verve... vivacity... virtue...

Haiku is the initial 5, 7, 5 lines of the tanka.  Japanese culture, embodying Zen Buddhism, love for nature, acceptance of universal verities, is reflected in this discrete form.  It saw its efforescence in the literary genius of Basho, Buson and the Lady Chiyo.

 
The Haiku

My frangipani

The lone fume of ecstasy

Yield in your bosom

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Summer dream’s bedrock

Blossoming roses of May

Red, gold white and gay!

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By midnight’s sunrise

Lulls oblivion a rhyme

Sweet melodious time!