A Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that captures a moment in nature or an emotion, following a specific structure.
It consists of three lines with a total of 17 syllables. The syllable pattern is:

First line: 5 syllables
Second line: 7 syllables
Third line: 5 syllables

Haikus often focus on nature, seasons, or fleeting moments and aim to evoke a specific image or feeling. It also uses vivid imagery and sensory language to create a strong visual or emotional impact. In traditional Japanese Haikus, a cutting word (kireji) creates a pause or adds emphasis, but in English, this can be achieved through punctuation or a natural pause. Haiku’s are typically written in the present tense, capturing a moment as it happens.

Autumn Haiku
Gentle autumn breeze, (5 syllables)
Leaves dance in the golden light, (7 syllables)
Nature’s soft farewell. (5 syllables)

Most often Haiku’s focus on a single moment or observation and
avoid metaphors or similes. They let the imagery stand on its own.
Haiku’s focus on clarity and conciseness, ensuring each word contributes to the overall impact.

The Haiku
Haiku is a glimpse
of someone’s smile passing by
that lifts your spirit.

The Final Goodbye
Last light fades away,
petals fall—an autumn breeze,
whispers our goodbye.

In this haiku, the “cutting word” is conveyed in the imagery of the petals falling, symbolizing the transient nature of the moment, with the autumn breeze adding a sense of inevitable passage, echoing the feeling of saying a final goodbye.