kaikeku

Kaikeku is a term that refers to a specific form of Japanese poetry. It is a haiku with a rhyming scheme, typically an AAB or ABBA rhyme. While the traditional haiku consists of three phrases with a 5, 7, 5 syllable structure and does not rhyme, kaikeku introduces this element. The name itself is a portmanteau of "haiku" and the Japanese word "kaiketsu," meaning "resolution" or "conclusion," suggesting a sense of closure often provided by the rhyme.

The practice of creating rhyming haiku, or kaikeku, emerged as poets experimented with the established form. It is not as widely recognized or practiced as the traditional haiku, and its acceptance within the broader poetic community varies. Some find that the addition of rhyme can enhance the musicality and memorability of the poem, while others argue it detracts from the haiku's essence, which often relies on evocative imagery and a sense of transience rather than formal constraints like rhyme.

Kaikeku often retains the thematic focus of haiku, commonly exploring nature, seasons, and fleeting moments. The challenge for a kaikeku poet lies in maintaining the brevity and imagistic quality of the haiku while successfully incorporating a rhyme without sounding forced or artificial. This form allows for a different kind of wordplay and sonic texture within the confines of the haiku's structure.