Page 6 - The DCO Anthology of Haiku Booklet
P. 6
Preface
Sometimes called the purest form of poetry, the haiku first emerged in Japanese literature in the 17th century “as a terse reaction to elaborate poetic traditions . . . .” (Brittanica). As the form has evolved,” according to the experts, “many of its regular traits— including its famous syllabic pattern—have been routinely broken.” (poetry.com) Thus, nowadays bedlam reigns and haiku comes in all shapes, sizes, and syllabic patterns. But through this evolution, “the philosophy of haiku has been preserved: the focus on a brief moment in time; a use of provocative, colorful images; an ability to be read in one breath; and a sense of sudden enlightenment.” (poetry.com).
It was with the hope of capturing a “brief moment in time” at a time when moments seem to flit by in an instant that we devised the DCO Haiku Challenge. One minute it’s Monday morning and the next it’s Friday. And then it’s a week from Friday. And then another month has slipped by. Capturing a brief moment in time seems like a noble effort when time speeds by at such an astounding pace.
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