The Art of Haiku: Feline Style
By: Jo Singer
Haiku, a popular form of Japanese poetry traditionally consists of 17 letters. It is formed in three phrases arranged in word order of 5, 7 and 5. It generally includes a seasonal reference and is printed in a vertical line when written Japanese language.
In English, however the Haiku appears in three lines paralleling the three metrical phrases of the Japanese. The name was given to Haiku by the Japanese writer, Masoka Shiki at the end of the 19th century.
Photo credit: King Louis, Dominator
Some creative folks have an affinity for writing Haiku that rhythmically and succinctly describes an emotion, an event, or only to reflect an observation of scenery or the season.
But are you aware that cats seem to be facile haiku writers? I sure didn't until a friend sent me these fascinating ones, which is widely circulating the Internet recently.
Attributed to author David Von Braun, who clearly was highly tuned in to his kitties, he was able to translate their thought and emotions into the English language.
Here are just a few of what he captured while in communion with his cats.
"Haiku Written by Cats"
The food in my bowl
Is old, and more to the point
Contains no tuna.
----
So you want to play.
Will I claw at dancing string?
Your ankle is closer.
----
Seeking solitude
I am locked in the closet.
For once I need you.
----
The dog wags his tail,
Seeking approval. See mine?
Different message.
----
Cats can't steal the breath
Of children. But if my tail's
Pulled again, I'll learn
------
Your mouth is moving;
Up and down, emitting noise.
I've lost interest.
-------
And my favorite:
Most problems can be
Ignored. The more difficult
Ones can be slept through.
You are now invited to leave comments written in Haiku from the perspective of your cat or dog.
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Comments (5)
Anonymous March 2, 2009 3:53 PM
No need for mousers;
Fishbreath is so offensive.
I am dog, of course.
Anonymous March 2, 2009 5:06 PM
Oh yeah, cant let this one go with out comment from all 16 cats here:
Laughing, to be sure.
You quest of clean FURniture,
is in vain, tis spring.
And from my dog:
I am stuck inside,
while a squirrel invades my space.
No, No, tis so wrong.
And from the horse:
Tis the coming of the
new grasses I reach for. Alas
they are over the fence.
Last but NOT least the goats:
Oh, planted garden!
I found the hole in the fence
I am satisfied.
Anonymous March 2, 2009 8:12 PM
ROTF... everyone's!
Anonymous March 4, 2009 11:21 PM
from my dog:
my kandi love choccy
melting moments to pacify
i know i am loved
her flea:
oh not the spot-on
i love the humid earth time
kandi not love me!
ticks:
batwing ears have it all
i love to invade and annoy
one bite for each scratch!
horse?
my girl where is she?
she is my freedom and love
my companionable one!
???? June 9, 2009 11:15 PM
WHY NOT ABOUT DOGS COMON THEY ARE SO CUTE AND BETTER THEN CATS
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