More on haiku

clare gave me a book on haiku for my birthday
so many rules
the good thing is that they all contradict each other
as far as I can see you can choose which to follow.
I like the traditional 5-7-5 sounds
in english that's syllables but not in japanese where some syllables are long or double
there should be a phrase of two lines and a fragment of one
rhymes in japanese are easier
no foreign words no personification no punctuation or capitals   (Microsoft Word throws a wobbly)
they should end with an open thought possibly so it can be the start of a series
or to inspire the reader to continue
haiku seems to be a way of  living and seeing things as they are not just writing
they should be in the present tense as seen and inspired by the moment like a fragment of a photo
they must have a positive mood no gloom
i also found the word "honkadori" a literary association, but also a more personal secret association of place or objects for use between lovers so the frog pond may have many depths of meanings, from Basho's famous haiku to whatever meetings may have happened there
is this the origin of "hunkydory"?
i haven't always specified a season but most have a nature theme
there's a long tradition of adding to or changing admired haiku as a tribute, so my idea of borrowing phrases from my favourite poets isn't new.