How to Write a Haiku

The Japanese haiku,

one of the oldest forms of poetic expression,

teaches us much about the art and craft of poem-making.

The entire poem consists of only three short lines,

yet the haiku contains all the basic elements of poetry.

The haiku is understated and concise.

It is lyrical and dramatic, poignant and precise,

personal and universal. Sometimes it is witty.

But always it is ethereal and timeless,

as meaningful today as it was hundreds of years ago

when Basho, Buson and Issa first began

exploring its potential as an art form.

Here is a brief description of the haiku

written in the form of a haiku

along with four examples.

Enjoy!

* * *

Haiku

Haiku is a poem

of seventeen syllables

with only three lines.

The first line has five.

The second line has seven.

The third line has five.

Each haiku describes

a fleeting moment in Time,

a glimpse of Nature.

* * *

April

Ivory butterflies

perch on black branches,

the dogwood blossoms.

June

The cricket calls to

the meadow, each evening he

hears his echo sing.

September

Shadows bow to the

setting sun, pray to the sky

for blessings of light.

October

Artist Autumn comes,

paints her blush across each tree,

drops palette, and leaves.

From Haiku: The Travelers of Eternity © Charles Ghigna