Traditionally, in its most restricted form, a poem is considered haiku if it meets two requirements: the 5-7-5 pattern and a theme relating to the natural world or humanity. Senryu are haiku-like verse, not necessarily about nature, not necessarily in that pattern. Having said that, however, there are many examples, even in traditional Japanese literature, of poems that do not follow the pattern and yet are still considered haiku. For the sake of a simple definition, for this class, let's say that haiku follows the strict 5-7-5 pattern, senryu does not.

It sounds like you have an interest in this particular poetic style, Lisa. Would you like to lead a discussion on it for the class?

[ooc: Oh, evil student! Making the professor-mun go do more research! :D]