IS: Haiku via Notecard

Just so you know: haiku is not as defined by its metric as it is by its topic. It is true that they usually have 17 "syllables", but it is definitely not what makes it a haiku. Broken meter is common not only in modern haiku, but even in Bashou himself we can find some of them.

What makes it a haiku is the topic: traditionally nature, but nowadays also urban topic, as we are not so close to nature as people used to be. We usually find a kigo (a season-related word without naming the season itself) in haiku, although it is not compulsory either. The most important is depersonalization: the poet himself -nor his feelings or thoughts- are not explicitly depicted in the poem. A good example is "I see the dark sky and I feel nostalgic" is not haiku matter, while "Dark sky. Nostalgia" is. Although of course the impression of the poet is there, it is not explicit.

Haiku is basically about the "mono no aware", the amazement about small things that can cause us great impression. I hope I made myself clear and I specially hope you found this explanation useful :) Happy swapping!

I should have asked sooner, but are we writing our own or finding ones by poets? I'm prepared for either of course, but want to clarify. Sorry!