Are You Really Writing Haiku?

Haiku is originally a Japanese style poem, however it has changed into a favorite of many young adults. One problem though, most who claim they write haiku, generally don't. Haiku is a strict style of writing that consists of a 5 7 5 style, meaning 5 syllables the first line, 7 the second and ending it with 5. Haiku is also written in a way related to nature.

Many who claim they write haiku are in fact writing a whole other style. One style which is generally confused as haiku is cinquain. Cinquain, although closely related to haiku, consists of five lines instead of three. Cinquain is also written about an object and/or person and not nature specifically.

In order to write a true haiku poem, it must consist of three lines with five syllables in the first, seven in the second while the third and line consists of again five syllables. The poem must also be somehow related to nature, while using few words and expressing great emotion.

An example of haiku is:

"Darkness"
Blackened evening sky
Moon shifting across the darkness
Waiting for the sun

Short Poems
Haiku and other poetry help and poems.