The Poet's Corner

I’m getting myself some culture. Or, at least I’m trying to. I’ve decided to become a Haiku poet. I’ve always been kinda put off by the idea because I figured it was just too Japanese for me to comprehend.
And, I admit, I still don’t fully understand it. But, I’ve been reading some of this Haiku stuff and it would appear that writing it is as easy as falling off a log. In fact, that might be a Haiku line right there.
Now, if you’re not a devotee of the art, you might appreciate a little refresher course on just what Haiku is. So here goes:
It’s one of the most ancient forms of poetry. Basically it’s a poem with seventeen syllables, arranged in three lines – five syllables in the first and third lines and seven in the middle line.
Also, Haiku is supposed to allude to a season. You don’t come right out and say the season. That would spoil it all. You just infer.
And, one more thing, it doesn’t rhyme. That’s always been the biggest off-putter for me. Poetry that don’t rhyme ain’t really poetry, I always say. But, evidently really smart people know that good poetry isn’t supposed to rhyme.
Also really smart people get their thrills, evidently, from this Haiku stuff. I was reading about Haiku on this one Internet site, lit.org. And, they were raving about this particular piece of Haiku. Here’s what they said:

The poet's “Napalm Memories” is an excellent Haiku with a depth of meaning that transcends the words. It is well worth the read, it is multilayered in its meaning, and an excellent example of haiku at its best.

Okay, you had me at multilayered. I’m anxious to read this Haiku thing. So, I click on the title and here’s what I read:

aces over eights
a slow walk in the jungle
tears fire and rain

Yep, that’s it. I thought my Internet connection had frozen up on me. Where are those multilayers? And, by the way, that napalm memories stuff ended with “tears fire and rain.” That’s only four syllables unless you’re from the deep South, then it’s about ten syllables. I think this Haiku writer was cheating.
Anyway, I’ve decided to try my hand. The only problem is that I haven’t written any poetry since the third grade. Back in those days, I considered it high humor if I mentioned underwear in my poems. And, I guess I kind of got stuck in a pattern. Now, it’s impossible for me to write poetry without mentioning underwear. But, anyway. I’m going to try my hand at this Haiku thing.

Fire storms ablazing
And here I fear for my life
Boxers on the ground

The firestorms refer to summer. I think. And the underwear inclusion is somewhat subtle. I think it has a nice ring to it. But, I’d appreciate your input. Here’s another of my original works:

Cold poem don’t you rhyme
But it’s a poem anyway
At least I have briefs

Did you catch the multilayered inferrences? It’s a “cold poem,” so it’s winter. Get it?
And, since I have a poem that doesn’t rhyme, I, the poet, feel somewhat naked, but, at least, I have my underwear on.
Of course, you may have your own interpretation. I just broke one of the cardinal rules of Haiku. Don’t try and explain it to the reader. Let him or her bask in the glory of his or her own interpretation.
Well, I’m going to leave you with what I consider my best work to date. But don’t worry, I’m sure I have more Haiku in me. Enjoy.

Cold and flu season
Buzzard bites at my big neck
My shorts are too tight