How to Construct a Simple Haiku
Haiku is a contemplative style of poetry that originated in Japanese literature. Haikus strictly adhere to a format of three short lines, with a specific number of syllables on each line for a total of 17 syllables. Unlike other types of poems, the haiku is very short and the lines are not required to rhyme. A simple haiku is meant to chronicle the essence of a moment and how it effects a person.
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Instructions
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1
Select a theme or subject based on your personal feelings or ideas. As a guide, think of how you can juxtapose two images or concepts using three short lines. A well-written haiku features a creative tension between contrasting elements such as movement and stillness, change and continuance, constancy and spontaneity, time and timelessness. It can also feature relative elements such as nature and humanity, relationships and integrations and insights about a memorable or touching experience or situation.
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Create the haiku's first line by establishing the "when" aspect of your chosen theme or subject. This line should be made up of five syllables.
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3
Create the haiku's second line by establishing the "where" aspect of your chosen theme or subject. This line should be made up of seven syllables.
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Create the haiku's third line by establishing the "what" aspect of your chosen theme or subject. This line should be made up of five syllables.
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Tips & Warnings
Use nouns, present-tense verbs and adjectives with figurative descriptions for all three lines of your haiku.
Brainstorm word ideas that can be used in your chosen theme. For instance, if writing about summer in a colorful field, write down words like sky, green, grass, animals, wind, trees, plants, flowers, mountains and seasons.
Although lines establishing "when, where and what" are typically simple haikus, you can find other ways to be creative when constructing your haiku.
