Haiku is a type of short form poetry that originated in Japan. Traditional Japanese haiku consist of three phrases composed of 17 phonetic units (called on in Japanese, which are similar to syllables) in a 5, 7, 5 pattern; that include a kireji, or "cutting word"; and a kigo, or seasonal reference. Similar poems that do not adhere to these rules are generally classified as senryū. Haiku originated as an opening part of a larger Japanese poem called renga. These haiku written as an opening stanza were known as hokku and over time they began to be written as stand-alone poems. Haiku was given its current name by the Japanese writer Masaoka Shiki at the end of the 19th century.

Haiku are not long, but they can be tough to write. With practice, it’s fun! . The main format of haiku is the English haiku format, which is a type of Japanese poem that always uses the same number of syllables in a three-line format:

• The first line is five syllables
• The second line is seven syllables
• The third line is five syllables

Unlike other poems, haikus usually don’t rhyme. Haiku can come in various formats of short verses.

The haiku form was restricted in subject matter to an objective description of nature suggestive of one of the seasons, evoking a definite, though unstated, emotional response. The form gained distinction early in the Tokugawa period (1603–1867) when the great master Bashō elevated the hokku to a highly refined and conscious art. Today, haiku are written by authors worldwide and are not limited to nature themes.