SENRYU

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The Senryu, named after the Japanese poet, Karai Senryu (1718-1790) is a 3-line unrhymed Japanese poem structurally similar to the Haiku but treating human nature usually in an ironic or satiric vein. It is not unusual to see this genre made up of fewer than 17 morae. Most folks find great difficulty in differentiating the Senryu from the Haiku. A wise thing to do, is this: if the composition does not meet the criteria set for the construction of a Haiku, then it is a Senryu.

Morae refers to the unit of time equivalent to the ordinary or normal short sound or syllable.

The Haiku is a Japanese style of poetry consists of three lines made up of 5, 7 and 5 syllables in the order shown. Natural images or themes are frequently included to capture the qualities of experiencing the typical world uncluttered by “ideas”. This style of poetry relies on brevity and simplicity to convey its message.

From these definitions, the Senryu and the Haiku seem to be pretty close indeed. Yes indeed, difference between is marginal. Well, here is another way to keep them apart. The Senryu are often cynical or darkly humourous while the Haikus are serious in the treatment of the theme. The examples below should further clear up any doubts in your mind.

Haiku Poems

(Gardens)

now open your eyes
see the beauty around you
the gift nature gives

puzzle mind wanders
star lights shine amid the green
fragrant candles bloom

behold the vista
showcase of countless beauty
heaven and the earth


Senryu Poems

(Change)

naked as a babe
to fall and to rise again
clad in robes of spring

(Enjoyment)

people jam hopping
on the Spring Garden highway
like masked grasshoppers

(Protesting)

the tribe of Maori
takes a stance on the shoreline
watching the seabed