Haiku

Haiku (俳句 haikai verse^?)  plural haiku, is a form of Japanese poetry, consisting of 17 morae (or on), in three metrical phrases of 5, 7 and 5 morae respectively. Haiku typically contain a kigo, or seasonal reference, and a kireji or verbalcaesura. In Japanese, haiku are traditionally printed in a single vertical line, while haiku in English usually appear in three lines, to parallel the three metrical phrases of Japanese haiku. Previously called hokku, haiku was given its current name by the Japanese writer Masaoka Shiki at the end of the 19th century.

Snowdrop Woods (Burton Agnes 02/09)

by David Smart.

Chalk, broadcast in drifts,

is striped with long, ruled shadows

of spare, bare beech trees.

A time to keep silence and a time to speak (Ecclesiastes 3.7)

by Leslie Burnham.

Invective

Is more effective

And extensive

When comprehensive--

But some thoughts are best

Unexpressed.