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

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 Summers

Radostina Dragostinova

Hifsa Ashraf

Laura Driscoll

Sharon Lynne Yee

Mark Gilbert

Paul m

Christopher Peys

Máire Morrissey-Cummins

Lovette Carter

Katie Montagna

James Young

Eve Castle

Kikaku

Patricia 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 lyricism
• Haiku without verbs and the illusion of movement
• The role of juxtaposition and reader participation
• The "arrested moment" in lyric poetry

The 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