What is American haiku?

My idea of American haiku comes from a Norton anthology, as well
as the practices of modern American haiku writers. The 5/7/5 doesn't
translate into English because of the differences in the languages. Take
that away and you get haiku like this:


snowflakes
astrologer
stargazing - Arizona Zipper

or this:

Filling
the puddle: moon -- Marlene Mountain


The image of nature also comes into question. Loosen that and you get
haiku like this:

The park bench seats two summer dreams -- Gary Hotham

or this:

my dead brother..
hearing his laugh
in my laughter -- Nicholas Virgilio


What do they all have in common? Is there an essence left? What it
boils down to is minimalist lines, plain language and some sort of
revelation about the moment. I think Basho, Buson and Issa would
approve. They also walked the line between tradition and breaking
tradition.


Don't worry, spiders,
I keep house
casually. --Issa