Tips on How to Write a Haiku Poem

Haiku poetry dwells on nature, usually imparting wisdom about life and existence through observations of the natural world. Senryū poems dwell on the follies of human nature.)

*Gendai—*Literally “contemporary,” a *gendai* haiku encompasses modern values and often dwells on themes of politics, urbanity, modern life, and war. These poems do not use *kigo*, and they sometimes include [similes and metaphors](https://writers.com/simile-vs-metaphor-vs-analogy-definitions-and-examples), which a traditional piece lacks.)

*Haibun*—A specialized type of verse popularized by Bashō. A haibun includes a prose poem and a haiku, each of which draw upon natural observations with a high level of imagery and description. The haiku and the prose poem are related, but one does not explain the other, and the narrative jump between the two is not linear.)

*Hokku*—The opening 3 lines of a linked verse poem. Its form precedes the modern day haiku.)

*Kigo*—The “nature word” of a poem. Kigo words are usually seasonal. The word “autumn” is an obvious example, but so is the word “pomegranate,” which is traditionally harvested in, and thus signifies, autumn.)

*Kireji*—The “cutting word” of a poem, surprising the reader and tying together the juxtaposed images.)

*On*—A phonetic unit in the Japanese language. A Japanese haiku counts *on*, whereas an English poem counts syllables.)

*Renga*—A linked verse poem written by multiple authors, often preceded by a hokku.)

*Saijiki*—A list of kigo organized by seasonal terms, which poets can reference as they construct their haiku poems.)

*Senryū*—A humorous poem which utilizes the haiku format, but dwells on man’s foibles.)

*Waka*—A traditional linked verse poem in classical Japanese literature, usually written by a poet of higher status.)

Great haiku poetry comes from simple observations, and from accepting what comes to the mind without judgment or modification. Let your thoughts arise naturally, and try to transcribe those images into the poem.)