

haiku is one sentence long.• Don’t forget the syllable pattern:

575

Let’s write a Tanka

Example:Now write your own.5- Her hands, as soft as 7-rabbit fur against the grain5-of my unshaven7-beard, dare to destroy any5- dark, polluting thoughts5- racing through my mind.

• Requirements for Tanka:• Use an interrupting phrase as a modifier that

includes a simile.• Use personification.• Use enjambment -make sure the Tanka is one

sentence long.• Use alliteration twice.• Use one of the following imagery: smell,

sound, touch, or taste.• Don’t forget the syllable pattern: 575755

Let’s write a Cinquain

Example:2-She danced4- with palm tree hips6- swinging, swaying, swooshing8- enticing the sea with her breeze— 2- striking! • Now write your own

• Requirements for Cinquain:• Use alliteration (at least three

consecutive words).• Use a metaphor connecting to

nature.• Use a series of assonance (at

least four consecutive words).• Use enjambment -make sure the

cinquain is one sentence long.• Don’t forget the syllable pattern:

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