Q&A for How to Write a Haiku Poem

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is there a minimum or maximum number of lines I can write and do they need to rhyme?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you have to write three lines in a haiku but they do not have to rhyme (unless you want them to).
  • Question
    Why are haiku poems so short?
    Community Answer
    It's supposed to be a simple message that captures a simple feeling, and leaves further reflection/imagination up to the reader. That's simply what this particular style was designed for. You are free to write a poem of any length and any syllable scheme you want - it just won't be called a haiku.
  • Question
    Why is haiku called 'haiku'?
    Community Answer
    Haikus were created in Japan and originally called "haikai no ku," which translates to "light verse." That was eventually simplified to "haiku."
  • Question
    Can a haiku rhyme?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it doesn't have to. Some haiku don't even adhere to the suggested syllable count.
  • Question
    Are haikus the most difficult type of poetry to write?
    Community Answer
    There is no single type of poetry that is the most or least difficult. It depends on an individual's talents and several other factors.
  • Question
    Where does the haiku form of poetry originate?
    Nicolas
    Community Answer
    Japan.
  • Question
    My haikus are really sloppy. How can I give them more emotion?
    Community Answer
    Look in a thesaurus for new words and keep writing them. The more you write and practice, the better they will be.
  • Question
    Do haikus have to have three lines?
    Nicolas
    Community Answer
    Traditionally, yes.
  • Question
    Does a haiku need a title?
    Community Answer
    As with other written art forms, it could have a title or simply be "Untitled." Haiku with titles may be more memorable.
  • Question
    What is the difference between Cinquain and Haiku?
    Community Answer
    Haiku is a poem in 3 line form consisting of 17 morae (a unit of syllable weight or timing) arranged in 5-7-5 form. Being unfamiliar with the subtle nuances of timing of Slovak, Japanese, or Sanskrit, we usually say 17 "syllables". Haiku must be objective/universal, never subjective, and have a two-part juxtaposition. Cinquain is normally a 5 line stanza. The two didactic/school versions of the cinquain are 2-4-6-8-2 syllables; and noun-2 adjective-3 gerunds-1 phrase-synonym of the noun.
  • Question
    How can a haiku be only three sentences?
    Community Answer
    A haiku by definition is three lines. Poems don't have to be long in order to be meaningful.
  • Question
    Does a syllable always require a vowel?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    In almost all cases, yes. There are some exceptions, however, as in the word "rhythm."
  • Question
    How many syllables it should have?
    Community Answer
    Five, then even, then five. How to write Haiku -- Spring to a new challenge -- Fleeting solutions.
  • Question
    What is an example of a haiku poem?
    Community Answer
    "An old, silent pond. A frog jumps into the pond, splash! silence again."
  • Question
    Does a poem have to be based on something?
    Community Answer
    According to the information on this page yes, it should describe something beautiful that you want to share with the rest of the world.
  • Question
    Can you use commas in a haiku?
    Kindness
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can add commas in any place you want when the circumstances fit the comma rules.
  • Question
    I want to write a haiku poem about painting. How do I do that?
    Community Answer
    Painting shows the world what the artist's eyes have seen by means of his hands. There, that's how. If you need more help, read the whole of this page, there is a lot of information and help for you.
  • Question
    How can I fill my poem with life and emotion?
    Kim G
    Top Answerer
    Write a poem about something you care deeply about. Think about how it makes you feel, how you would describe it, and write accordingly.
  • Question
    Is it true that haiku in English doesn't have to follow the 5-7-5 pattern?
    Community Answer
    No, it still has to follow the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. If you do not follow this pattern, it will not be identified as a haiku.
  • Question
    I need to write Haiku poem about my university. How does this sound? As mountains high the knowledge grew thanks to OHU.
    Community Answer
    It is good but it may be too short. Maybe try it more like: As high as mountains, the knowledge flew through the sky, thanks to OHU. That said, it is just an opinion and you should go with what you think is best for you.
  • Question
    Why does Haiku need at least three lines?
    Community Answer
    Because those are the parameters for haiku, much as a couplet has two lines.
  • Question
    Sting's "Fields of Gold" is 5, 5, 7 syllables. Does it harm the haiku to sing it to Fields of Gold?
    Community Answer
    It is traditional to use 5, 7, 5 syllables, but you do not have to. It is better to use the traditional.
  • Question
    Is haiku Japanese?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it originated there and was originally called "haikai no ku," which translates to "light verse." That was eventually simplified to "haiku."
  • Question
    What is the purpose of writing a haiku?
    Community Answer
    Writing a haiku is like writing any kind of poem: it can be a creative exercise, a gift for someone else, etc.
  • Question
    Do Haiku poems have a word limit?
    Community Answer
    No, but traditionally they have a syllable limit as explained in Part 2 above.
  • Question
    How should I start it?
    Community Answer
    Just think of a good memory and try to represent that in a small amount of words.
  • Question
    How does one come to truly appreciate it's form?
    Community Answer
    Keep reading them often to uncover their beauty.
  • Question
    I have a hard time finding "sensory words" as I don't have a dictionary. What can I do?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Use a thesaurus. There are several online.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to follow the syllable pattern (5-7-5)?
    Community Answer
    Some haiku poems do not, but if you want to stick to the traditional haiku, then yes.
  • Question
    "Distant geese a patch of ripples disappear" - Do you consider this an English haiku?
    Community Answer
    No. A haiku must be written in three lines, in a 5-7-5 syllable structure. You basically have two lines of content here, and they don't have the right numbers of syllables: Dis-tant geese [3] / a patch of rip-ples dis-ap-pear [8].
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article