Haiku Poems
Haiku is a traditional Japanese poetry form that captures a single moment in nature or human experience. In just three lines and seventeen syllables, a haiku distills the essence of an observation into its purest form.
Structure & Rules
Three lines following a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. No title required. Traditionally includes a 'kigo' (seasonal reference) and a 'kireji' (cutting word that creates a pause or shift).
Example
An old silent pond A frog jumps into the pond — Splash! Silence again.
How to Write a Haiku
Start by observing something closely — a leaf falling, light changing, a sound. Write down what you notice using your senses, not your opinions. Count syllables: 5 in the first line, 7 in the second, 5 in the third. The best haiku create a moment of surprise or insight in the final line.
Haiku Poems
After Rain
After the rainfall, a snail draws its silver line across the stone step.
Cardinal and Butterfly
Red bird on the fence— a butterfly opens noon above the milkweed.
Beneath the Cardinal
Fresh snow on the rail— a red bird waits while one wing rests under the eave.
Kitchen Light
Before sunrise— her kitchen light already warming the window.
Garden Gloves
Beside the tulips, her garden gloves keep the shape of two resting hands.
Midnight Feeding
The whole house sleeping— she counts each quiet swallow under the moon clock.