Seventeen Syllables--Limited Expression

“The truth was that Rosie was lazy; English lay ready on the tongue but Japanese had to be searched and examined...”

I found it relatively simple to just equate Seventeen Syllables with the life of Rosie’s mother. In fact, I think it must be established that the haiku is a poem with many limits, but it is often what you do with only a few choice words that makes a difference. Tome Hayashi, or Rosie’s mother, we find had so much locked away. By the story’s demise, the true unlimited story of Ms. Hayashi is revealed and her love for the haiku poem can be directly correlated with her life. Nonetheless, the aforementioned quote explains just why Rosie and her mother had trouble communicating before. The quote, I believe sums up the true heart of the story.

Rosie, having been raised in America it seems, had grown accustomed to the American way of communication. Here, we are encouraged to talk about our emotions, we are motivated to share our stories, and often times our behaviors prompt others to ask about information that other cultures might deem private. The emotions in America “lay ready on the tongue.” If we’re compelled enough to tell another how we feel at a moment’s notice (i.e. therapist, counselor, friend etc..) this makes us less open to examination. In fact, it means any mystery is placed directly on the table.

“But Japanese [culture] had to be searched and examined.” In a haiku, the limitations of seventeen syllables often leave much room for interpretation. A haiku is often searched and examined, what is this poem really trying to say? I found myself trying to figure out Rosie’s mother, while Rosie’s feelings and overall characteristics were displayed openly. There is a reason for this. It is to express the juxtaposition explained earlier. Rosie is American, and her English/way of life speaks for itself. Mrs. Hayashi’s experiences in Japan and her marriage to Rosie’s father had to examined and searched. By the story’s end, you find the two finds common ground when Mrs Hayashi decides to open up, and Rosie finally putting her lazy ears behind her, finally decides to listen.