1. Syllables: A haiku consists of three lines with a specific pattern of syllables. The first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, and the third line has five syllables.
2. Nature: Haiku poems traditionally focus on nature, capturing a fleeting moment or a glimpse of beauty in the natural world. They often incorporate a seasonal reference (kigo) that relates to a particular season.
3. Present moment: Haiku poems are about the present moment and immediate experiences. They capture a single, vivid image or observation without much context or explanation.
4. Juxtaposition: Haiku often uses juxtaposition, placing two contrasting or unrelated images or ideas side by side to create a deeper meaning or tension.
5. Simplicity and brevity: Haiku poems are known for their simplicity, conciseness, and suggestion rather than explicit statements.
6. Imagery: Haiku heavily relies on imagery and sensory details to create a vivid and memorable experience for the reader.
7. Emotional impact: While haiku poems are short, they aim to evoke a strong emotional response or sense of wonder in the reader.
8. Cut (kireji): Many haiku poems contain a cutting word or phrase (kireji), which creates a pause or break within the poem and adds depth and tension.
9. Season word (kigo): As mentioned earlier, haiku poems often include a seasonal reference or kigo, which helps situate the poem in a specific season and connects it to the natural world.
10. Spontaneous inspiration: Haiku poems are often inspired by sudden bursts of insight or moments of contemplation, and they capture the essence of a moment in a simple and evocative way.
Example:
*The autumn wind blows*
*Leaves fall from the maple tree*
*A new day begins*
This haiku follows the traditional syllable structure and captures a moment of transition in nature, with the wind blowing and leaves falling, signaling the start of a new day.