Breaking the Rules (Essence Over Form)

 

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
― Pablo Picasso

 

I was told tonight on social media that my haikus would never sell in Japan because I don’t stick to the strict rules of haiku. There is supposed to be mention of a season in each one and strict attention not only to syllable count but sentence construction within so that:

The autumn flower
in its last breath’s conclusion
prepares for a new life

might work and satisfy but

Seeking more knowledge
I submerge within shadow
finding my substance

doesn’t even tho it may prove more evocative for many and definitely is a clearer form of self-expression. I replied that to analyze poetry with slavish attention to rules might very well miss the point of the poem entirely. It’s always good to have an understanding of the rules of any system yet I value essence over form any day. It may not sell in Japan or anywhere else but it is definitely a more satisfying experience.
Blessings, G

 

Click on images to see full-sized:

 

Nature Friend (Barbatos)Barbatos by G A Rosenberg

 

Insect AbstractInsect Abstract by G A Rosenberg

 

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: