Autobiographical Haiku

The haiku is a form of poetry originating in Japan. Its form is simple, short, and elegant. The poet uses few words, placing words with five syllables in the first line, words with seven syllables in the second line, and words with five syllables in the third line. The haiku strives to touch and express an essence, a core feeling, a poignant experience, a description that touches the heart of the matter, simplicity on the other side of complexity.

Each person dedicated to the art and soul of building peace is unique and brings unique feelings, observations, knowledge, wisdom, and creative impulse to his or her actions. A haiku autobiography isn’t a formal haiku, but adapts the principles of a haiku poem. A haiku autobiography invites us to describe ourselves in essential ways, to perceive our unique qualities and strengths in new ways, and thereby frees these gifts to be used, shared and honored…