Archive: May 05, 2008

PEOPLE.com Readers Write Haikus for John Mayer

Humberto Carreno/Startraksphoto

John Mayer unveiled a new, ’80s-inspired hairdo, then issued a challenge: Write a haiku about his silky tresses. “No one can do it,” the singer told our reporter at the time. Well, nearly 100 PEOPLE.com readers have proven Mayer wrong — demonstrating light literary-touches and some good humor in the process. While some improvised on the rigid form, others clearly have been studying their Matsuo Basho. (Go Wikipedia him!) For the uninitiated, a haiku is a three-line, unrhymed poem containing lines of five, seven and five syllables respectively — and typically praising nature. Here’s a selection of our favorite Haikus and their authors. Bonus points to reader Nikki, who managed to work in some nature allusions. Basho would be proud! Keep your submissions coming — we want to read even more of your hair-inspired haikus!

silk autumn blossoms
sun in feathered decades still
hip dance floor mover
-Nikki

The silky softness
Body is a wonderland
How lucky is Jen?
-Katie

Big head, feathered hair
Ego and publicity
Silken confidence
-Ang

My fingers would run
Through your hair before the grip,
Of your bodyguard
– Karen

• Hair