How to Write Haiku

Haiku (俳句, pronounced high-koo) is a short-form poem consisting of 3 lines, using sensory language to convey emotions or imagery. This form of poetry was developed by Japanese poets, who often drew inspiration from nature, fleeting moments of beauty, or deep personal experiences. To create a Haiku, begin by brainstorming ideas, then refine them by adding specific details and vivid imagery. Ensure the poem flows smoothly and listen to the sound it creates when read aloud.

Take a Walk in Nature. Many Haikus are inspired by elements of the natural world, such as trees, stones, mountains, and flowers. To generate ideas for your poem, consider taking a walk through a park or forest near your home. Stroll along a mountain trail or by a river, lake, or ocean. Spending time in nature and observing your surroundings will spark inspiration for your Haiku.

• If you're unable to go outside, look for nature photos in books or online. Seek out familiar landscapes or natural subjects, like plants or flowers, that can inspire your creativity.

Focus on the Season or Seasonal Events. Haiku can also reflect the seasons of the year—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. You can also focus on seasonal events that occur at certain times of the year, like cherry blossoms blooming or salmon swimming upstream near your home.

• Seasonal Haikus often highlight a specific detail of the season, naming the season itself in the poem. Writing about a season can be a great way to describe what you love about that time of year.

Use a Person or Object as Your Subject. Haiku isn't limited to nature or seasons; you can choose a person or object as the inspiration for your poem. You might want to write a playful poem about your dog, or a thoughtful Haiku about a childhood toy.

• Try to focus on just one person or object in your Haiku. Haikus are brief, and you won’t have space to explore every thought you have about the person or object in just 3 lines.

Read Sample Haikus. To better understand this poetic form, it's helpful to read famous examples that are considered good representations of Haiku. You can find these poems in books or online. For nature and object-focused Haikus, you can explore:

• Haikus by Japanese poet Matsuo Basho.
• Haikus by Japanese poet Yosa Buson.
• Haikus by Japanese poet Tagami Kikusha.
• Haikus by American poet Richard Wright.

Focus on Past Events or What Troubles You. Try using a metaphor or setting to express your emotions succinctly. Here are a few examples you might like:

• Boom, boom, boom, bang, bang!
• My mind is a battlefield
• Eternal fury of the heavens

Follow the structure and syllable count of Haiku poetry. Haiku poetry follows a strict rule: three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. This means the first line contains 5 syllables, the second line 7 syllables, and the third line 5 syllables.

• The entire poem totals 17 syllables. To count the syllables in a word, place your hand under your chin and pronounce the word. Each time your chin touches your hand, it counts as one syllable.
• A Haiku doesn’t require rhyme or rhythm, as long as it adheres to the set syllable structure.

Describe the subject using sensory details. Haiku conveys a brief message about its subject to the reader through the senses. Think of the smells, emotions, sounds, tastes, and appearance of the subject. By describing the subject purely through your senses, you’ll bring it to life for the reader, who will feel its presence on the page.

• For example, you could write about the "faint scent of pine needles" or "the bitter taste of the early morning air".
• If you're writing about a specific subject, like your pet dog, you might describe "the sound of claws tapping on the floor" or "the damp fur of your dog playing in the water".

Use vivid imagery and specific descriptions. Avoid abstract or vague descriptions. Instead, use concrete imagery that allows the reader to easily picture the scene. Rather than relying on metaphors or similes, describe the subject with unique and detailed elements.

• Avoid long-winded descriptions or overly complex words. Try using simple words to stay within the Haiku syllable rules.
• Don't fall back on overused phrases that have lost their impact. Instead, focus on fresh and distinctive images and descriptions.
• For instance, you could write "Leaves fall, sweeping the path" or "A dog chases a bright blue bird".

Write in the present tense. To make your Haiku more relatable, it's best to use the present tense instead of the past. The present tense also makes the poem simpler and more immediate for the reader to follow.

End the poem with an unexpected conclusion. A great Haiku will leave an impression with a surprising ending. It may surprise the reader with the final image or make them reread the previous two lines with a sense of awe.

• For example, one of the Haikus by the poet Kobayashi Issa has a surprising ending: "Everything I touch/ even with tenderness, alas/ pricks like a thorn".

Read the poem aloud. Once the draft is complete, read it aloud a few times. Listen to how the poem sounds. Ensure each line flows naturally from one to the next when read according to the 5-7-5 rhythm. The poem should sound natural.

• If you notice any awkward or clumsy phrasing, revise it to make it smoother. Replace long or complex words. Make sure the poem sounds pleasant when read aloud.

Share your Haiku with others. Gather feedback from others about your poem. Ask your friends, family, or peers what they think. Ask them if they understand that the poem captures a moment in nature or the season.

• If your Haiku focuses on an object or subject, ask people if the poem effectively explores that subject.

Center the poem on the page when completed. Place the poem in the center of the page, aligning it so it forms a diamond shape. This is the traditional presentation of Haiku.

• You may also add a short title above the poem, such as 'Autumn' or 'The Dog.' Avoid using long titles.
• Most Haiku don’t have titles. You don’t have to add one if you don’t wish to.