Breathing Life into Brevity: Reciting Haiku Micro Poems with Contemplative Tone

Reciting a haiku as a micro poem in English is really about making a moment where everyone can quietly observe or contemplate together. A good recitation honors the shortness of the form, usually trying to say the whole poem in one but a slow breath, which is honed with deep practice.

The following points are needed to be taken care of while practicing recitation of a haiku.

• The right tone for a haiku is usually quiet, thoughtful, and calm. It should never be overdramatic.

• The voice should reflect the objectivity instead of explaining feelings.

• Read slowly and clearly enough so the audience can join you on the journey. A haiku is read in one slow breath to make it more powerful and simple.

However, there should be a structural slow pause like an em dash (—) either after the first or second line.

Practice haiku to hone the contemplative tone are as follows.

Auto-Suggestion Haiku on Mind

Mind, be still and calm -

Worries fade like morning mist,

Peace finds gentle hold.

Mind, quiet down now,

Spinning slows, stillness comes -

Will makes peace bloom forth.

Inhale, exhale slow -

Calm arises, eyes closed soft,

Peaceful skies are found.

Breathe, let go of stress,

Peace flows soft, a gentle stream -

Rest, joy fills your soul.