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Haiku and Poetry

Lisa and Dave
Lisa and Dave have been friends for a long time. Although we live far apart, we found a fun way to keep in close touch by email. Lately we've been writing haiku and sending it to one another. Most haiku we've created have been entries to contest sites on Poetry.com and USAToday. Haiku writing is quick, creative and fun. By reading our haiku, we hope you are inspired to write your own!

Lisa's Haiku

Dave's Haiku

Dave's Other Poetry (coming!)

What is Haiku?
Haiku is Japanese poetry, typically no longer than 17 syllables, in 3 lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables. Most haiku are simple, summarizing a snapshot view of nature in those few lines.

Many haiku indirectly reference the season, as in this spring haiku by Basho:

Patienly fishing in the lake the crane's long legs have shortened since the rains.

History of Haiku
Haiku poetry came into existence during the Edo period of Japanese culture. The poet still considered its most artful practitioner was Matsuo Basho (1644-94). Basho traveled extensively throughout his lifetime keenly observing the nuances of surrounding life and translating them into his art.

Jack Kerouac (1922-69) was the first to compose Haiku in English. His American style, though distinctively modern, retains the traditional form and intent.

Famous Haiku Poets and Their Poems

Basho	Buson - coming soon	Issa - coming soon	Shiki - coming soon

Haiku Contest Entry Sites

Haiku Sites

This page was last updated 10 February 2001

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