What is a Haiku Poem?

A haiku poem is a Japanese poem which can also be known as a hokku. A haiku poem is similar to a tanka but has fewer lines. A haiku is a type of poetry that can be written on many themes, from love to nature.

What is the Structure of a Haiku Poem?

A haiku consists of 3 lines and 17 syllables.

Each line has a set number of syllables see below:

Line 1 – 5 syllables
Line 2 – 7 syllables
Line 3 – 5 syllables

An Example of a Haiku Poem

The sky is so blue.	5
The sun is so warm up high.	7
I love the summer.	5

Haiku poems don't need to rhyme, but for more of a challenge some poets try to rhyme lines 1 and 3.

Examples of Rhyming Haiku Poems

Toast
I really like toast.	5
It is yummy when it's hot.	7
Cold I like it most.	5

Beans
Beans are kind to hearts.	5
I like to eat them daily.	7
And then do big farts!	5

Why don't you try writing a haiku poem or a rhyming haiku and enter it into one of our poetry competitions.

For information on poetry types other than a haiku visit our poetry glossary – poetry types.