How to Write a Nature Haiku

To the layman, a haiku is simply a three lines poem with the 5-7-5 syllable structure. A traditional haiku tends to include a nature word that tells the reader what season the haiku is about. In order to write a nature haiku, it is best to be more thorough in your writing.

Instructions

1. Write your response to nature. The haiku is meant to be a brief sentiment about nature itself, and the response felt by humans to the nature around them. Look at a flower or tree and use the syllabic guidelines to help you be concise in writing your response.

2. Break down your words. When you write a haiku, you must break down the words themselves to their barest nature. Emotions are natural feelings, and when writing about them in the haiku format you are stripped of flowery speech and must write the purest simplest form of your feelings.

3. Take a walk. Bring along a pad of paper and a pen and return to the earth. If you live in a city which has little nature, go to a park and observe those around you. By studying life in every form, you can glean ideas and inspiration to write a nature haiku.

4. Study words. In order to be succinct when writing about nature, you will have to broaden your vocabulary. Look at flowers around you, or in a vase, and then look up the words that come to mind and expand on them. Use a thesaurus and dictionary together to help you capture the right feeling for each emotion or sensation you wish to write about.

5. Follow the guidelines. A haiku is made up of three lines. It traditionally contains one season word, and contains no rhyming or metaphors. The total syllable count is 17 syllables, and the syllables follow per line 5-7-5. A haiku is meant to be simple, succinct, and aptly portray the vision or thought implied.