HAIKU ETYMOLOGY

1/21/2019

What is a haiku?
It's a Japanese poem
With twelve syllables.

Originally,
These were meant to be funny.
The name reflects that.

At first, the word was
Haikai no ku, defined as
"a humorous verse".

Both parts of that phrase
Derive from Middle Chinese
Where it's hard to trace.

Now, the term haiku
Came here in 1902;
Use increased since then.