Haiku is a Japanese poetry form. Traditionally it focuses on nature but it can be about anything. Most importantly it uses very few words to create a strong image and capture a moment. It is like opening a tiny window on a much bigger scene.

 

Traditionally, haiku is written in three lines, with five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third line.

 

Example:

The last winter leaves (5 syllables)
Clinging to the black branches (7 syllables)
Explode into birds. (5 syllables)

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This is one of my favourites by Mizuta Masahide

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Since my house burned down
I now own a better view
of the rising moon

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As you can see, the first 2 lines are about something similar, the tree, but the 3rd line is something unexpected and surprises the reader. 

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Now you try it.

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1. Write two lines about something beautiful in nature. You can use the pictures below to give you ideas. Don't worry about counting syllables yet.

2. Write a third line that is a complete surprise, that is about something completely different from the first two lines.

3. Look at the three lines together. Does the combination of these two seemingly unrelated parts suggest any surprising relationships? Does it give you any interesting ideas?

4. Now rewrite the poem, using the 5-syllable, 7-syllable, 5-syllable format and experimenting with the new ideas or perspectives that have occurred to you.

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I got inspired to write a haiku too. I planted  some seeds last week and they are growing fast.

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Dark, rich, brown soil

Tiny green shoots bursting through

Will be my salad​

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