What is haiku?

 

Haiku is a Japanese poetry form. A haiku uses just a few words to capture a moment and create a picture in the reader's mind. It is like a tiny window into a scene much larger than itself.

Traditionally, haiku when written in English uses three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third line or a 5-7-5 structure.

 

Haiku often has a focus on nature in some form. A contrast of ideas or a relationship between them is another common factor in haiku.

 

 

Below are a few examples I wrote to share:

 

 

(1)

 

The castle stands strong

Protection or a prison

For a free spirit

 

 

(2)

 

The sun sets quickly

Upon gently rolling waves

Cold shadows chasing

 

 

(3)

 

Amid the moist grass

The oddly shaped sentinels

Huddled together

 

 

(4)

 

The ink still not dry

Peace fills the void in the heart

The spirit rejoices