haddonstuff  -  where underachievement is a badge of honour

The Eastern poetic art form of haiku was borne from renga, 12th century long poems of linked verse often written by groups of poets. By the beginning of the 18th century the starting verse of a renga - hokku - became an independent form through the works of Matsuo Basho; his hokku poems were about nature, had a seasonal word and a definite experience - the 'haiku moment'. Works by Buson, Issa, and Shiki established  this trio as historic masters of the form. By the 20th century the verse had become known as haiku and became popular in the West through the work of translators such as R H Blyth and through the Eastern influence on beat writers.

Weblinks

How To write haiku by Gerald England:
http://www.nhi.clara.net/gepm002.htm

Haiku technique by Jane Reichold:
http://www.ahapoetry.com/haiartjr.htm