With Japanese haiku, “sometimes the first line will be just one word,” Muth said. So for his new book, "Hi, Koo: A Year of Seasons," he ignored the poetry rule he was taught in school.

BRUSSELSBRUSSELS — European Union President Herman van Rompuy published a book of Haiku on Thursday, saying the dreamy Japanese poetry offers relief from a chaotic world. “Our time is in need ...