Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Period: __________
Haiku
A haiku is a style of Japanese poem. It is typically comprised of three lines: the first one has
five syllables, the second seven syllables, and the third line five syllables. Haikus are meant
to be short but profound, meant to make you think deeply in a short amount of time. They
are usually about nature, especially the seasons. Often, they have illustrations that
accompany them. Here are some examples:
“A World of Dew”
A world of dew,
And within every dewdrop
A world of struggle
by Kobayashi Issa
“Lighting One Candle”
The light of a candle
Is transferred to another candle –
Spring twilight
“A Poppy Blooms”
by Yosa Buson
I write, erase, rewrite
Erase again, and then
A poppy blooms.
by Katsushika Hokusai
“Over the Wintry”
Over the wintry
Forest, winds howl in rage
With no leaves to blow.
By Natsume Soseki
It’s your turn! Write and illustrate a haiku based on nature and the changing of seasons.
You may need to write several drafts of your haiku before you’re satisfied. Please write the
final draft here.
Title: _________________________________________
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