Module 3 - Poetry Form - Haiku

Bibliographic Citation

Davidson, Mannis C. 2005. One leaf rides the wind: Counting in a Japanese garden. Ill. by Susan Kathleen Hartung. New York: Penguin Putnam Books. ISBN 9780142401958

Review

Although haiku is traditionally the least favored form of poetry among readers, this format is paired nicely for a counting book which features a young girl taking a walk through a Japanese garden. Footnotes at the bottom of each poem provide more information about the garden scenery shown in the accompanying illustration and its role in Japanese religion or philosophy. Each of the full page illustrations were created using oil paint glazes on sealed paper which was blotted to create many different effects. A favorite is the illustration of the koi pond in selection number 9 and also on the end pages. Davidson stays true to Haiku Japanese origins with the three line format with each having five, seven, and five syllables. The simplistic format allows the reader to focus on the nature of the message delivered. It is reminiscent of the harmony, purity, and tranquility that is symbolized through the traditional Japanese tea which takes place in the garden in selections six and seven. 6 Outside the teahouse\six wooden sandals gathered\neatly in a row. 7 On a lacquered tray\seven sweet surprises lie.\Hungry tummies growl.

Poem Title

9

Hoping for some crumbs,
they nibble at my fingers.
Nine glittering koi.

Introduction or Follow-up Activity

Almost all elementary schools celebrate cultures around the world. I think this book would be an excellent one to share with students during a multicultural study of Japan. I would read the book, then talk about the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. I would invite Japanese-Americans to perform the traditional tea ceremony for our students. If this is not possible, I would show a video clip of the traditional tea ceremony and I would then invite students to drink a cup of green tea and enjoy sweet cakes. After enjoying our tea, we would write a Haiku poem about our experience.