How to Write a HaikuWinston Smoak

TECH 539 Digital Media August 30, 2010

What is a Haiku?A Haiku is a type of poetry that is composed

of three unrhymed lines of five, seven and four syllables. This type of poetry was originated in the 16th century and was used to illustrate certain aspects of nature and to create images.

Haiku’s are derived from the Japanese culture and it combines content, form and language into a compact and meaningful poems

Step 1Select a topic for your poemYour Haiku can take on many different type

of themes such as nature or and personal experiences

The most commonly used Haiku consist of three short lines

Step 2•The first line of the Haiku should have five syllables•The second line of the Haiku should have seven syllables•The Third line of the Haiku should have five syllables

Haiku Format

Step 3While writing your Haiku be sure to use

simple words and grammar so that the proper format can be maintained

A Haiku should paint a mental image of the message you want the poem to present

Haiku’s do not rhyme A Haiku should be a total of seventeen

syllables

Example of a HaikuNone is travelling

byBasho (1644-1694)

None is travellingHere along this way but I,

This autumn evening.The first day of the year:

thoughts come - and there is loneliness;the autumn dusk is here.

ReferencesTypes of poetry. (2007). [Web]. Retrieved

from http://www.types-of-poetry.org.uk/24-free-verse.htm

Playing with poetry. (2005). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.edu.pe.ca/stjean/playing%20with%20poetry/index.htm