Haiku

Haiku is a formal Japanese form of poetry that typically dealt with seasons or transitions.

Structure

17 total syllables

3 lines; 5-7-5 syllable scheme

No similes or metaphors

Generally describes one moment in time

Often includes sensory and seasonal imagery

Examples

by Matsuo Basho

An old silent pond...

A frog jumps into the pond,

splash! Silence again.

The autumn moonlight--

a worm digs quite silently

into the chestnut.

In the twilight rain

these brilliant-hued hibiscus -

A lovely sunset.

Mellow May

by Patricia L. Cisco

Mellow, mild, May day,

calling children out to play.

Summer's on her way!

Butterflies in trees,

brilliant sunsets, starry eves.

Time for ice cream, please!