1. Haiku Poetry

2. Origin of Haiku Comes from Japan
Japanese poet Basho is credited with the creation of haiku
Form of meditation on nature and surroundings
Short syllables in Japanese language contribute to the shortness or brevity of a haiku
Simplicity of the language shows the simple beauty of Japan’s art

3. Haiku or Hokku Three line poem 17 or less syllables in total
5-7-5 syllable count but not always.
Line 1: 5 syllables
Line 2: 7 syllables
Line 3: 5 syllables
1st 3rd lines are short
2nd line is longer than the 1st and 3rd.
Subject: Nature or a moment in time

4. Translation and Syllabification
Note: Translation of Japanese haikus into English can affect the number of syllables and the length of the line. Notice that the Japanese version follows the rule, but the English does not. The 2nd line in the Japanese version is long while the English is short.
Japanese
English translation
Furu ike ya (5) Kawaza tobikomu (7) Mizu no oto (5) Total: 17 syllables
An old pond (3) A frog jumps in (4) The sound of water (5) Total: 12 syllables

5. “Clouds come from time to time”
and bring to men a chance to rest
from looking at the moon. –Basho