Haiku Poems

A haiku is a type of short poem that traditionally focuses on very vivid, clear images of nature.  Though originally from Japan, this style of poetry has become popular all over the world.  A haiku can stand alone or be a part of a series of haikus.  While many haikus today still focus on nature, the changing seasons, and wildlife, the form can be used to explore any topic. 

Writing a Haiku

English haikus are typically made up of three lines, with each line containing a specific number of syllables.  A syllable is the number of “sound beats” a word has when it is spoken out loud.  For example, the word “water” has two sound beats or syllables – “wa” and “ter”.  The word “poetry” has three syllables – “po”, “et”, and “try”.

Line 1: Around 5 syllables or 4 words.  In a traditional haiku, this line might be used to describe some natural object that is seen during the specific season that you are writing about.

Line 2: Around 7 syllables or 5 words.  In a traditional haiku, this line might be used to describe the season itself.

Line 3: Around 5 syllables or 4 words.  In a traditional haiku, this line might be used to describe the location of the object in the first line or your feelings about the object in the first line.

Remember, haikus do not have to contain a specific number of syllables per line or be about nature.  Try using the traditional form as a jumping off point for your own haiku style.

Examples of Haikus:

Arching like fire
Leaves wider than tobacco
Summer unfurling

Blueberry pie
Sweet smell of her kitchen
Grandma’s house in June

Bass
Picking bugs
Off the moon
-- Nick Virgilio

Snow in my shoe
Abandoned
Sparrow’s nest
-- Jack Kerouac