That’s not actually my considered opinion, Those five syllables are the way that, each year on the old NPR radio show Only a Game, Charlie Pierce would introduce their segment of Super Bowl Haikus.
As an NPR show out of Cambridge MA, and reflecting the interests of its host Bill Littlefield, the show focused mainly on individual athletic struggles and achievements. But Charlie Pierce would end each week’s episode with a discussion with Bill on actual Items on the Sports Pages. So, a mix. And in the weeks leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, they would remind listeners of the structure of a haiku—three lines: five syllables, seven syllables, five syllables—and invite submissions. On the weekend itself they had staff read the submissions in their best formal voices, with somber music added.
Last night I tried my hand at one, but the counting part messed me up I’ll kick things off here with a corrected version:
No Only a Game.
Bill and Charlie are gone now.
I miss the haiku.
Your turn?