Some Fun with Haiku 
 
I have to admit that poetry does not come naturally to me - reading or writing.  I'm not exactly sure why.  It might be be because I think that Western poetry has too many rules about proper pentameter, etc.  I enjoy reading poetry, and I certainly appreciate the artform itself.

Years ago, I remember being introduced to haiku and thought that it was beautiful.  There was a certain elegance to its simplicity or form.  It was also very approachable from a writing standpoint: 3 lines; 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and 5 syllables.  That's it. 

Since moving to Japan a few years ago it seems more natural to me.  I'm admittedly early on in my haiku journey, but like with all of my writing, I'm enjoying the process.   Haiku has very rules, but one of them is that they should be associated with a certain season or time of year.  For that reason, I've divided my haiku into 4 seasons.  I hope they evoke a certain feeling when you read them.  I've provided them in English and Japanese.  I'm not sure why but I typically write them in Japanese first and then translate them into English.   It just seems easier that way.  I hope you enjoy.  Let me know your thoughts.