Amanda Young Spring Ginko Collaborative Rengay by Young & others Two Haibun by Amanda Young

Haiku is a typically three-lined poem that captures a moment, like a picture. The author tries to depict an image using as few words as possible. Some still believe that haiku always consists of three lines in a 5-7-5 syllable format. However this format is not necessary, nor encouraged. People began following this format when Japanese haiku were first translated into English. Cor Van Den Heuvel says “The idea that haiku is anything in three lines of 5-7-5 syllables dies hard. People write little epigrams in this form, or jokes about Spam, or cute little descriptions of birds and flowers, and think they are writing haiku” (The Haiku Handbook xiv). In an increasingly hectic society, I feel it is important to take time to notice one’s surroundings, looking at things that may normally be overlooked. An appreciation for nature is also something I value. I predominately get my inspiration from nature. I enjoy gardening and being outside. Summer vacations are a main source of my haiku. Writing these haiku takes me back to a certain place or thought, like a mini-vacation in itself. When creating a book of haiku, it is important to keep in mind the space surrounding the poems. Too many haiku on a page creates a cluttered look, distracting the reader’s focus. I tried to utilize the white space surrounding my haiku so that the reader would be able to reflect on each haiku without feeling rushed and crowded. My haiku are arranged in this order: seasonal, nature, everyday, tropical and haiku inspired by the West—specifically Colorado. I would like to thank Dr. Brooks for editing my haiku and giving me some suggestions on the layout of this publication. —Amanda M. Young