THE ART OF TWAIKU

In my previous post I expressed my Twitter ambivalence and have since realized that this medium would be more appealing to me with certain parameters in place. Specifically, I realized that the maximum of 140 characters allowed for each Twitter update promotes an economy of language conducive to the ancient Japanese form of poetry known as Haiku.

If I could convince a group of people to engage in an exclusive Haiku format for Twitter than I would be all over it. Just think, your day could be filled with an endless barrage of short poetry that captures the beauty inherent in that simple "Haiku moment".

Here is an example of a Haiku-centric Twitter account might look like for me;

westcoastwalker
3,455,210 followers

tapping fingers - massage the keyboard - typing these words
3 hours ago

staring at the screen -
the glowing canvas
comes to life
1 day ago

one letter at a time
thoughts materialize -
words like these
3 days ago

Of course while I am writing this I googled "Twitter" and 'haiku" and realized there is already a "twaiku" movement, though I am not sure how many people write haikus that are specifically about posting an update on Twitter?

There would have to be some obligatory nature themed haikus as well. Regardless of what they are about I would be thrilled to fill each day with countless tiny poems materializing across my screen, implanting my mind with images that capture a graceful and beautiful moment in time.

Any takers?

TWITTER AMBIVALENCE

I have decided that I am not likely going to sign up for Twitter. If I did have a Twitter account I would probably post annoying and obvious updates like these on a regular basis;

westcoastwalker

2,345,533 followers;

right now I am typing these words
1 hour ago

updating my twitter again
2 hours ago

sitting at my computer, writing these words
5 hours ago

posting another message here
6 hours ago

ad infinitum....

I am not "anti-Twitter", nor do I see it as being inherently good or bad. From my vantage point it reflects both the banality and the vitality of life and everything in between ; Perez Hilton's celeb-o-centric rantings on the inane end of the spectrum, protesters in Iran posting messages to get the true story out on the other end.

If I did use Twitter I would likely resort to my default position of writing cryptic, esoteric or surreal things that would inspire the inevitable WTF moment from anyone with the fortitude to follow my thought process;

I am being stalked by a giant hedgehog named Spiny Norman
2 hours ago

had a nice time levitating in the fire swamp this morning
5 hours ago

Realistically though, if I did use Twitter it would likely be another outlet to pronounce my love for various personal musical obsessions;

listened to the new Wilco album 5 times today - really kicks ass*
35 minutes ago

picked up the "Murmur" deluxe reissue - I am in bonus track heaven
2 days ago

*Note: I actually did listen to the new Wilco album five times the other day, and it really does kick ass

Anyways, I do enjoy some of the Twitter updates from some of my online compadres - I just hope that folks don't sacrifice writing the occasional lengthier and inspired blog posts for the expediency of a few words on Twitter - though if you do, please keep it surreal and cryptic!