A haiku is a type of short form poetry that originated in Japan. It is an unrhymed poem consisting of 17 syllables arranged in three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively. 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. Haiku often take inspiration from nature and capture brief moments in time via effective imagery. They emphasize simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression. 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.

Some key features of haiku include:

• 17 syllables: Haiku consist of 17 syllables arranged in three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively.
• Kireji: A "cutting word" that serves to separate the poem into two parts, and to juxtapose the two parts for heightened effect.
• Kigo: A seasonal reference that helps to set the poem in a particular time of year.
• Nature imagery: Haiku often take inspiration from nature and capture brief moments in time via effective imagery.

Haiku are different from other poems in that they traditionally focus on nature and often explore seasonal changes. They usually dont rhyme. Haiku poets often focus on a single moment in time and, in many cases, juxtapose two images. Although the name haiku dates only to the nineteenth century, the form has existed for hundreds of years.