Haiku

This is our last week celebrating National Poetry Month. And no celebration of poetry is complete without haiku.

Haiku is a form of poetry originating in Japan. A haiku has 17 syllables, broken down like this:

First line: 5 syllables
Second line: 7 syllables
Third line: 5 syllables

Traditionally, haiku is about the natural world.

The most famous Japanese haiku poet, Matsuo Basho, lived from 1644 to 1694. Haiku actually dates from the 9th century, so you can see that it has been around for a very long time! 

When Basho's haiku is translated into English, it doesn't usually follow the traditional number of syllables. 

flower of the harvest moon?
it only looks that way
a cotton field

Here's a traditional haiku by Rachel, a student from Wisconsin.

An orca whale jumps
Sending a cry in the air,
Splashing water high.

You can also add artwork to your haiku. Try writing your own, and have fun experimenting. 
Happy haiku-ing!