Poetry Pea - haiku and other English Language Japanese short forms

S9E23 The Poetry of Nouns part 2: Can Haiku Sing without Verbs?

June 15, 2026·32 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Can a haiku be lyrical without relying on verbs? Can a handful of carefully chosen nouns carry all the emotional weight a poem needs?In this second episode exploring the poetry of nouns, Patricia examines how concrete images create resonance, rhythm and lyricism in haiku and senryū. Drawing on poems by:Alan SummersRadostina DragostinovaHifsa AshrafLaura DriscollSharon Lynne YeeMark GilbertPaul mChristopher PeysMáire Morrissey-CumminsLovette CarterKatie MontagnaJames YoungEve CastleKikakuPatricia explores the idea that the reader becomes a co-poet, discovering meaning in the spaces between images.Along the way, you'll hear discussions of the arrested moment, juxtaposition, movement without verbs, and the surprising musicality that emerges from noun-heavy poetry.Whether you're an experienced haiku poet or just beginning your journey into Japanese short-form poetry, this episode offers practical insights into writing more evocative, image-driven work.In this episode:Why concrete nouns can create powerful lyricismHaiku without verbs and the illusion of movementThe role of juxtaposition and reader participationThe "arrested moment" in lyric poetryThe Poetry Pea Podcast is a weekly podcast for haiku, senryū and haibun writers, featuring poetry, craft discussions, interviews and inspiration for poets around the world.Show notes

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