A haiku is a traditional Japanese form of short poetry consisting of three lines with a total of 17 syllables arranged in a 5-7-5 pattern: five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third
. Originally, haiku developed from the opening stanza (hokku) of a linked- verse poem called renga, becoming an independent poetic form in the 17th century
. Traditional haiku often include a seasonal reference (kigo) and a "cutting word" (kireji) to create a pause or emphasis, focusing on nature and evoking a subtle emotional response
. In English and other languages, haiku maintain the three-line structure and syllable count but can vary in style and subject matter, sometimes moving beyond nature themes
. Haiku are typically unrhymed and emphasize vivid imagery and simplicity, capturing a moment or scene in a concise and evocative way
. In summary, a haiku poem is a short, three-line, unrhymed poem with a 5-7-5 syllabic structure that traditionally reflects nature and seasons, aiming to express much with very few words
