Haiku is a form of poetry, first made popular in Japan, which has become appreciated around the world. Haiku poets are challenged to convey a vivid message in only 17 syllables. In Japan these poems are valued for their simplicity, openness, depth and lightness.
Often focusing on images from nature, haiku emphasizes simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression.
Here are three examples of haiku from Yosa Buson (1716-1784), a haiku master poet and painter:
A summer river being crossed
how pleasing
with sandals in my hands!
Light of the moon
Moves west, flowers’ shadows
Creep eastward.
In the moonlight,
The color and scent of the wisteria
Seems far away.