altThe intersection of poetry and sensuality has always been a source of fascination. The haiku, with its concise and evocative nature, offers a unique canvas for exploring erotic themes. This exploration into the world of Sexy Haiku delves into the evolution of this intriguing form, examining its modern resurgence and the delicate balance it strikes between suggestion and explicitness.
Contents
A Brief History of Erotic Haiku
Traditional Japanese haiku rarely ventured into overtly sexual territory. While tanka, a longer poetic form often associated with women, explored romantic and erotic love, haiku remained largely focused on nature and everyday life. Before Basho, however, haiku occasionally embraced a coarser, more ribald humor, but this faded as the form evolved into a respected art. Even the esteemed R.H. Blythe, instrumental in introducing haiku to the West, dismissed the idea of women writing haiku entirely, let alone exploring erotic themes. He considered such subject matter better suited for senryu, a related form often focusing on humor and human foibles.
It wasn’t until the 20th century, with the rise of female poets and changing social mores, that erotic haiku began to flourish. This modern resurgence represents a fascinating evolution, creating a new genre and tradition.
“Of Skin On Skin”: A Modern Anthology of Sexy Haiku
“Erotic Haiku: Of Skin On Skin,” edited by George Swede and Terry Ann Carter, offers a compelling collection of contemporary sexy haiku. This anthology builds upon earlier works, expanding the scope to include diverse perspectives and experiences beyond the heterosexual norm. The book’s introduction highlights the editors’ initial hesitation and eventual embrace of the idea, acknowledging the evolving societal views on sexuality.
The anthology emphasizes the importance of suggestion over explicitness in erotic haiku, echoing the very nature of the form itself. This delicate balance allows the reader’s imagination to complete the picture, creating a powerful and personalized experience.
Examples of Sexy Haiku
“Of Skin On Skin” showcases the diverse approaches to crafting erotic haiku:
- Seasonal and Sensual: The combination of seasonal imagery with erotic themes creates a unique juxtaposition:
solstice··············the thin white line around her suntanned hips
first kiss ··············the taste of apple ··············on her tongue
~ nick avis
- Erotic Senryu: Humor and human foibles add another layer to the erotic experience:
quickie the pasta boils over
~ Micheal Dudley
- Suggestive and Ambiguous: Ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations, enhancing the evocative power of the haiku:
halloween putting on our masks to make love
~ Marco Fraticelli
- Novel Imagery: Fresh and unexpected imagery can create a powerful emotional impact:
i’d like to straighten your bra strap on my coat hook
~ Brendan Hewitt
- Tender and Touching: Erotic haiku can also explore the softer side of intimacy:
widowed she sleeps on his side of the bed
~ Joanne Morcom
These examples demonstrate the range and depth that can be achieved within the constraints of three lines.
The Power of Suggestion
The true power of sexy haiku lies in its ability to evoke powerful emotions and sensations through suggestion. By leaving space for the reader’s imagination to fill in the gaps, these poems create a deeply personal and engaging experience. The best erotic haiku are not explicit but rather suggestive, offering a glimpse into intimate moments and leaving the rest to the reader’s interpretation.
Conclusion
Sexy haiku, a relatively recent development, offers a unique blend of poetry and sensuality. This burgeoning genre challenges traditional notions of haiku while embracing its core principles of brevity and evocative imagery. “Of Skin On Skin” provides a valuable glimpse into this evolving art form, showcasing the diverse voices and perspectives contributing to the growing body of erotic haiku. This exploration of the sensual in three lines continues to captivate and inspire, demonstrating the enduring power of poetry to explore the complexities of human experience.