By Joanne Guidoccio
Today is National Haiku Poetry Day, a day aside to encourage everyone to try his/her hand at poetry.
Haiku poetry is a classical form of Japanese poetry that is non-rhyming and consists of three lines with the following syllable pattern:
First Line – 5 syllables
Second Line – 7 syllables
Third Lines – 5 syllables
These poems are usually inspired by nature, abstract subjects, and individual experiences or events.
Here are six examples:
Some tips to consider:
- Create a list of possible subjects. You could consider traditional subjects like nature and animals or a current event (Easter, birthday, COVID-19).
- Make a list of words that relate to the subject you have selected. Be as descriptive as possible.
- Words and sounds can be repeated.
- Feel free to experiment with punctuation and capitalization. Don’t feel bound by any rigid rules.
- The last line is used to make an observation about your subject. It can be an expected or unexpected relationship between the first two lines.
Note: While some contemporary poets have gone free-form and broken these rules, they have still preserved the philosophy of haiku: “the focus on a brief moment in time; a use of provocative, colorful images; an ability to be read in one breath; and a sense of sudden enlightenment and illumination.” (The Academy of American Poets)
Do you write Haiku poetry? Please share in the comments below.
Word by Word 
Joanne, I really appreciate your explanation of Haiku. I must admit, I never read any before. Thank you!
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You’re very welcome, Vicki. Whenever I’m feeling creatively challenged, I experiment with Haiku. 🙂
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So long in the house
Living too much in my head
I’m craving sunshine
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Love it…Thank for sharing, Hope 🙂
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Thank you for suggesting a haiku, Joanne..
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These are lovely examples, Joanne. I need to give Haiku a try!
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Thanks! Experiment and share, Jacquie 🙂
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Hey, Joanne. I’m not skilled at poetry at all. In high school I competed UIL in Dramatic Interp and Prose Interp. Never poetry. However, my mother wrote, and I have one of her haiku’s framed and plan to write about it and her in my May newsletter. It involves a bird and a nest. I greatly admire folks like you and my mom who have mastered this skill. Yours are especially well done. I shared. 🙂
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Hi Marsha, What a lovely tribute to your mother. I’m looking forward to reading all about it in your May newsletter. Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
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