title or not

[onecloud]

hello,
this is marty smith. I present my work on line as onecloud, and print my own chap books.

When I submit a poem to a publisher, I am generally inclined to believe that I improve the poem by taking a moment to title it.

should a haiku be titled?                 
and, what is the difference between a title and a first line? The title may add meaning to the poem. Does it then become a four lined micro poem?

I appreciate your comment.  Marty

[John McManus]

Hi Marty,
I would say the generally accepted rule is that haiku either should not be titled or do not need a title.
I appreciate what you are saying, and can see that you want to present your poetry in the most effective way possible, but I have yet to see an editor for any reputable haiku magazine ask me for a title for any of my poems.

I am not an editor for any publication, but there are a few that frequent this site so it should be interesting to hear their views on this subject if and when they get to it.

Regards,
John   

[onecloud]

thank you John,

I have never seen haiku titled, I just wondered if there is a rule about it  :)

marty

[cat]

Hello, Marty,

I am not an editor, either, but the fact that one never sees titled haiku in the journals or anthologies tells me that untitled is the preferred practice.

cat

[onecloud]

thank you cat,
marty

[Don Baird]

Hi,

Titles should not be used with haiku and in particular (if the poet "broke" the rule) the title should not be part of the poem, effect or add to it in any way.

I think you'll find that to be the general consensus.

Keep on writing!!!

Don