Japanese LRJ# 2

Chue Meng Vang
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB
April 22, 2009
Haikus and Senryus
In the haikus, nature play a big part in them. Without nature the haikus lose a certain feel to them that makes them unique. In haikus nature play a huge part in the imagery. Most haikus will mention nature like cherries and blossoms. The other thing that nature adds on to haikus is color. Nature is very colorful and when reading about nature different colors come to mind. Like red for cherries, pink for blossoms, and blue for water. The third thing that nature adds to the poem is emotion. When reading poems involving nature it kinds of brings out the poets tone and the purpose of the poem.
Haikus and Senryus have a lot in common and a lot of difference. Two obvious similarities both of them have is that both have the same syllable pattern and only 3 lines. The other thing both of them have in common is that both usually talk about experiences that the poet has had or the poet has seen. One of the most notable differences between these two styles of poetry is that senryus are more meant for comedy and amusement. While Haikus talk more about nature and express feelings more deeply. Another thing about Haikus is that they use a lot of nature. One thing about the senryu is that it is more down to earth, you don't have to think too hard while reading them to understand them. Two good poems that show these differences are Uejima Onitsura's Haiku and the Senryu about the man who scolded his wife.
Haiku
Red Stream
Tall plants all around
The berries are not ripe
The river is red
Senryu
Killjoy
Get a killing spree
Then hear some fire from no where
Nothing but anger