Leslie J. Smith (lsmith@MSI.COM), wrote to us asking:

"How does one compose a haiku? Is it all intuition, or are there some rules?"

It seemed from some other notes that there was much interest in this topic, so this article is in response to your questions! I hope you find it useful. -- Gar

(Taken from _The Way of Haiku: An Anthology of Haiku Poems by James Hackett_ published 1969 by Japan Publications Inc. (C) James Hackett.)

1. The present is the touchstone of the haiku experience, so always be aware of the present moment.
2. Remember that nature is the province of haiku. (Carry a notebook for recording your haiku experiences.)
3. Contemplate natural objects closely . . . unseen wonders will reveal themselves.
4. Interpenetrate with nature. Allow subjects to express their life through you. "That art Thou."
5. Reflect upon your notes of nature in solitude and quiet. Let these be the basis of your haiku poems.
6. Write about nature just as it is . . . be true to life!
7. Choose each word very carefully. Use words that clearly express what you feel.
8. Use verbs in present tense.
9. For added dimension choose words that suggest the season, location, or time of day.
10. Use only common language.
11. Write in three lines which total approximately 17 syllables.
    Many haiku experiences can be well expressed in the Japanese line arrangement of 5, 7, 5 syllables -- but not all.
12. Avoid end rhyme in haiku. Read each verse aloud to make sure that it sounds natural.
13. Remember that lifefulness, not beauty, is the real quality of haiku.
14. Never use obscure allusions: real haiku are intuitive, not abstract or intellectual.
15. Don't overlook humor, but avoid mere wit.
16. Work on each poem until it suggests exactly what you want others to see and feel.
17. Remember that haiku is a finger pointing at the moon, and if the hand is bejeweled, we no longer see that to which it points . . .

(Gar-note: this last an undocumented quote by R.H. Blyth, which has been refuted with "So also, if the hand is gnarled!")

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