Describe the poetic structure of a haiku.

1 answer

A haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that consists of three lines with a specific syllable pattern. The structure is as follows:

  • The first line contains 5 syllables.
  • The second line contains 7 syllables.
  • The third line contains 5 syllables.

This gives the haiku a total of 17 syllables. Haikus often focus on nature, seasons, or fleeting moments and typically evoke a particular emotion or insight. Additionally, they may include a "kigo," a seasonal word or phrase, and a "kireji," or cutting word, which creates a pause or contrast between two images or ideas.