Rules for Writing Haiku

While some forms of poetry have free form with regards to number of lines and syllables, there is a specific structure for writing haiku poetry. Consider the definition, examples, and structure for constructing haiku.

Rules for Writing Haiku

There are no specific rules for writing haiku; however, the structure of haiku is always the same, including the following features:

• Only three lines, totaling 17 syllables throughout
• The first line must be only 5 syllables
• The second line must be comprised of 7 syllables
• The third line must be 5 syllables like the first
• Punctuation and capitalization rules are up to the poet, and need not follow rigid rules used in structuring sentences
• Haiku does not have to rhyme, in fact many times it does not rhyme at all
• Some haiku can include the repetition of words or sounds

Defining Haiku Poetry

Haiku is a descriptive form of poetry.

Originating in Japan, haiku poetry typically discusses subjects from the natural world, including seasons, months, animals, insects, and even the smallest elements of nature, down to a blade of grass or a drop of dew.

While haiku does not have to only cover natural subject matter, it is most often used as a celebration of nature.

Examples of Haiku Poetry

Japanese poets have been writing haiku for centuries. Notsume Soseki, who is commonly referred to as the Charles Dickens of Japan, wrote the following poem in the mid-1300s:

Over the wintry forest,

winds howl in rage

with no leaves to blow.

The poet Basho is well known for his beautiful haiku, such as this one:

An old silent pond

A frog jumps into the pond, splash!

Silence again.

Reading through examples of haiku can greatly help you understand, appreciate, and eventually write haiku yourself. Reading haiku to children can also help them develop a sense of how to interpret poetry, and begin the process of writing their own simple poems. When reading such haiku poetry out loud to children, consider having them guess what element of nature is being described in the poem.

Process of Writing Haiku

Even though there are specific rules for writing haiku, the process can still be fun and rewarding.

If you are trying to write haiku for the first time, consider some of the following steps:

1. Begin by reading examples of haiku to help you get inspired about the subjects and construction of haiku. Haiku is simply a beautiful form of poetry, so take time to appreciate it before you begin writing it. Ample examples are available online and through your local library.
2. Create a list of possible subjects that you might write about, considering various aspects of nature that inspire you. Consider animals, insects, seasons, and more. Even the smallest natural details can make for great haiku.
3. After you choose a subject, you may want to look at a few pictures of it, or go outside and admire it. Like all of the great poets before you, some of the greatest inspiration comes from simply admiring nature and the world around them.
4. Make a list of words that relate to the subject you have chosen. Be as descriptive as possible and don’t worry – none of the terms will go to waste! Whatever you don’t use in one haiku can be used in another poem.
5. Begin by writing with the 5-7-5 rule in mind. If you have trouble determining how many syllables are in a word because you are not sure you are pronouncing it correctly, remember that you can always look the word up here on YourDictionary for a count of the syllables.

Remember to be creative not only with your use of words, but also with your punctuation and word order. Haiku is not designed to read like a sentence, so do not feel bound by normal capitalization and structure rules.