I love taking part in poetry events and online initiatives. One of these is #HaikuSaturday.

What’s a Haiku, you may well ask?

Well…it’s not a sneeze!

But it is a very short poem that follows these three rules:

• A haiku consists of three lines (which don’t generally rhyme);
• A haiku consists of (no more than) 17 syllables;
• A haiku captures a brief, vivid moment or observation, or sudden realisation , often related to nature. The aim of a haiku is to say something big, profound, powerful or evocative, using only a few words.

If you’re new to writing Haiku – try starting with the 5-7-5 sequence:

• 5 syllables in line one
• 7 syllables in line two
• 5 syllables in line three

Like this:

God is a painter,
The skies are His canvasses,
Glory on display! 

The whole poem should be about ONE thing. One moment. One observation. One striking thought or idea.

After the deluge,
Rock pools flooded with bounty,
Treasures in the storm

Now it’s Your Turn!

Here’s three reasons why you should try writing a Haiku today:

• Haiku are a great way of celebrating those wonderful fleeting moments in nature, encouraging you to really stop, look and listen! I love the saying: – “you should spend one hour every day in nature. Except if you’re busy. Then you should spend two.”
• Fed up with the Crossword? Haiku are a great way to exercise your brain, hone your word-skill and practice getting your thoughts on paper – and there’s no right or wrong way to write a haiku;
• You know all those photos that are just hanging around on your phone? Why not use them as inspiration for a Haiku? And if you’re a writer or blogger, you’ll even have something fresh to post!

And most of all, Haiku are a great way to experiment with phrases, forget about trying to rhyme and just have fun with words! (see, that’s four reasons! Now go on – grab your note-book and pen!)

Magnificent tree,
How many winters have you
Stood against the wind?

If you’re new to writing poetry, why not jump on board today? You could even post your Haiku in the comments section below ! I’d love to read them!

Happy writing!