35 Haiku Poem Examples
Haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry, has enchanted readers and writers around the globe with its brevity and depth. Typically, a haiku consists of seventeen syllables, divided into three lines of five, seven, and five syllables, respectively. This minimalistic format, far from limiting, offers a unique canvas for expressing profound observations of nature, emotions, and the human experience. The beauty of haiku poems lies in their simplicity and their ability to evoke imagery and emotion in just a few words. In this collection, we explore 35 haiku poem examples, each with its own unique charm and significance, penned by poets who have mastered this art form.
1. “a camera’s flash” by Jane Rechhold
a camera’s flash
long after the eyes close
in old photographs
Jane Reichhold, an influential figure in English-language haiku, masterfully captures the essence of memory and transience in this haiku poem example. The imagery of a camera’s flash lingering in closed eyes on old photographs evokes a sense of nostalgia and the enduring impact of moments long passed.
2. “A Poppy Blooms” by Katsushika Hokusai
I write, erase, rewrite
Erase again, and then
A poppy blooms.
Hokusai, better known for his art, reflects on the creative process in this haiku example. The struggle of writing and rewriting, followed by the sudden blossoming of a poppy, symbolizes the sudden emergence of beauty and inspiration.
3. “A World of Dew” by Kobayashi Issa
A world of dew,
And within every dewdrop
A world of struggle.
Kobayashi Issa’s haiku captures the vastness and the intricacy of life. The dewdrop serves as a metaphor for the world, with each tiny droplet reflecting a universe of experiences and struggles. Issa’s ability to find depth in the minutest details of nature is a testament to his poetic prowess.
4. “Against his coat” by Alexis Rotella
Against his coat
I brush my lips—
the silence of snowflakes
In this haiku example, Alexis Rotella, a renowned American haiku poet, captures a moment of tender intimacy set against a serene winter backdrop. The act of brushing lips against someone’s coat is a subtle, yet deeply affectionate gesture, evoking a sense of closeness and warmth. This personal moment is contrasted with the quiet, ambient “silence of snowflakes,” which adds a layer of peacefulness and stillness to the scene. Rotella skillfully conveys a feeling of tranquil love, where the hushed environment accentuates the emotional depth of the simple act. The haiku’s imagery invites the reader to feel the quietness of a snowy day and the softness of an intimate moment, showcasing Rotella’s ability to create vivid emotional landscapes with few words.
5. “All the skaters gone” by Robert Spiess
all the skaters gone:
thinner now the midnight ice
across the wide lake
Robert Spiess, a prominent figure in American haiku poetry, captures a serene yet subtly poignant winter scene in this haiku. The imagery of an empty, ice-covered lake under a midnight sky evokes a sense of solitude and the quiet passage of time. The mention of the skaters having departed and the thinning ice suggests the fleeting nature of moments and seasons.
6. “an old, tired woman” by William Oandasan
an old, tired woman
deep in silence
rubbing her wrinkled hands
This haiku poem by William Oandasan, an American poet of Yuki and Philipino heritage, known for his poignant and reflective haiku, captures a moment of quiet introspection. The imagery of an elderly woman silently rubbing her hands conveys a sense of weariness, age, and perhaps contemplation or memory. Oandasan’s work often explores themes of nature, human experience, and the passage of time, bringing attention to the subtle yet profound aspects of everyday life.
7. “At the windowpane” by O. Mabson Southard
At the windowpane,
sleet; and here in the dark house—
the ticking of clocks.
O. Mabson Southard, a respected American haiku poet, captures a moment of introspective stillness in this haiku example. The contrasting imagery of sleet against the windowpane and the rhythmic ticking of clocks inside a dark house creates a sense of isolation and the passage of time. Southard’s haiku reflects on the quiet, often unnoticed moments of life, highlighting the subtle interplay between the external environment and our internal experiences. His work often delves into such contemplative themes, offering a window into the tranquil yet profound aspects of everyday life.
8. “bold nasturtiums” by Gerald Vizenor
bold nasturtiums
dress the barbed wire fences
down to the wild sea
Gerald Vizenor, a Native American writer and poet, is known for his vivid imagery and profound exploration of nature and culture. In this haiku, he contrasts the vibrant life of nasturtium flowers with the harshness of barbed wire fences, symbolizing resilience and beauty in adversity. The journey “down to the wild sea” adds a sense of freedom and the unstoppable force of nature. Vizenor’s work often reflects on themes of natural harmony and Indigenous perspectives, and this haiku poem exemplifies his ability to capture the intricate balance between the natural world and human interventions.
9. “Coming home from work” by Chögyam Trungpa
Coming home from work,
Still he hears the phone
Ringing in the office.
This haiku example by Chögyam Trungpa, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master, captures the lingering stress of work life. The imagery of hearing a phone ring even after leaving the office symbolizes how work-related anxieties can persist in our minds. Trungpa’s writing often reflects on the nature of the human mind and experience, offering insights into mindfulness and the search for inner peace. His haiku brings a spiritual perspective to everyday experiences, highlighting the importance of detaching from work-related thoughts and being present in the moment.
10. “Fathers die, but sons“ by Hayden Carruth
Fathers die, but sons
catch the grave chill, looking in
at lost forgiveness.
Hayden Carruth, a renowned American poet noted for his poignant and deeply personal themes, explores the complex relationship between fathers and sons in this haiku example. The poem reflects on mortality, legacy, and the often-unresolved emotions surrounding parental relationships. “The grave chill” symbolizes both the literal loss and the emotional coldness that can accompany unexpressed forgiveness or unresolved issues. Carruth’s haiku poem delves into the profound impact of familial bonds and the enduring nature of emotional ties, even beyond death.
11. “Follow that airplane“ by Anselm Hollo
Follow that airplane
of course I’m high this is
an emergency
Anselm Hollo, a Finnish-American poet known for his innovative and unconventional style, infuses this haiku with a sense of urgency and a touch of whimsy. The poem juxtaposes the act of following an airplane with the speaker’s heightened state of mind, labeled as an “emergency.” Hollo’s unique approach often blends humor with serious undertones, and this haiku captures his characteristic wit and ability to convey complex scenarios in a concise, impactful manner.
12. “Haiku [for you]” by Sonia Sanchez
love between us is
speech and breath. loving you is
a long river running.
This poem speaks of love as a fundamental, life-sustaining force, likening it to “speech and breath.” The comparison underscores the idea that love is as essential and natural as breathing and communicating. The imagery of love being “a long river running” evokes a sense of enduring, flowing continuity — love is portrayed as a constant, powerful force that carries on ceaselessly. Sanchez’s haiku captures the depth and intensity of love in a concise, yet profoundly eloquent manner. Her work often explores themes of love, womanhood, racial identity, and human rights, and this haiku poem reflects her skill in weaving these themes into compact, impactful poetry.
13. “in a dark window” by Marianne Bluger
in a dark window
Dad’s pale face
watching our bonfire soar
This haiku by Marianne Bluger, a celebrated Canadian poet known for her lyrical and evocative style, captures a poignant family moment. Bluger’s imagery of a father’s pale face in the dark, observing the lively bonfire, juxtaposes the stillness and introspection inside with the dynamic energy outside. It reflects on themes of separation, observation, and perhaps a generational shift. Bluger’s work often delves into personal and natural themes, weaving them together with emotional depth and simplicity.
14. “in her dressing room” by Cor van den Heuvel
in her dressing room
the stripper powders her breasts
and whispers something to them
Cor van den Heuvel, an American haiku poet known for his versatility, captures a private, humanizing moment in the life of a stripper. This haiku example breaks conventional barriers, focusing on self-care and personal ritual behind the scenes. It invites reflection on the unseen depth in people’s lives, conveyed through an intimate, evocative snapshot.
15. “Look at the white moon” by Lewis G. Alexander
Look at the white moon
The sphinx does not question more.
Turn away your eyes.
Lewis G. Alexander, an African American poet associated with the Harlem Renaissance, infuses this haiku with a sense of mystique and contemplation. The reference to the sphinx suggests enigma and enduring mysteries, akin to the inscrutable beauty of the white moon. Alexander’s encouragement to turn away implies that some mysteries, like those symbolized by the sphinx and the moon, are beyond human understanding. His work often explores themes of mystery, identity, and the profound depths of natural and historical symbols.
16. “morning calm” by Peggy Willis Lyles
morning calm
the song that hovers
out of sight
Peggy Willis Lyles, a revered American haiku poet, conveys a serene, contemplative atmosphere in this haiku example. Lyles’ poetry often captures subtle, fleeting moments of beauty in nature, offering a sense of quiet reflection and appreciation for the world around us.
17. “morning walk –” by Tom Clausen
morning walk –
the slow dissolve
of world news
Tom Clausen is an American poet known for his work in the haiku genre. Tom Clausen’s haiku juxtaposes the tranquility of a morning walk with the gradual fading of worldly concerns. The phrase “the slow dissolve of world news” suggests a release from the often overwhelming influx of information. This haiku poem captures the therapeutic effect of nature and the simple act of walking, highlighting how such moments can provide a mental and emotional respite, allowing one to momentarily detach from the constant bombardment of global events and find peace in the present.
18. “my faith—” by Diane di Prima
my faith—
what is it but the ancient dreams
of wild ones in the mountains?
Diane di Prima, a renowned poet of the Beat Generation, reflects on the nature of faith in this introspective haiku. She connects her personal beliefs to the primordial and instinctual dreams of “wild ones in the mountains,” suggesting a deep, intrinsic link between human spirituality and the raw, unbridled forces of nature. Di Prima’s work often explores themes of spirituality, rebellion, and connection to the natural world, and this haiku example encapsulates her contemplative yet earthy approach to understanding faith.
19. “Night” by Shiki Masaoka
Night; and once again,
the while I wait for you, cold wind
turns into rain.
Masaoka Shiki’s haiku conveys a sense of longing and the passage of time, as the narrator waits for someone in the changing weather. The cold wind turning into rain mirrors the shift in emotions during the wait.
20. “Old Pond” by Marlene Mountain
old pond a frog rises belly up
In this haiku, Marlene Mountain revisits the classic imagery of the old pond, a nod to Matsuo Basho’s famous haiku, but with a stark twist. Her depiction of a frog rising belly up introduces an element of surprise and discomfort, steering away from the conventional tranquil and harmonious nature scene. This piece reflects Mountain’s characteristic approach to haiku, where she often disrupts traditional expectations to provoke thought and evoke a more complex range of emotions.
21. “Over The Wintry” by Natsume Sōseki
Over the wintry
forest, winds howl in rage
with no leaves to blow.
This haiku by Natsume Sōseki paints a stark, vivid picture of a winter scene. The poet uses the imagery of a leafless forest and howling winds to evoke feelings of solitude and the raw power of nature. Sōseki’s choice of words reflects the bareness and the intensity of the winter season.
22. “shimmering pines” by Peggy Willis Lyles
shimmering pines
a taste of the mountain
from your cupped hands
Peggy Willis Lyles, an esteemed American haiku poet, captures a moment of profound connection with nature in this haiku poem example. The phrase “a taste of the mountain” evokes a sensory immersion into the natural world, suggesting a deep connection to the environment. Drinking from cupped hands symbolizes a primal and intimate bond with nature, blending simplicity with a profound appreciation of the natural landscape. This haiku resonates with tranquility and unity.
23. “Temple Bells Die Out” by Matsuo Bashō
Temple bells die out
The fragrant blossoms remain
A perfect evening.
This haiku by Bashō is a serene depiction of an evening scene where the sound of temple bells fades away, but their presence is still felt through the lingering fragrance of blossoms. Bashō’s ability to juxtapose the transient with the enduring is masterful, creating a peaceful and contemplative image.
24. “The Canada geese” by Paul Muldoon
The Canada geese
straighten a pantyhose seam,
press a trouser crease.
Paul Muldoon, an Irish poet known for his inventive and often playful style, brings an unusual visual metaphor to life in this haiku. The comparison of Canada geese in flight to the straightening of a pantyhose seam and the pressing of a trouser crease is both whimsical and striking. Muldoon’s work is characterized by such imaginative leaps, blending the everyday with the natural world in ways that challenge and delight the reader. This haiku poem example showcases his skill in finding extraordinary connections in ordinary observations.
25. “The clock” by William J. Higginson
The clock
chimes, chimes and stops,
but the river . . .
William J. Higginson was an American poet, translator, and one of the most influential figures in the English-language haiku movement. He was renowned for his deep understanding of haiku. In this haiku poem example, William J. Higginson contrasts the finite nature of human constructs with the perpetual flow of nature. The clock’s chiming, followed by silence, symbolizes the ephemeral and limited nature of human life and creations. In contrast, the ellipsis after “but the river” suggests the continuous, unending movement of the river, representing the eternal flow of nature and time. Higginson’s haiku invites contemplation on the transient versus the everlasting, and the interplay between human experiences and the natural world.
26. “The Light of a Candle” by Yosa Buson
The light of a candle
Is transferred to another candle—
Spring twilight.
Yosa Buson, known for blending painting with poetry, creates a serene image with this haiku poem example. The act of transferring light from one candle to another is a simple yet profound metaphor for the continuity and the ephemeral nature of life. The mention of spring twilight adds a layer of tranquility and reflection to the scene.
27. “the names of the dead” by Eric Amann
the names of the dead
sinking deeper and deeper
into the red leaves
This haiku poem example by Eric Amann, a renowned Canadian poet and a pivotal figure in the early development of English-language haiku, poignantly intertwines themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time with autumn imagery. The “red leaves” symbolize life’s cyclical nature and the inevitable progression of seasons. Amann’s depiction of the names of the dead gradually ‘sinking’ into these leaves captures the fading of memories over time, yet also suggests their enduring imprint within the natural world. His work is characterized by a deep sensitivity to both the human condition and the subtleties of nature, and this haiku poem example is a reflective example of his poetic depth.
28. “The Old Pond” by Matsuo Bashō
An old pond
A frog jumps in
The sound of water.
Matsuo Bashō’s “An Old Pond” is perhaps the most famous haiku ever written. It exemplifies the essence of haiku poetry – capturing a moment in nature that evokes a deep sense of the interconnectedness of life. The imagery of the frog and the sound it makes as it jumps into the pond creates a vivid, tranquil scene that stays with the reader.
29. “The Taste Of Rain” by Jack Kerouac
The taste
Of rain
—Why kneel?
Jack Kerouac, a prominent American novelist and poet associated with the Beat Generation, often experimented with haiku. In “The Taste Of Rain,” Kerouac captures a profound moment of realization and connection with nature. The simplicity of the poem — questioning why one would kneel to taste the rain — suggests a direct, unmediated experience with the natural world. It reflects a Zen-like appreciation for the present moment and a challenge to conventional attitudes or rituals. Kerouac’s haiku invites the reader to experience life directly and spontaneously, embodying the essence of his broader literary and philosophical pursuits.
30. “thick fog lifts” by George Swede
thick fog lifts
unfortunately, I am where
I thought I was
In this haiku, George Swede, a notable Canadian poet known for his innovative and often whimsical approach to haiku, explores themes of expectation, reality, and perhaps a hint of existential realization. The imagery of a thick fog lifting typically symbolizes clarity and the revealing of truth. However, Swede adds a twist with the word “unfortunately,” suggesting that the clarity gained is not what was hoped for. The realization that he is exactly where he thought he was could imply a disappointment or a resignation to a mundane or unsatisfactory reality. This haiku poem example cleverly plays with the reader’s expectations and invites reflection on the nature of discovery and the sometimes underwhelming truth of our situations. Swede’s work often contains such layers of meaning, blending simplicity with profound insight.
31. “Ts’ai Chi’h” by Ezra Pound
The petals fall in the fountain,
the orange-coloured rose-leaves,
Their ochre clings to the stone.
“Ts’ai Chi’h” by Ezra Pound, an influential American poet known for his role in the early modernist movement, showcases his skill in imagery and conciseness. The haiku captures a delicate moment of beauty and impermanence, as rose petals fall into a fountain. Pound’s precise description of colors and textures – the orange petals and their ochre against the stone – creates a vivid, almost tactile scene. This poem reflects Pound’s ability to distill complex emotions and visuals into a few impactful lines, blending Eastern and Western poetic sensibilities.
32. “Under the Image of Buddha” by Kobayashi Issa
Under the image of Buddha
All these spring flowers
Seem somewhat tiresome.
Issa’s haiku reflects a moment of spiritual contemplation, perhaps a sense of ennui, even amidst the beauty of spring flowers. The contrast between the eternal serenity of the Buddha and the transient, albeit beautiful, nature of flowers offers a deep philosophical reflection.
33. “Walking in the rain in Guyana” by Sonia Sanchez
watusi like trees
holding the day like green um/
brella catching rain.
Sonia Sanchez, a prominent African American poet known for her unique blend of Black culture and haiku form, captures a vivid scene in “Walking in the rain in Guyana.” The imagery of “watusi like trees” evokes the grace and stature of the African Watusi dance, while the metaphor of trees as green umbrellas poetically describes their role in sheltering the earth from rain. Sanchez’s haiku poem example reflects her skill in fusing cultural elements with natural imagery, creating a haiku that is both visually striking and culturally rich.
34. “Whitecaps on the Bay” by Richard Wright
Whitecaps on the bay:
A broken signboard banging
In the April wind.
Richard Wright, renowned for his powerful works in African American literature, also explored the art of haiku in his later years. This particular haiku poem example, from his collection “Haiku: This Other World,” showcases his keen observation skills and ability to find profound meaning in everyday scenes. The imagery of whitecaps on the bay coupled with the sound of a broken signboard in the wind captures a moment of both motion and decay. Wright masterfully blends visual and auditory elements, creating a vivid, dynamic scene that reflects on the transient nature of life and the persistent march of time. His haikus, often overlooked in comparison to his novels, offer a nuanced and introspective view of the world around us.
35. “Winter Solitude” by Matsuo Bashō
Winter solitude—
In a world of one color
The sound of the wind.
Bashō’s “Winter Solitude” portrays the profound silence and isolation of winter. The mention of a “world of one color” suggests a snow-covered landscape, where the only movement or sound is that of the wind. This haiku poem example evokes the starkness yet the beauty of winter.
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