Haiku

Haiku is a compact poetic form that captures a single, vivid moment in just three lines. It favors concrete images, sensory details, and a feeling of immediacy over explanation.

Core features

Structure: 3 lines. Traditional Japanese haiku use 17 sound units (on) in a 5–7–5 pattern. In English, many haiku roughly follow 5–7–5 syllables, but modern haiku often use fewer syllables and focus on image and contrast rather than strict counting.
Kigo (season word): A word or phrase that suggests a season or time of year (e.g., cherry blossoms for spring, cicadas for summer, red leaves for autumn, first snow for winter).
Kireji (cut): A “cut” or break that sets two parts of the poem in relation to each other—often marked by a strong line break or punctuation.

Typical tone

Quiet, observational, rooted in everyday life and nature
Suggestive rather than explanatory
Uses simple, concrete language; strong nouns and verbs, minimal adjectives and adverbs

Classic shape (fragment + phrase)

One short fragment (often one line) that gives a sharp image or context
One longer phrase (two lines) that adds movement, detail, or a second image

The tension or connection between fragment and phrase creates the emotional or intellectual "spark" of the haiku.

Personal writing guidelines

Start from a real moment you’ve noticed (a sound, a flicker of light, a small movement).
Show the scene through specific images and sensations; avoid explaining the emotion.
Include at least a hint of season or time, when possible.
Make sure there’s a clear “cut” or pivot where the poem shifts.
Read aloud to feel the rhythm and see if any words can be removed while keeping the image strong.