Haiku: Your Quick Guide to 3‑Line Poems

Ever seen a tiny poem that feels like a picture? That’s a haiku. It’s a Japanese form that uses just three lines – 5 syllables, 7 syllables, then 5 again. No fancy rules, just a snapshot of a moment.

Why bother with haiku? Because it forces you to pick the right words. In just 17 syllables you can capture a sunrise, a feeling, or a memory. It’s a great way to practice being brief and vivid.

How to Write a Haiku in Simple Steps

1. Pick a scene. Look for something simple – a rainy street, a cup of tea, a cricket chirp. The idea is to focus on one image.

2. Count the syllables. First line 5, second line 7, third line 5. If you’re not sure, say the line out loud. You’ll hear the rhythm.

3. Add a twist. Classic haiku have a “cutting word” that separates two ideas – often a nature image and a feeling. Try ending the last line with a subtle surprise.

4. Read it aloud. Does it sound smooth? Does the picture stay in your mind? Tweak any words that feel clunky.

Easy Haiku Examples to Inspire You

Here are a few quick haiku you can copy or use as a starter:

Morning mist lifts
Leaves whisper on the pond
Sun peeks through clouds

Rain taps the roof
Warm tea steams in my hands
Quiet thoughts drift

Street lights flicker
Night market hums alive
Spice fills the air

Notice the pattern – each line paints a scene, the middle line adds depth, and the last line leaves a feeling.

If you want an Indian flavor, swap the images. Try a monsoon drizzle, a mango scent, or a cricket match. The haiku shape stays the same, only the picture changes.

Want more practice? Write three haiku a day. One about nature, one about a daily habit, and one about a feeling. You’ll see your word choice tighten fast.

Remember, haiku isn’t about strict rules that imprison creativity. It’s a tool to help you focus on the now and express it in a tiny, powerful burst.

So grab a pen, look around, and give haiku a go. In a few minutes you’ll have a poem that feels like a snapshot you can keep forever.