Asian Poetry Styles

Haiku and Senryuu are two forms of Japanese poetry that are often confused with each other. While both forms share a similar structure and originated in Japan, they differ in their subject matter and tone. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between Haiku and Senryuu, and provide tips on how to write each form.

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that consists of three lines. The first and last lines have five syllables, while the second line has seven syllables. Haiku typically focuses on nature and the changing seasons, and often includes a seasonal reference, known as a kigo. Haiku poems often aim to capture a moment of fleeting beauty or stillness in nature.

To write a Haiku, start by observing nature and choosing a seasonal reference that inspires you. Then, use sensory language to describe what you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel. Finally, use the 5-7-5 syllable pattern to create a concise and impactful poem.

Example:

Author: Matsuo Basho

[Japanese]
古池や　蛙飛び込む　水の音
Furuike ya, Kawazu tobikomu, Mizu no oto

[English]
The old pond
A frog leaps in.
Sound of the water.

Senryuu is a form of Japanese poetry that is similar to Haiku, but focuses on human nature and everyday life. Senryuu consists of three lines, with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. Unlike Haiku, Senryuu is often humorous or satirical, and can be used to critique social norms or comment on human behavior.

To write a Senryuu, start by observing human behavior or societal norms that you find interesting or humorous. Then, use sensory language to describe the situation in a concise and witty way. Finally, use the 5-7-5 syllable pattern to create a memorable and impactful poem.

Example:

by Shūji Terayama

かくれんぼ kakurenbo
三つ数えて mitsu kazoete
冬になる fuyu ni naru

Hide and seek
Count to three
Winter comes

Kural is a form of poetry that originated in Tamil Nadu, India, and is often associated with the Tamil philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Kural poems consist of two lines, with each line having seven syllables. Kural poems often explore themes such as love, ethics, and spirituality, and are often used to impart wisdom or insight.

To write a Kural poem, start by choosing a theme or idea that you want to explore. Then, use sensory language to create vivid imagery that captures the essence of the theme. Finally, use the seven-syllable pattern to create a concise and impactful poem that imparts wisdom or insight.

Example:

Ancient words touch today, 
poets never die. 
~Judi Van Gorder

Luc Bat is a form of Vietnamese poetry that is often used to tell stories or convey moral lessons. It consists of alternating lines of six and eight syllables, with the last syllable of the six-syllable line rhyming with the seventh syllable of the eight-syllable line. The final line of the poem is a “climbing rhyme” that uses the last word of each preceding line as a rhyme.

To write a Luc Bat, start by choosing a story or moral lesson that you want to convey. Then, alternate between six-syllable and eight-syllable lines, using the rhyme scheme to create a sense of unity and coherence. Finally, use the final line of the poem to tie everything together and create a satisfying conclusion.

Example:

Dancing in Moonlight

I dance in moonlight near
the border that rests here between
this place so rarely seen
where ghosts have perhaps been awake
waiting for souls to take
as merriment they make each night
when the last dregs of light
leave as if dragged by fright or tears.

This is an example of a relatively short luc bat, using only the rules that are typically carried over by English speakers.

Pantun is a form of poetry that originated in Malaysia and Indonesia. Pantun poems typically consist of four lines, with each line having eight to 12 syllables. The first two lines typically establish a theme, while the second two lines provide a twist or unexpected conclusion.

To write a Pantun poem, start by choosing a theme or idea that you want to explore. Then, use the first two lines to establish the theme, using sensory language to create vivid imagery. Finally, use the last two lines to provide a twist or unexpected conclusion that ties the poem together.

Example:

poem by Munshi Abdullah:

Singapura negeri baharu,
Tuan Raffles menjadi raja,
Bunga melur, cempaka biru,
Kembang sekuntum di mulut naga.

Singapore is a new country,
Tuan Raffles has become its lord,
Chinese jasmine, purple magnolia,
A burgeon of flower in the dragon’s mouth.

Sijo is a traditional Korean form of poetry that consists of three lines, with each line having 14-16 syllables. Sijo poems often have a musical quality and are often sung or chanted. They typically focus on nature or human experiences, and often contain a twist or surprise at the end.

To write a Sijo poem, start by choosing a topic or experience that you want to write about. Then, use sensory language to create vivid imagery and build suspense. Finally, use the 14-16 syllable pattern to create a poem that flows smoothly and creates a sense of anticipation for the surprise ending.

Example:

Yun Seon Do (1587–1671):

You ask how many friends I have? Water and stone, bamboo and pine,
The moon rising over the eastern hill is a joyful comrade.
Besides these five companions, what other pleasure should I ask?

Syair is a form of poetry that originated in Indonesian and Malaysian and is often used to tell stories or convey moral lessons. It consists of quatrains with a rhyme scheme of AAAA, and each line has eight syllables.

To write a Syair, start by choosing a story or moral lesson that you want to convey. Then, break the story or lesson down into four parts and write each part as a separate quatrain. Remember to use the AAAA rhyme scheme and keep each line to eight syllables to create a sense of unity and coherence.

Example:

Satukan hangat dan dingin,
Tinggalkan loba dan ingin,
Hancur hendak seperti lilin,
Mangkanya dapat kerjanya licin.

Hamzah Fansuri’s syair translated by Sir Richards Winstedt:

When heat and cold have become the same,
with greed and desire each an idle name,
and yourself is the wax resolved in the flame,
and smooth in the end you will find life’s game.

The ya-du is a Burmese poetic form. The poems often celebrate the beauty of nature, and the simplicity of life.

To write a Yadu poem, start by choosing a natural image that inspires you, such as a sunset or a flower. Then, use sensory language to describe the image, using vivid and descriptive words. consists of up to three stanzas of five lines. The first four lines of a stanza have four syllables each, but the fifth line can have 5, 7, 9, or 11 syllables. This style uses what’s known as a climbing rhyme.

Example:

Frost on a tree.
It will be cold
but we will live.
Winter’s brisk kiss
gently leads to this.