Haiku [俳句] are short poems that use sensory language to capture a feeling or image. Generally, haiku poems emphasize simplicity and directness of expression. They are often inspired by an element of nature, a moment of beauty or a poignant experience. Many of these poems feature the unexpected juxtaposition of two ideas.
A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables -- often written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Haiku poetry has evolved over time, however, and most poets no longer adhere to this structure.
Show, don't tell. Haiku are about moments of objective experience, not subjective interpretation or analysis of those events. It's important to show the reader something true about the moment's existence, rather than telling the reader what emotions it conjured in you. Let the reader feel his or her own emotions in reaction to the image.
A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables -- often written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Haiku poetry has evolved over time, however, and most poets no longer adhere to this structure.
Show, don't tell. Haiku are about moments of objective experience, not subjective interpretation or analysis of those events. It's important to show the reader something true about the moment's existence, rather than telling the reader what emotions it conjured in you. Let the reader feel his or her own emotions in reaction to the image.
An old silent pond . . .
A frog jumps into the pond.
Splash! Silence again.
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Into the Woods Haiku
Key Words
Imagine you are in the woods. Write a list describing four things you see, hear, feel or sense in some way. Use key words from your list to craft a haiku.
LINE 1 Five syllables
LINE 2 Seven syllables
LINE 3 Five syllables
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Simile Haiku
Think of a special person you love or deeply respect. Write a haiku comparing this person to something, someone or some other experience.
LINE 1 Five syllables
LINE 2 Seven syllables
LINE 3 Five syllables
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Oxymoron Haiku
Think of a life lesson or truth about the world that presents a contradiction in logic. Write a haiku highlighting this paradox or contradictory truth.
LINE 1 Four syllables
LINE 2 Five syllables
LINE 3 Three syllables
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Onomatopoeia Haiku
Think of a particular moment in time. Write a haiku using the sounds associated with that experience.
LINE 1 Three syllables
LINE 2 Four syllables
LINE 3 Five syllables
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Season Haiku
Think of a season or particular time of the year. Write a haiku describing the experience.
LINE 1 Four syllables
LINE 2 Six syllables
LINE 3 Three syllables
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Today Haiku
Think of a few particular moments in your day so far. Write a haiku describing your experience.
LINE 1 Four syllables
LINE 2 Three syllables
LINE 3 Three syllables
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Video: Kent Foreman - Epiphany Haiku
Video: Sonia Sanchez - On Haiku (10:20)
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