How to write a haiku
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This document provides instructions on how to write a haiku poem. It explains that a haiku has 3 lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern and typically references nature or seasons. It offers examples of haikus about winter, a cat, and making an excuse. The last line of a haiku usually makes an observation about the subject. Readers are encouraged to select a topic, think of an observation, and write haikus following the syllable pattern.
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How to write a haiku
- 1. How to Write a Haiku It is easy to learn to write a haiku, but it can take a lot of practice to learn how to do it well. This lesson will give you the basics for writing your own haiku. Its up to you to practice by writing a lot of them so you will get very good at it. What is a Haiku? A haiku is an unrhymed three-line poem. It is based on a traditional Japanese poetic form. Though there are different ways to write haiku, the traditional pattern in English is to write the first and last lines with five syllables each, and the middle line with seven syllables. In other words, the pattern of syllables looks like this: Line 1: 5 syllables Line 2: 7 syllables Line 3: 5 syllables Heres another way to visualize the same thing: 12345 1234567 12345 Most often, haiku poems are about seasons or nature, though you can write your own haiku about anything you like. If you dont want to write about nature, and would prefer to write haiku about candy or sports, that is perfectly okay. One more thing to keep in mind is that the last line of a haiku usually makes an observation. That is, the third line points out something about the subject you are writing about. Lets see how we can put these few rules together get your started writing your own haiku poems. Haiku About Seasons Lets say that you decide to write your haiku about a season. First you will want to select a season: spring, summer, fall, or winter. Ive decided to write a haiku about winter, and I know that in the last line I will want to make an observation. I want to say that winter is almost here, but we arent quite ready for the snow. Maybe its that we havent raked the leaves off the front lawn and we need to do it soon before it snows. I want to say all of this, but I want to do it in a pattern of 5, 7, 5. So I might say something like this: Winter is coming. Snow will be arriving soon. We should rake the leaves.
- 2. If you count the syllables on your fingers as you read this poem, you will see that the lines have five syllables, seven syllables, and five syllables, just as they should. Haiku About Nature If you decide to write a haiku about nature, you will have many more subjects to choose from. You could write about animals, plants, the sky, the ocean, streams, the wind, and so on. Start by selecting a topic, and then decide what you want to say; what observation you want to make about it. For example, I have decided to write a haiku about my cat. One thing I notice about my cat is that he sleeps a lot. In fact, Im pretty sure he sleeps almost all night and all day. Im not sure how he can be so tired. In any case, here is my haiku: Tired cat sleeps all night. He needs lots of rest for a Long day of napping. Funny Haiku Just because most haiku poems are about seasons or nature doesnt mean thats all they can be about. If you want, you can even write funny haiku poems. One way to make a haiku funny is to have an unexpected last line. For example, if the last line says the opposite of what the reader expects, it becomes like the punchline of a joke. It also helps to write about a funny subject. As an example, I decided it would be funny to write a haiku excuse for why I cant turn in my homework. Here it is: My homework is late. My dog ate it this morning. I sure like my dog. Notice that this ending is unexpected. Most readers would expect the poem to end with something like can I turn it in tomorrow? or Im mad at dog or something like that. By saying I sure like my dog, I am telling the reader something they dont expect, which will hopefully make them smile. Getting Started Writing Haiku To begin writing haiku poems, just follow these steps: 1. Select a type of haiku. Decide if you are going to write a seasonal, nature, or other type of haiku. 2. Pick a topic. Select one specific season, item in nature, or something else you are going to write about. 3. Think about what is different about your last line. What observation do you want to make? 4. Start writing.
- 3. 5. Dont forget to count the syllables as you read to make sure youve got the right pattern. 6. Finally, center your poem on the page like the poems in this lesson. When you are all done writing your first haiku, see if you can write another one. And, most importantly, have fun!