Haiku Examples

Haiku is a type of Japanese poem with a very specific pattern. There are 3 lines with 17 syllables. The first and last lines have 5 syllables, and the middle line has 7 syllables. Typically, haiku poetry is about nature.

(These are translated, so syllables might not be exact.)

From Basho Matsuo-"Haiku master" from the 1600s

Wrapping dumplings in

bamboo leaves, with one finger

she tidies her hair

Black Cloudbank broken

Scatters in the night... Now see

Moon-lighted mountains!

With dewdrops dripping,

I wish somehow I could wash

this perishing world

From Yosa Buson-1700s

A long hard journey,

rain beating down the clover

like a wanderer's feet

A painting for sale -

A swallow lets fall a dropping,

As it flies away.

Clinging to the bell

he dozes so peacefull

this new butterfly