Hiroshima Portfolio

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Haiku

Haiku is a form of traditional Japanese poetry. This type of poem consists of seventeen syllables, written in three lines. The first and third lines contain five syllables each., and the second line contains seven syllables. Haiku usually deals with time, the seasons, or human nature. But imagine that you are a young Japanese poet during World War II. You want to express your emotions about the war by writing haiku. Follow the guidelines below to compose your poem.

Select

Which event will inspire you to write your poem? Check your choice. Then become familiar with this topic by studying the Broadsheet(s) and/or exhibit(s) indicated. (B= Broadsheet, E= Exhibit)

  • 1 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor (B1, E2)

    1 Japan’s conquest of Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands (B1)

    1 Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (B4, E8)

    1 Emperor Hirohito’s radio address explaining Japan’s surrender (B3, B4)

    1 Other ____________________________

    •

    • Prepare

    As you read about your topic, jot down key words that come to mind. Try to come up with words that reflect ideas or emotions. Use the space provided to write your words.

     
     
     
     

    Write

    Now compose your haiku. Use a combination of words that will capture the emotion or spirit of the event. Write your poem below.

    Line 1 (five syllables)

    Line 2 (seven syllables)

    Line 3 (five syllables)

    Rewrite

    Have your teacher or another student read your haiku. Ask for suggestions for improving your poem. Then revise your work, if you wish. Finally, copy the final version onto a sheet of plan paper or parchment. Illustrate your work with Japanese symbols or your own original art.

    Recite

    Recite your haiku for the class and include it in your portfolio