The Haiku Handbook: How to Write, Share, and Teach Haiku
by William J. Higginson (1958)
2023 reads, 8/12:
“This is the main lesson of haiku. When we compose a haiku we are saying, ‘It is hard to tell you how I am feeling. Perhaps if I share with you the event that made me aware of these feelings, you will have similar feelings of your own.’”
A great introduction to the art of haiku. Higginson covers famous poets throughout history, and discusses their inspirations by breaking down how each of them approached haiku differently. I now definitely have a better understanding of how to both compose haiku (and why it’s best not to limit yourself to the 5-7-5 syllable 'rule') and appreciate it. Recommended for anyone interested in haiku, and even poetry in general.