What is a Senryu?

A senryu is a 17 syllable poem. It is an unrhymed Japanese verse. A senryu consists of 3 lines and 17 syllables.

The Structure of a Senryu Poem

The 17 syllables should be arranged as below:

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

An Example of a Senryu Poem

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

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