How to Write Senryu Poetry
By webmaster (home page)
Very often, people who talk about Senryu simply say, "it's Haiku, but it doesn't have to be about nature." Of course, that always presumes that one knows the intricacies of Haiku. We won't presume that here.
A Senryu's first requirement is that it follows a form: 3 lines long, with 5 syllables for the first & last lines, and 7 syllables for the middle line. Haiku has the same rule, but in Senryu, it's more flexible. Very often, writers just try to hit roughly 17 syllables total, however possible.
Unlike Haiku, a Senryu poem does not need a seasonal word, or "kigo." And as mentioned earlier, it doesn't need to be about nature. In fact, the prime focus is usually on people, or human issues. Thus, when new poets write Haikus about their lost loves and such, they're actually writing Senryu.
There is another aspect to this style of poetry. And that is, karumi, or lightness. Of course, if you're writing about your lost love, you've probably blown this aspect of the poem. But that's probably okay, as very few poets even realize that karumi is important, much less follow it. Nonetheless, if you truly want to be a master, you'll find a way to keep a positive energy to your Senryu.
In conclusion, Senryu lends itself nicely to humorous poems, even political poems. If it has to do with the human condition, it's fair game. I'll end with a favorite Senryu of mine:
Catching the thief
And looking at him--
It was my own son!--Senryū Karai
Further reading:
Wikipedia's senryū page
Haiku Or Senryu? How To Tell The Difference by Elizabeth St Jacques
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